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–+ servings
cauliflower cheese in a baking dish placed in an air fryer basket.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese

Ajoke
This air fryer cauliflower cheese is everything you will want in a side dish. It is comforting, creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious. It is a perfect and delicious side dish that is a classic side to roast dinner in British culture.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Course roast dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Australian, British
Servings 4

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

Use between 1½- 2 cups of milk for your desired consistency. 
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.

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.

Keyword air fryer cauliflower cheese, cauliflower cheese, cauliflower cheese in air fryer
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