Cauliflower Cheese In Air Fryer (Easy, Cheesy & Ready In 20 Minutes)
Updated: April 2026
This cauliflower cheese in the air fryer is the easiest way to make a quick, cheesy vegetable side dish with barely any effort.
It uses frozen cauliflower, instant cheese sauce and grated Cheddar, so there’s no faff, no homemade sauce and no waste. Just tender cauliflower covered in creamy cheese sauce, finished in the air fryer until bubbling and golden on top.
It’s perfect with:
- easy weeknight meals
- roast dinners
- jacket potatoes
- ham
- sausages
- brisket
Quick Answer – How To Make Cauliflower Cheese In The Air Fryer
Cook frozen cauliflower first, drain well, cover with cheese sauce, sprinkle with grated Cheddar, then air fry at 200°C for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Total time is around 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is proper comfort food made easy.
- Uses frozen cauliflower
- No homemade cheese sauce needed
- Ready in around 20 minutes
- Great roast dinner side dish
- Easy to make in a foil tray
- Cheesy, creamy and family-friendly
Ingredients For Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese
You only need three main ingredients.
- 450g frozen cauliflower
- 4 tablespoons cheese sauce granules
- 250ml boiling water
- 100g Cheddar cheese, grated
Optional:
- pinch salt for the cooking water
- black pepper
- extra grated cheese
Equipment Needed
You’ll need:
- kettle
- measuring jug
- spoon
- saucepan with lid
- cheese grater
- foil tray or air fryer-safe dish
- air fryer
How To Make Cauliflower Cheese In The Air Fryer
Step 1 – Cook The Cauliflower
Cook the frozen cauliflower in boiling water on the hob as per the packet instructions.
Drain well, then tip into a foil tray or air fryer-safe dish.
Step 2 – Make The Cheese Sauce
Make up the cheese sauce granules with boiling water, following the packet instructions.
Stir until smooth and thick.
Step 3 – Assemble The Cauliflower Cheese
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked cauliflower.
Sprinkle the grated Cheddar evenly over the top.
Step 4 – Air Fry Until Golden
Place the dish into the air fryer basket.
Cook at 200°C for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling and lightly golden.
Step 5 – Serve
Remove carefully from the air fryer and serve hot.
Expert Tips For The Best Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese
Drain The Cauliflower Well
Too much water can make the sauce thin and watery.
Use An Air Fryer-Safe Dish
A small foil tray or oven-safe dish works best.
Don’t Overfill The Dish
Leave space so the cheese sauce can bubble without spilling.
Add Extra Cheese On Top
A little extra Cheddar gives a better golden topping.
Check From 5 Minutes
Air fryers vary, so check once the topping starts to bubble.
Easy Variations
Use A Ready-Made Cheese Sauce
Swap the granules for a supermarket fresh cheese sauce or four-cheese sauce.
Add Bacon Or Ham
Stir through cooked bacon or chopped ham before air frying.
Add Blue Cheese
Crumble a little blue cheese over the top for a stronger flavour.
Add Breadcrumbs
Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for a crispy topping.
Add Mustard
Stir a little English mustard into the cheese sauce for extra flavour.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese
This easy cauliflower cheese goes really well with:
- roast chicken
- roast beef
- jacket potatoes
- pulled ham
- sausages
- slow cooker brisket
- mashed potatoes
- air fryer roast potatoes
- Sunday dinner
Can You Make Cauliflower Cheese Ahead?
Yes, you can cook the cauliflower and assemble the dish ahead of time.
Store it covered in the fridge, then air fry when ready to serve.
You may need to add a few extra minutes if cooking from chilled.
How To Store Leftovers
Cool leftovers quickly, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat until piping hot throughout.
More Air Fryer Side Dishes
Try these next:
- Air Fryer Tinned Potatoes
- Air Fryer Roast Potatoes
- Air Fryer Honey Roast Carrots And Parsnips
- Frozen Yorkshire Pudding In Air Fryer
- Frozen Chips In Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Corn On The Cob
Air Fryer Recipes Hub
If you love easy air fryer recipes, take a look at our Air Fryer Recipes Hub for:
- air fryer side dishes
- easy vegetable recipes
- family dinners
- frozen food guides
- snacks
- desserts
- air fryer cooking tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make cauliflower cheese in the air fryer?
Yes, cauliflower cheese works really well in the air fryer. Cook the cauliflower first, cover with cheese sauce, add grated cheese and air fry until golden and bubbling.
How long does cauliflower cheese take in the air fryer?
Once assembled, cauliflower cheese takes around 5 to 7 minutes at 200°C in the air fryer.
Can you use frozen cauliflower for cauliflower cheese?
Yes, frozen cauliflower is ideal for this easy recipe. Cook it first, drain well, then add the cheese sauce.
Why is my cauliflower cheese watery?
Cauliflower cheese can turn watery if the cauliflower has not been drained properly. Drain it well before adding the sauce.
What dish can I use in the air fryer for cauliflower cheese?
Use a foil tray or any small oven-safe dish that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket.
Can you reheat cauliflower cheese in the air fryer?
Yes, cauliflower cheese can be reheated in the air fryer until piping hot throughout.
Cauliflower Cheese In Air Fryer
Easy cauliflower cheese made in the air fryer with frozen cauliflower, cheese sauce and grated Cheddar. A quick cheesy side dish ready in around 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 450g frozen cauliflower
- 4 tablespoons cheese sauce granules
- 250ml boiling water
- 100g Cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Cook the frozen cauliflower in boiling water on the hob as per the packet instructions.
- Drain well and tip into a foil tray or air fryer-safe dish.
- Make up the cheese sauce granules with boiling water, following the packet instructions.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked cauliflower.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar over the top.
- Place the dish into the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 200°C for 5 to 7 minutes, until bubbling and golden.
- Remove carefully and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 154Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 311mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 9g
Nutritional content will vary depending on the exact ingredients you use and how careful you are with measuring - this nutritional information is given as a general guide only and may not be accurate - you should always calculate your own nutritional information especially if you have specific dietary requirements.
Wendy is the creator of Daisies & Pie, a UK food blog sharing easy meals and home lifestyle tips since 2012
