7 Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese Recipes You Need To Try

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, allowing us to enjoy crispy, delicious meals with much less oil than traditional frying methods. One dish that has become increasingly popular to prepare in an air fryer is cauliflower cheese. This comfort food staple is not only creamy and cheesy, but it also benefits from the air fryer's ability to create a crispy topping. In this post, we’ll explore 7 air fryer cauliflower cheese recipes that you absolutely need to try! 🥦🧀

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=air fryer cauliflower cheese recipes" alt="Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese Recipes"> </div>

1. Classic Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese

This classic recipe is simple yet flavorful. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious side dish that complements any meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions:

1. Blanch the cauliflower: Boil water and cook the cauliflower for 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and gradually whisk in milk. Stir until thickened, then add cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine: Place cauliflower in a baking dish, pour cheese sauce over it, and top with breadcrumbs.
4. Air fry: Cook at 200°C (392°F) for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=classic air fryer cauliflower cheese" alt="Classic Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese"> </div>

2. Spicy Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese

For those who like a kick in their meals, this spicy version adds some heat that elevates the classic dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste
• Jalapeño slices (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Blanch the cauliflower as previously described.
2. Make the spicy cheese sauce by following the classic method but adding cayenne pepper.
3. Mix together, adding jalapeños if desired, and top with extra cheese.
4. Air fry at 200°C (392°F) for 10-12 minutes.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=spicy air fryer cauliflower cheese" alt="Spicy Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese"> </div>

3. Cauliflower Cheese with Bacon

Bacon lovers will rejoice at this flavorful combination! The crispy bacon adds a wonderful crunch and flavor to the creamy cauliflower cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cauliflower as per the blanching method.
2. Cook the cheese sauce while stirring in crumbled bacon for added flavor.
3. Combine the cauliflower with the cheese sauce, then place in the air fryer basket.
4. Air fry at 200°C (392°F) for 10-12 minutes. Garnish with chives before serving.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=cauliflower cheese with bacon" alt="Cauliflower Cheese with Bacon"> </div>

4. Vegan Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese

This vegan-friendly version uses cashews and nutritional yeast to create a rich and creamy sauce without dairy.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2-4 hours)
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika for topping

Instructions:

1. Blanch the cauliflower.
2. Blend soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Mix the cauliflower with the vegan cheese sauce and sprinkle paprika on top.
4. Air fry at 200°C (392°F) for 10-12 minutes.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=vegan air fryer cauliflower cheese" alt="Vegan Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese"> </div>

5. Garlic Herb Cauliflower Cheese

For a fragrant twist, this garlic herb variation will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme, rosemary)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blanch the cauliflower.
2. Sauté garlic in melted butter, then add flour, milk, cheese, herbs, salt, and pepper to create the sauce.
3. Mix with cauliflower and place in an air fryer-friendly dish.
4. Air fry at 200°C (392°F) for 10-12 minutes.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=garlic herb cauliflower cheese" alt="Garlic Herb Cauliflower Cheese"> </div>

6. Mediterranean Cauliflower Cheese

This recipe incorporates sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean flair.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup olives, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blanch the cauliflower.
2. Prepare the cheese sauce by melting butter and mixing in flour, milk, and feta cheese.
3. Fold in sun-dried tomatoes and olives before combining with cauliflower.
4. Air fry at 200°C (392°F) for 10-12 minutes.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=mediterranean cauliflower cheese" alt="Mediterranean Cauliflower Cheese"> </div>

7. Cauliflower Cheese with Truffle Oil

Elevate your cauliflower cheese experience with a drizzle of luxurious truffle oil. This gourmet twist is perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp truffle oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. Blanch the cauliflower.
2. Create the cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and Gruyere cheese. Stir in truffle oil.
3. Combine with cauliflower and add extra cheese on top.
4. Air fry at 200°C (392°F) for 10-12 minutes.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=cauliflower cheese with truffle oil" alt="Cauliflower Cheese with Truffle Oil"> </div>

Exploring these 7 air fryer cauliflower cheese recipes allows you to enjoy a classic dish with new and exciting flavors. Whether you're looking for something spicy, vegan, or gourmet, there's a recipe here for everyone. Don't hesitate to mix and match flavors to create your own unique version! Happy cooking! 🍽️✨