If you're looking for a scrumptious twist on a classic British favourite, air fry cauliflower cheese is the answer. This delightful side dish combines the timelessness of cauliflower cheese with the convenience of the air fryer, resulting in a crispy and cheesy delight that’s hard to resist. Perfect for a family meal or as a comforting side dish, our air fryer cauliflower cheese recipe uses a creamy cheese sauce with Dijon mustard, ensuring every bite is flavourful and satisfying. For the best results, make sure to cook it in a single layer basket to achieve that golden bubbling topping.
Prep Time
10m
Cook
20m
Total Time
30m
Yield
serves 4
Vegetables
Vegetables
What You’ll Need for Air Fry Cauliflower Cheese
Essential Ingredients
1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
200ml milk
1.5 tbsp flour
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Add Breadcrumb Topping
If you're looking for an extra crunch, you can sprinkle a mix of breadcrumbs and grated parmesan over the top before air frying. This adds a delightful texture to the dish. Simply toss a handful of breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter and mix with the cheese before cooking for that irresistible golden topping. It’s a lovely addition for those who enjoy a contrast in textures.
Why Use Fresh Cheese
Using fresh cheese is important because it melts more smoothly and has a richer flavour than pre-packaged shredded cheese. Always grate your cheese freshly to ensure the best melting consistency and flavour infusion in your cheesy cauliflower bake. Fresh cheese also avoids the anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded cheeses, which can affect the creaminess of your sauce.
Steps to Cook Air Fry Cauliflower Cheese
To make air fry cauliflower cheese, start by prepping the cauliflower and cheese sauce.
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C.
Steam cauliflower florets for 5 minutes.
In a saucepan, melt butter, mix in flour, add milk gradually, stirring to form a roux base.
Add grated cheese and Dijon mustard to form a cheese sauce.
Combine sauce with cauliflower and place in air fryer basket.
Air fry for 15 minutes until golden bubbling topping appears.
Avoid Overcooking
Keep an eye on the cauliflower to avoid overcooking, as this can lead to a loss of that delightful crispiness that makes the dish special.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fry Cauliflower Cheese
Pair this air fryer cauliflower cheese side dish with a roast dinner or as a delicious addition to your Sunday lunch menu. It’s equally wonderful alongside grilled chicken or fish, making it versatile for various meal settings.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese
This air fryer cauliflower gratin is the perfect combination of comfort and convenience, with its crispy air fryer cauliflower exterior and creamy centre. airfryerrecipe.co.uk offers the perfect guide for achieving that delectable balance of crispy and creamy, ensuring your cheesy cauliflower bake air fryer adventure is a hit. Don’t forget, airfryerrecipe.co.uk is your go-to for even more genius cooking tips and flavourful recipes.airfryerrecipe.co.uk
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