Cauliflower cheese is a timeless comfort dish—rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying. Traditionally baked in the oven, this air fryer version delivers everything you love about classic cauliflower cheese with a faster cook time, a beautifully browned top, and a luxuriously creamy interior. The air fryer concentrates heat in a way that creates golden, bubbling cheese without drying out the cauliflower, making this one of the most reliable and delicious methods you’ll ever use.
This recipe is designed to be foolproof, flexible, and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a vegetarian main, or even meal-prepping it for the week, this cauliflower cheese delivers every single time.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
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🧀 Ultra-creamy cheese sauce that doesn’t split
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🥦 Tender cauliflower with no soggy texture
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🌬️ Perfectly browned, bubbling top from the air fryer
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⏱️ Faster than oven-baking
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🔁 Easy to customize with different cheeses and add-ins
This is comfort food done right.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Cauliflower
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1 large head cauliflower
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Water for boiling
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½ teaspoon salt
For the Cheese Sauce
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1½ cups whole milk (warm is best)
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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Salt to taste
Cheese (The Star of the Show)
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
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½ cup mozzarella or Gruyère, grated
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¼ cup Parmesan, finely grated
Optional Topping
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Extra grated cheese
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Breadcrumbs or panko (optional)
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Paprika or black pepper for sprinkling
Equipment Needed
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Air fryer
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Saucepan
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Whisk
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Knife and cutting board
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Air fryer–safe dish or silicone liner
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
Start by removing the leaves and thick core from the cauliflower. Cut it into medium-sized florets, keeping them fairly even so they cook uniformly.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5–7 minutes, just until tender but still firm. You should be able to pierce them with a knife, but they shouldn’t fall apart.
Drain immediately and let the cauliflower steam-dry for a few minutes. This step is crucial—too much water will thin the cheese sauce later.
💡 Pro tip: Slightly undercooking the cauliflower is better than overcooking. It will finish cooking in the air fryer.
Step 2: Make the Perfect Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. The mixture should look smooth and slightly bubbly but not browned.
Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens—this usually takes 3–5 minutes.
Once thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, add:
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Dijon mustard
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Garlic powder
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Black pepper
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Salt to taste
Lower the heat and gradually add the grated cheeses, stirring until fully melted and silky smooth.
🧠 Texture check: The sauce should be thick but pourable—not gluey, not watery.
Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Place the cooked cauliflower into your air fryer–safe dish or silicone liner.
Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, gently stirring to coat every floret evenly. Make sure the sauce reaches the bottom and corners.
Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired. This helps create that iconic golden crust.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C / 350°F for about 3 minutes.
Place the dish carefully into the air fryer basket.
Cook for 12–15 minutes, checking at the 10-minute mark. The top should be bubbling, lightly golden, and slightly crisp in places.
If you want extra browning, increase the temperature to 200°C / 390°F for the last 2–3 minutes.
🔥 Watch closely—cheese can go from golden to burnt fast.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the dish and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the cauliflower instead of running everywhere.
Serve hot.
Flavor Variations (Highly Recommended)
Extra Cheesy
Add cream cheese (2–3 tablespoons) to the sauce for an ultra-luxurious texture.
Garlic Lover’s Version
Add 1 clove minced garlic to the butter before adding flour.
Spicy Kick
Stir in chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce.
Bacon & Cauliflower Cheese
Mix in cooked, chopped bacon before air frying.
Low-Carb / Keto
Skip breadcrumbs and use full-fat cheese only.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Watery sauce:
→ Cauliflower wasn’t drained well or sauce wasn’t thick enough before adding cheese.
Grainy cheese sauce:
→ Heat was too high when adding cheese. Always melt cheese on low heat.
Burnt top:
→ Air fryer temperature too high or cooked too long.
Bland taste:
→ Not enough seasoning. Cheese needs salt to shine.
Storage & Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
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Reheat in air fryer at 160°C / 320°F for 5–7 minutes
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Avoid microwaving if possible—it softens the texture
Serving Suggestions
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As a side for roast chicken or steak
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With a crisp green salad
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On its own as a vegetarian main
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Alongside grilled sausages
Final Thoughts
This cauliflower cheese is everything comfort food should be: creamy, rich, warming, and deeply satisfying. The air fryer elevates it by giving you that perfect golden finish without drying out the inside. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet simple, familiar yet special.