This air fryer cauliflower cheese is everything you will want in a side dish. It is comforting, creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious.
This cauliflower cheese is so good that if care is not taken, it may not get to the dinner table after the first taste test. It is a perfect and delicious side dish that is a classic side to roast dinner in British culture.

Can you make cauliflower cheese in the air fryer? The simple answer is yes, and it comes out beautiful and delicious every time, too. I have also been asked if you can use a baking dish in your air fryer. Again, yes, you can. Remember, your air fryer is just like your oven, but a small one. If it works in a conventional oven, then it will definitely work in an air fryer, too.
Back to today's recipe: cooking the classic British cauliflower cheese in the air fryer is a delicious comfort food and a perfect side dish for any main dish. Traditionally, it is made by boiling cauliflower and then smothering it with a rich, creamy cheese sauce before being baked in the oven.
However, with the air fryer, the cauliflower is first roasted for a great texture and then tossed in the creamy cheese white sauce before finally cooking in the air fryer for that bubbly and crispy golden topping. It is simply irresistible. I like it saucy that way, I don't have to make any gravy.
Related recipes: smashed broccoli, air fryer broccoli and carrots, mini hasselback potatoes, cheesy baked mashed potatoes and duck fat potatoes.
What you will need
Cauliflower
broccoli stem: this is optional but delicious. I only used it because I had it from a previous recipe (smashed broccoli). A great way to reduce food waste!
Cheddar cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Olive oil
Milk
Unsalted butter
All-purpose flour
Whole grain mustard: for a hint of tanginess and depth of flavor.
Garlic granules
Nutmeg
Salt and black pepper to taste
How to make cauliflower cheese
Cut the cauliflower into florets, rinse clean, drain and pat dry with a kitchen paper towel or leave to air dry, then transfer to a bowl.
Drizzle the cauliflower florets (and chopped broccoli stem if using) with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then toss to combine.
Transfer to a preheated air fryer basket and cook at 380F / 190C for 8-10 minutes. While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and mix until it forms a smooth paste, about 2-3 minutes (to cook the flour taste off). Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps forming.
Add garlic granules, nutmeg, and whole-grain mustard, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the cheese, reserving some for topping later. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and thick enough to coat a spoon. Then, remove from the heat.
Once the cauliflower is done cooking in the air fryer, transfer it to a baking dish and pour over the cheese sauce. Toss to ensure all the florets are well coated with the sauce, and sprinkle the reserved cheese on top. Carefully place the cauliflower in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden on the top.
Leave to cool slightly, and then serve with your favorite main dish. Enjoy!
Watch how to make it
How to store
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or air fryer at 350F / 180C for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Can this be made ahead
Yes, this air fryer cauliflower cheese is also a great make-ahead option for easy meal prep for when you need it. The cheese sauce will last for up to 4 days in the fridge same as the cauliflower. Reheat the sauce until warm then toss with the florets and bake as directed when ready to serve.
Variations and tips
- Make broccoli and cauliflower cheese by adding broccoli florets.
- To make this dish even creamier, use half milk and heavy cream (double cream).
- For a unique flavor profile, use different types of cheese, such as Gouda, Boursin, Gruyere, or blue cheese.
What to serve with cauliflower cheese
Air fryer pork roast with crackling
Air fryer bake and shake chicken
Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 1 broccoli stem chopped into chunks
- 1½ cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups milk see note
- 50 g unsalted butter
- 50 g all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflower into florets, rinse clean, drain and pat dry with a kitchen paper towel or leave to air dry, then transfer to a bowl.
- Drizzle the cauliflower florets (and chopped broccoli stem if using) with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then toss to combine.
- Transfer to a preheated air fryer basket and cook at 380F / 190C for 8-10 minutes. While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and mix until it forms a smooth paste, about 2-3 minutes (to cook the flour taste off). Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps forming.
- Add garlic granules, nutmeg, and whole-grain mustard, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cheese, reserving some for topping later. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and thick enough to coat a spoon. Then, remove from the heat.
- Once the cauliflower is done cooking in the air fryer, transfer it to a baking dish and pour over the cheese sauce. Toss to ensure all the florets are well coated with the sauce, and sprinkle the reserved cheese on top. Carefully place the cauliflower in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes at 360F / 180C until the cheese is bubbly and golden on the top.
- Leave to cool slightly, and then serve with your favorite main dish. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make broccoli and cauliflower cheese by adding broccoli florets.
- To make this dish even creamier, use half milk and heavy cream (double cream).
- For a unique flavor profile, use different types of cheese, such as Gouda, Boursin, Gruyere, or blue cheese.
Nutritional data: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Under no circumstances will thedinnerbite.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.
And there you have it, a simple and delicious air fryer casserole recipe you can make at home. As always, if you made this recipe, I would love to hear from you! Kindly rate the recipe 5 star and leave me feedback in the comment section below. Tag me @thedinnerbite on Instagram and save it away to your Pinterest. Please subscribe to the blog if you haven’t for free new recipes in your inbox.
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