This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese features tender cauliflower and macaroni, coated in cheesy sauce, topped with cheese and breadcrumbs, and crisped to perfection in the air fryer. It’s the ultimate cheesy cauliflower casserole, ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Ready in 30 minutes.
Air fryer Cauliflower mac and cheese is so quick and easy to make
In this recipe, we have replaced half of the traditional macaroni with cauliflower, and I must say it’s a game-changer. In way, we are having less carb than usual and double the flavours.
This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser casserole, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a grand Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. I’ve made this dish at least twenty times, and I always hear, “Do we have more for tomorrow, Mum?” That’s a testament to how delicious and kid-approved it is!
I have used a 28 cm Oval dish and Instant Pot Vortex Versa zone (8.5L) to make this cheesy casserole.
Not only is this recipe a delightful way to sneak in more veggies like cauliflower and broccoli, but it won’t compromise the texture you love in your mac and cheese.
As adults, you can customise it to your taste. I love to season it with ground black pepper and chilli flakes for an extra kick. I can assure you; you’ll be reaching for seconds!
How to make Cauliflower Mac and Cheese in Air fryer step by step?
- Cook the pasta and cauliflower – Heat water in a large pan. Place the pasta and cook for 4 minutes or so. Then add cauliflower florets and cook until tender about 4-5 minutes. But still firm in shape.Drain both.
- Make the creamy cheesy sauce – Heat butter
- Assemble -Arrange the macaroni and cauliflower in a baking dish.Top with creamy sauce, grated cheese and some bread crumbs.
- Air fry – Transfer the baking dish into the air fryer and air fry at 200C for 10 minutes or so until crispy top and cheese have melted.
How to make Cauliflower Mac and Cheese in the oven?
To make oven baked cauliflower macaroni and cheese, first get your Cauliflower Mac and Cheese dish ready.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and place your dish into the oven.
Leave it there for 15-18 minutes. It’s ready when the breadcrumbs are brown and the cheese is melted.
Enjoy scrumptious Cauliflower Mac and Cheese straight from the oven. Enjoy!
How to store leftovers?
In the Fridge: After it cools down, put your Cauliflower Mac and Cheese in a container with a lid, and keep it in the fridge. It’ll be good for up to three days. When you want to enjoy it again, just heat it up in the microwave or oven until it’s warm.
In the Freezer: If you need to store it for a longer time, freeze it. Keep in mind that the cauliflower might get a bit soft when frozen, but it still tastes great with the macaroni and cheesy sauce. Put it in a freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Then, reheat it in the air fryer, oven or microwave until it’s hot all the way through. Enjoy!
Perfect for batch cooking!
Make ahead Cauliflower mac and cheese for Christmas/ Thanksgiving/ Easter
Assemble the cauliflower mac and cheese in a serving dish and cover it with cling film. Store in the fridge for up to 48 hours. An hour before serving, take it out of the refrigerator and cook in the air fryer or oven. Serve hot along with other delicious Christmas mains – Air fryer Dauphinoise Potatoes, Cauliflower Cheese and Whole roasted cauliflower.
Substitution Recipe / Tips
Pasta – I have used macaroni. You can also use any shape of pasta, preferably short varieties.
Want extra flavour – add onion and garlic powder to your creamy sauce
Use other veggies – I use Cauliflower in this recipe. You can also use Broccoli – it is so good.
To make it vegan – substitute the butter, cream and cheese to dairy free alternative.
What to serve with Air fryer Cauliflower Mac and Cheese?
Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese can be enjoyed as a main dish as well as a side. If you’re in the mood for something lighter to complement it, consider options such as salads, vegetables, or bread for a simple and satisfying meal.
Salads: Mayo-free Coleslaw, Shirazi Salad, red cabbage slaw, shaved brussels sprouts salad
Vegetables: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, Peppers and Onions, Green Beans, Roasted Asparagus, Corn on the Cob, Zucchini fries, crispy potato slices
Bread:Soda Bread, No-Knead Bread, Braided Bread, Eggless Dinner Rolls, Garlic Knots
Which Air fryer do you use?
I suggest the Instant Pot Vortex 6-in-1 (5.7L) or the Instant Pot Vortex Versazone (8.5L). These trusted choices excel at producing delicious Cauliflower mac n cheese and various air-fried recipes effortlessly.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower broken into large florets (450g)
- 210 g macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 50 g butter about 4 tbsp
- 56 g plain flour about 4 tbsp
- 250 ml whole milk
- 250 ml double cream
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
- 75 g mature cheddar grated
- ½ tsp nutmeg optional
On the top
- 50 g red leicester cheese or monterey jack cheese
- 50 g cheddar cheese
- 3 tbsp white bread crumbs
Instructions
- Bring a large pan of water to the boil, then add macaroni pasta. Cook for 4 minutes. Then add cauliflower pieces, and cook for additional 4-5 mins – lift out a piece to test, it should be cooked. Drain and add it to an oven proof dish.1 medium cauliflower, 210 g macaroni
- Simultaneously, make a cheese sauce.Heat butter in a pan. When melted, add the flour and cook continuously in low flame to create a roux.50 g butter, 56 g plain flour, 250 ml whole milk, 250 ml double cream, salt and pepper to taste, 75 g mature cheddar
- Then add the milk and cream a little at a time first and continue to whisk until thick.
- Add the dijon mustard, remaining cream / milk and a pinch of nutmeg and stir and cook until the sauce bubbles.Switch off the flame and add cheddar cheese.1 tsp dijon mustard, ½ tsp nutmeg
- Pour the cheese sauce over until fully coated. Scatter red Leicester cheese , cheddar cheese and bread crumbs all over.50 g red leicester cheese, 50 g cheddar cheese
Air frying
- Transfer the dish to the air fryer basket. Air fry at 200C for 5-6 minutes until the cheese has melted and bubbling and the top is brown.3 tbsp white bread crumbs
Baking in the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 200C. If you would like to bake, place the the dish in the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese has melted and bubbling and the top is brown.
Leave a Reply