If you’re looking for a light and delicious weeknight dinner recipe that the whole family will love, look no further than this Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Bake.

Unlike traditional casseroles, this low-carb meal is cooked in the air fryer and topped with gooey melted cheese – making it an excellent option for those who are counting calories but don’t want to skimp on flavor.

And with less than fifteen minutes of preparation time and a few simple ingredients, you can have this tasty dish on your table in no time. Read on to find out how!

Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
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Are you looking for a healthy meal with all the flavors of comfort food? Look no further than this Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Bake! This easy and delicious dish is the perfect solution for your weeknight dinners. It’s packed with cheesy goodness, made from wholesome cauliflower florets and spices, and cooked in an air fryer that gives it a crispy finish. You don’t have to sacrifice health for taste – try this recipe today for an easy meal that everyone will love!

Some of my other air fryer side dishes are Air Fryer Honey Roasted Carrots, Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower, and Air Fryer Roasted Green Beans.

Cauliflower In The Air Fryer

Cooking cauliflower in an air fryer is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables without sacrificing flavor or texture. Air frying cauliflower is quick, easy, and yields delicious results every time. The high-heat circulating air cooks the florets to perfection while preserving their crunchiness.

It’s amazing, and of course, who doesn’t love a cheesy cauliflower bake?

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

There is something incredibly satisfying about comfort food. Whether you’re treating yourself to a classic mac and cheese or indulging in the cheesy goodness of a loaded mashed potato dish, it can be hard to resist.

For those looking for a healthier alternative this time around, we’ve got just the thing: an Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Bake! This easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients and transforms beloved comfort foods into something that is more nutritious and just as delicious – ensuring you get your fill without compromising on flavor! Keep reading to learn what you’ll need in their pantry for this tasty treat.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

Remember the step-by-step directions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Cauliflower: You can use a whole head of cauliflower or cauliflower florets.
  • Butter: Use unsalted butter
  • Shallot: Use finely diced shallots for some added flavor; you can also use sweet onions
  • Flour: You can use all-purpose flour, gluten-free all-purpose flour, coconut flour, or almond flour.
  • Dairy: Use a mixture of whole milk and half and half
  • Ham: You can also use cooked bacon
  • Cheese: Use freshly shredded Cheddar cheese or Mexican shredded cheese
  • Seasonings and Spices: Salt and Black Pepper

How To Make Cheesy Cauliflower Bake In Air Fryer

Cauliflower is an incredibly versatile vegetable that can create various dishes, but perhaps none is more comforting than the classic cheesy cauliflower bake. Whether you’re in the mood for a light snack or hearty side dish, this easy-to-make air fryer recipe will have your meal prepped and cooked in no time!

Step One: Prepare The Cauliflower

Step One: Prepare The Cauliflower

Cut the cauliflower into small florets. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the shallots and cook until softened.

Add the flour to the saucepan, constantly stir and continue cooking for 3 minutes. Gradually add the milk and half & half, and stir with a whisk until you obtain a smooth texture. Finally, add salt, pepper, and ¾ cup of cheese and stir until melted. Remove from the heat.

Ingredients For Cheese Sauce in Pan

Step Two: Air Fry Cauliflower Bake

Spray a baking dish with oil spray. Place the cauliflower florets into the baking dish. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower. Add the ham and the rest of the cheese on top. Cover with aluminum foil and cook in the air fryer at 340 degrees F for 10-12 minutes. Remove the aluminum foil and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.

Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

Step Three: Serving

Serve With additional cheese or sliced green onions.

Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with the cauliflower au gratin?

Many sides can be served to enhance the flavor of this dish further. A simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette is one option. Another suggestion is roasted vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or brussels sprouts. Finally, crusty bread or a light pasta dish also goes nicely with this casserole.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

The best way to reheat leftovers is in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350F and place the casserole, covered with foil, in an air fryer dish. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. You can also use a microwave to heat up individual servings; make sure you cover the dish, so it doesn’t dry out.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Leftover cauliflower au gratin should be stored in an airtight container and the refrigerator. It will keep for up to three days when stored properly.

Can I freeze the cauliflower au gratin?

Yes, you can freeze this delicious casserole. Once the dish is fully cooked and cooled to room temperature, transfer it into an airtight freezer-safe container. Frozen casseroles can last up to three months in a freezer. When you are ready to enjoy, defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven, air fryer, or microwave.

Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

What are the taste and texture of cauliflower au gratin?

The cauliflower au gratin is a creamy and indulgent dish with a cheesy and savory flavor. The texture is rich and comforting, with a tender bite from the cauliflower.

Can I make substitutions to this recipe?

Yes, you can make substitutions to this recipe. For instance, if you don’t have cauliflower, you can substitute it for broccoli. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your dish. You can also use different types of cheese, so feel free to get creative!

Do I have to cook the cauliflower au gratin?

Yes, cooking is necessary for this recipe. The casserole needs time to bake to reach its optimal texture and flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Yes, absolutely! You can add any vegetables you like to this dish. Mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and squash are some of the most popular additions.

More Air Fryer Recipes

All in all, this Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is both delicious and incredibly easy to make. It’s a great way to eat healthier while enjoying your favorite dishes. The cheesy topping provides just enough flavor and texture to satisfy you. You can even get creative with the toppings and switch up the ingredients for different meal pairings throughout the week. Whether as a side or main dish, this cheesy cauliflower bake will surely be a hit with family and friends! So try it out today — your taste buds (and waistline) will thank you later!

Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

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Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

5 from 4 votes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

If you’re looking for a light and delicious weeknight dinner recipe that the whole family will love, look no further than this Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Bake.

Ingredients 

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
  • 1 shallot, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 6 ounces ham, cooked and diced
  • 1 1/2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded and divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Cut the cauliflower into small florets. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the shallots and cook until softened.
  • Add the flour to the saucepan, constantly stir and continue cooking for 3 minutes. Gradually add the milk and half & half, and stir with a whisk until you obtain a smooth texture. Finally, add salt, pepper, and ¾ cup cheese and stir until melted. Remove from the heat.
  • Spray a baking dish with oil spray. Place the cauliflower florets into the baking dish. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower. Add the ham and the rest of the cheese on top. Cover with aluminum foil and cook in the air fryer at 340 degrees F, with a cook time for 10-12 minutes. Remove the aluminum foil and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.
  • Serve With additional cheese or sliced green onions.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Baking Pan, or Casserole Dish–any dish that is oven safe

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 293kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 16gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 988mgPotassium: 466mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 505IUVitamin C: 47mgCalcium: 273mgIron: 1mg

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