Air fryer cauliflower cheese
Super delicious air fryer cauliflower cheese
If you thought cauliflower cheese was strictly just for the oven, you were wrong. You can make it in the air fryer and honestly, it might just become your new favourite way to do it. You still get all the things that are amazing about a proper cauliflower cheese. The only difference is that it’s a bit quicker, a little easier and you don’t have to heat up the whole oven. So there’s a bit of energy saving for you!
This version is exactly how I like it, a load of cheese, a load of sauce and lots of lovely golden crispiness on top. The sauce is a proper classic made with butter, flour and milk, then loaded with cheddar and double Gloucester for that rich, melty goodness. A spoonful of wholegrain mustard goes in as well because it adds a touch more flavour.
Why the air fryer?
When you’re cooking it in the air fryer, the main thing is to use a dish that fits comfortably inside and sits flat in the basket. That way you avoid any cheesy spills, which is not fun to clean up.
And let’s talk about the cauliflower itself. When I cook cauliflower cheese, I always keep the green leaves on if they’re still attached. They go super soft and sweet when cooked and add a bit of extra texture to the dish. Plus, they’re perfectly edible and really tasty, so why waste them?
Whether you’re making it as a side for a Sunday roast or just fancy a big bowl of cheesy comfort food midweek, this air fryer cauliflower is an absolute winner
FAQs
What’s the best cheese for cauliflower cheese?
A combination works best. Cheddar gives you that classic flavour, while double Gloucester adds extra richness and meltiness. You can also mix in Gruyère or Red Leicester too if you fancy. I even have a festive version absolutely smoothered in cambembert.
Can I add extra toppings?
You can always add some breadcrumbs, crispy bacon bits or even a touch of parmesan.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yep, but it is always best fresh! You can though assemble the dish with the sauce and cauliflower, cover and refrigerate. When ready to eat, pop it in the air fryer and cook until hot and bubbling.
A Sunday roast entirely in the air fryer?!
If you want to watch me take on a FULL ROAST DINNER in the air fryer, check out my video over on YouTube. I tackle everything from a roast chicken to roasted carrots and even gravy. Was it all succesful, have a watch and find out…
Air fryer cauliflower cheese
By Poppy Cooks
https://www.poppycooks.com/recipes/air-fryer-cauliflower-cheese/
Ingredients
- 50g salted butter
- 50g plain flour
- 500ml milk
- 50g cheddar cheese, grated, plus extra for the top
- 30g double Gloucester, grated, plus extra for the top
- 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
- 1 medium cauliflower, broken into florets, leaves roughly chopped
Metric
Imperial
Instructions
- Place a small saucepan over a low–medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Then, using a spatula or wooden spoon, gradually beat in the flour, about a tablespoon at a time, until you have a thick paste. You don’t want the paste to start browning – if you’re worried just take the pan off the heat to slow things down a little as you add.
- Once all the flour is in, cook, stirring, until you have a dough-like consistency and the paste is coming away from the sides of the pan.
- Little by little, add the milk, making sure you allow the first addition to fully incorporate into the paste before adding more. Keep mixing to avoid lumps – switch to a whisk if you need to.
- Season generously with salt and pepper, then tip in the wholegrain mustard and cheeses. Whisk until well combined.
- Find a baking dish that fits into the basket of your airfryer. Squeeze in all of the florets and the leaves into the dish and smother with the sauce. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese and pop into the airfryer for 20 minutes at 170ºc/340ºf.