How long to cook cauliflower cheese in air fryer
If you’re a fan of cheese and cauliflower, then you’ll love this recipe for cauliflower cheese in an air fryer. Not only does the air fryer make it super easy to cook, but it also gives the cauliflower a delicious crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a side dish for a special occasion, this cauliflower cheese recipe is sure to impress.
The first step in making cauliflower cheese in an air fryer is to prepare your cauliflower. Start by cutting off the florets from the stem and discarding any leaves. Then, give the cauliflower a good rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Once the cauliflower is clean, pat it dry with a paper towel. This step is important because excess moisture can prevent the cauliflower from getting crispy in the air fryer.
Next, it’s time to make the cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add flour to create a roux. Stir the mixture constantly for a minute or two to cook off the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to combine. Cook the sauce until it starts to thicken and bubble. Then, remove it from the heat and stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. The cheese sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Now it’s time to assemble the cauliflower cheese in the air fryer. Place the cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re in a single layer and not overcrowded. Then, pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, using a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly. If desired, you can sprinkle some additional grated cheese on top for added cheesiness.
Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F (200°C) and cook the cauliflower cheese for about 12-15 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your cauliflower florets and the power of your air fryer, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Once the cauliflower cheese is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or a side, this cauliflower cheese in an air fryer is a mouthwatering treat that is sure to become a new favorite. So grab your air fryer and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Preparation
To cook cauliflower cheese in an air fryer, you will need to start with a few simple ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix of your favorite cheese)
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Step 1: Prepare the cauliflower
Start by washing the cauliflower thoroughly and cutting it into florets. Make sure the florets are small enough to fit into your air fryer basket.
Step 2: Steam the cauliflower
Place the cauliflower florets in a microwave-safe bowl and add a small amount of water. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 5 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender. Drain any excess water.
Step 3: Prepare the cheese sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Combine the cauliflower and cheese sauce
Place the steamed cauliflower in the air fryer basket and pour the cheese sauce over the top. Mix well to ensure that all the cauliflower florets are coated with the sauce.
Step 5: Add breadcrumbs and air fry
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the cauliflower and cheese mixture. Place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Once the cauliflower cheese is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot as a delicious side dish or main course.
Cooking Time
When cooking cauliflower cheese in an air fryer, it is important to pay attention to the cooking time to ensure the dish is cooked to perfection. The cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the cauliflower florets, as well as the desired level of crispness and gooeyness of the cheese topping.
Typically, cauliflower cheese can be cooked in an air fryer for around 15-18 minutes at a temperature of 375°F (190°C). However, it is recommended to check on the dish periodically and adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking and drying out the cauliflower.
If you prefer a softer cauliflower texture, you may want to decrease the cooking time slightly. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more crispy and browned cheese topping, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
It is also important to note that different air fryer models may have slight variations in cooking times, so it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with your specific air fryer’s manual and guidelines.
Additionally, the size and thickness of the cauliflower florets can affect cooking time. Larger florets will take longer to cook, while smaller ones will cook faster. To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to cut the cauliflower into similar-sized florets.
Overall, the recommended cooking time for cauliflower cheese in an air fryer is approximately 15-18 minutes at 375°F(190°C), but adjusting the cooking time based on personal preference and the specifics of your air fryer and cauliflower is key to achieving the desired results.
Serving and Storage
After cooking your delicious cauliflower cheese in the air fryer, it is ready to be served and enjoyed hot. Carefully remove the air fryer basket and place it on a heat-resistant surface. Use a spatula to transfer the cauliflower cheese to serving plates, making sure to distribute the cheesy goodness evenly.
If you want to add an extra touch to your dish, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or a dash of black pepper on top. Serve the cauliflower cheese as a main dish accompanied by a garden salad or as a side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak. It also works well as a dip with toasted bread or tortilla chips.
If you happen to have any leftovers, it is recommended to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to keep the flavors intact and avoid any contamination. When reheating the cauliflower cheese, use the air fryer again for a crispy texture. Simply preheat the air fryer, place the leftovers inside, and cook for a few minutes until heated through. Be careful not to overcook as this can result in the cheese becoming too dry. Enjoy!
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