Easy Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower Mash

This incredibly easy Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower Mash provides a creamy, healthier alternative to mashed potatoes using the intense heat of the air fryer to achieve deep, caramelized flavor. The high heat roasts the cauliflower quickly, enhancing its sweetness before it is mashed with butter and cream for a rich, satisfying side dish.

If you’re looking for a healthier, low-carb alternative to Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes that doesn’t compromise on comfort, this Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower Mash is your new go-to side dish.

The magic happens in the air fryer, which quickly roasts the cauliflower at high heat, developing a deep, nutty, caramelized flavor that you can’t get from steaming or boiling. Once roasted, the cauliflower is simply mashed with butter and a splash of cream, resulting in a rich, velvety texture and satisfying taste that elevates any weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

• Deep, Enhanced Flavor: Roasting in the air fryer caramelizes the cauliflower, giving the mash a rich, nutty flavor that plain boiled cauliflower lacks.
• Healthier Side Dish: It provides the creamy, comforting texture of mashed potatoes but is significantly lower in carbs and calories.
• Incredibly Simple Process: The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, making the roasting quick and the cleanup minimal.
• Velvety Texture: When mashed with butter and cream, the roasted cauliflower achieves a remarkably smooth, luxurious consistency that rivals traditional mash.
• Perfect Low-Carb Swap: It pairs perfectly with any main course, acting as an easy and delicious substitute for starchy sides like rice or potatoes.

Ingredients Needed

The ingredients you’ll need for Keto (low-carb) mashed cauliflower included:

• Cauliflower Florets– You can use an entire head of cauliflower, or purchase a bag of cauliflower florets:
• Heavy Cream- Really adds a lot of richness to the dish, while keeping it Keto and low-carb friendly.
• Shredded Gouda — A great cheese, to make a really loaded mashed cauliflower dish.
• Butter-This adds a lot of creaminess and richness to the cauliflower, if you want a vegan-friendly recipe, you can switch out vegan butter.
• Bacon-A great way to get a loaded mashed potato feeling.
• Garlic Powder-Another great option is to use minced garlic or even Air Fryer Roasted Garlic.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Parsley--Helps to bring out the roasted flavors.

How To Make Easy Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower Mash

Step One: Dice your cauliflower into florets. Toss the diced cauliflower, olive oil, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt in a large bowl.

Step Two: Toss to coat, pour the coated cauliflower into the air fryer, and set the temperature to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 15 to 18 minutes. Shake the basket several times during the cooking process. Remove the roasted cauliflower from the air fryer.

Step Three: Pour your roasted cauliflower, butter, heavy cream, gouda, bacon, salt, and black pepper, and blend until smooth and creamy. Garnish with crumbled bacon and parsley right before serving.

Easy Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower Mash Recipe Tips

• Don’t Skimp on Roasting: The key to this recipe’s flavor is the caramelization achieved in the air fryer. The high heat develops a deep, nutty flavor that you won’t get from simply boiling. Make sure your florets have started to brown and sweeten before mashing.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket, if possible, or in batches. Overcrowding traps steam, preventing the florets from roasting properly and leading to a bland, mushy result.
• Use Hot Liquids: When blending, use heavy cream and butter that are warm or melted. Adding cold dairy drastically cools the cooked cauliflower, making it harder to blend into a smooth, velvety consistency.
• The Power of Gouda: While you can use cream cheese or Parmesan, Gouda adds an unparalleled savory, slightly smoky richness to the mash. Don’t skip it if you want that truly decadent flavor.
• Drain Thoroughly: If you rinse your cauliflower before seasoning, make sure it is completely dry before adding the oil and spices. Any residual water will cause the cauliflower to steam instead of roast, compromising the texture.

How To Serve Easy Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower Mash

Mashed cauliflower has been a popular Thanksgiving side dish for years, and it’s always on the table.

Serve it along with some of my favorite Air Fryer Keto Recipes, including:

• AIR FRYER THAI CHICKEN SALAD
• HOW TO MAKE FROZEN HAMBURGERS IN THE AIR FRYER
• AIR FRYER BACON WRAPPED MEATLOAF
• AIR FRIED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

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