Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese
Classic British comfort food—done faster and crispier in your air fryer.
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 broccoli stem, chopped (optional)
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups milk
- 50g (3.5 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 50g (⅓ cup) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cauliflower
- Cut the cauliflower into medium florets. If using broccoli stem, peel and dice it into small chunks.
- Rinse well, then pat dry with a towel or leave to air dry.
- Toss the cauliflower (and broccoli, if using) with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Air Fry the Cauliflower
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Add the florets in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches).
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until the cauliflower is tender and slightly crispy.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour, whisk continuously for 2–3 minutes to cook off the flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, to avoid lumps.
- Stir in garlic granules, nutmeg, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
- Once thickened, reduce heat and add most of the cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Reserve some of both cheeses for topping.
4. Assemble and Air Fry Again
- Transfer air-fried cauliflower to a shallow, air-fryer-safe dish.
- Pour cheese sauce over the florets and gently toss to coat.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
5. Serve
- Let cool slightly, then dig in!
- Pairs beautifully with roast chicken, beef, or as a stand-alone vegetarian main.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave until hot.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare cheese sauce up to 4 days ahead. Just reheat and pour over fresh-cooked cauliflower before final air fry.
Q&A – Your Cauliflower Cheese Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian or gluten-free?
A: It’s already vegetarian! For gluten-free, use a 1:1 GF flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Q: What can I use instead of cheddar or mozzarella?
A: Gruyère, Emmental, or even blue cheese are fantastic substitutes. Want extra bite? Toss in a spoon of Parmesan.
Q: How do I avoid a grainy cheese sauce?
A: Make sure your flour is fully cooked before adding milk, and melt cheese over low heat to avoid curdling.
Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
A: Yes, but let it thaw and dry it thoroughly to prevent excess moisture (which leads to soggy cauliflower).
Q: Can I make this without an air fryer?
A: Totally! Roast the cauliflower in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes and broil for 2–3 minutes after topping with cheese.