There are so many variations of this British classic recipe. But this creamy and cheesy cauliflower cheese is a staple recipe in our household and a true family favourite. Whether you’re preparing it for cosy weeknight dinner or as the star of your Christmas dinner, I can tell you it makes a super comforting indulgent dish, that everyone will love. I first learnt this incredible recipe from my neighbour, Pat, who made us Cauliflower cheese a few times. Pat’s version of oven baked cauliflower cheese, cooked to perfection in the air fryer, has become a staple in my family’s menu. This recipe has a two secret ingredients, which elevates the flavours by multifold. It’s a wonderfully simple dish that never fails to impress. You are also going to love our roasted broccoli and cauliflower cheese recipe! All you need to do is to par boil the cauliflower until fork tender, but still firm. Simultaneously prepare a cheese sauce. Then transfer the cauliflower florets in to the baking dish, top with cheese sauce, add lots of cheese and air fry for 5-6 minutes or so until the cheese has melted and slightly brown on the top. For this recipe I am using 20 x 16 cm dish, that fits in perfectly inside my Instant Pot Vortex 6 in 1 Air fryer with 5.7l capacity.
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower florets taste best when chopped into large florets and used in this dish. Make sure it is cooked well before adding it to the baking dish. Cheese: Use a combination of cheeses - Cheddar Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese Milk: Adding milk creates the creamy texture. Cream: Adding cream lends the richness to the sauce. Plain flour: Also known as All purpose flour is used as a the thickening agent for the creamy sauce. Butter: You can use unsalted butter for this recipe. Salt & Pepper: to taste
Make the cheddar cheese sauce: To prepare the cheese sauce,.first melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Then add the flour, stirring continuously to form a thick paste. Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking until fully combined. Stir in Dijon mustard and a pinch of nutmeg, cooking the sauce until it begins to bubble. Turn off the heat, add cheddar cheese, season, and then remove it from the heat. Transfer to a baking dish: Arrange the cauliflower florets in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over them to ensure they are fully covered. Sprinkle cheddar and Red Leicester cheese on top. Air fry: Transfer the baking dish to the air fryer basket and set it to air fry at 200°C for 5-6 minutes. Your goal is to achieve a golden-brown top with bubbling sauce. Keep in mind that the exact frying time may vary depending on your air fryer’s size, so use the mentioned time as a reference. If you are using a smaller air fryer, you may have to make them in two dishes. Serve: Allow the cauliflower cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish can serve as the main course for 3 people or as a side for at least 6-7 servings. Vary the cheese: Cheddar cheese is firm favourite in the cheese sauce. But for a change, you can add parmesan or blue cheese. Mustard: This recipe uses Dijon Mustard. You can choose to add English Mustard instead, in the cheese sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese is a versatile dish that can be a star on your holiday mains menu, whether it’s for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any other special occasion. It’s also an excellent choice for vegetarians looking for a hearty main course. You can serve it with a side of air fryer vegetables, a fresh red coleslaw, or no knead bread to create a balanced and satisfying meal.
Storing Leftovers:
In the fridge: If you have any leftovers, don’t worry; this dish can be stored easily. Simply place the leftover cauliflower cheese in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days. In the freezer: For longer-term storage, consider freezing it. The cauliflower texture will be softer when thawed, but I can tell you they are still delicious. To reheat: First thaw the frozen cauliflower cheese in the fridge overnight or in the microwave using the defrost function. Then reheat it in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy texture.
Assemble the Cauliflower and Cheese Sauce: Layer the cooked cauliflower with the rich velvety cheese sauce in a baking dish. Scatter more cheese on the top. Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the dish with foil or cling film, then place it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours. This resting period will enhance the flavours as the cauliflower absorbs the rich, cheesy goodness. Preparing for Serving: About one hour before you’re ready to serve, remove the prepared cauliflower cheese from the fridge. Air Fry to Perfection: Place the dish in the air fryer and cook until the cheese are bubbly, and golden on top. The air frying method ensures a crispy finish without losing the creamy texture.
By making ahead and air frying just before serving, you’ll have a stress-free and delicious mains that perfectly complements your holiday celebration. Serve along with other Christmas sides like crispy potato slices, root vegetables tray bake, christmas tray bake, dauphinoise potatoes , air fryer parmentier potatoes and christmas coleslaw. Whole roasted cauliflower Air fryer cauliflower mac n cheese Roast Cauliflower Air fryer Buffalo Cauliflower wings Popcorn Cauliflower Post a photo of your creation on my Facebook page, share it on Instagram, or save it to Pinterest with the tag #sandhyaskitchen. I would love to see your pictures! Subscribe to our weekly newsletters!
