This easy Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower recipe features perfectly seasoned and slightly caramelized florets with a gooey melted cheddar topping. It’s a healthy and delicious side that pairs perfectly with any protein.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe

• Fresh cauliflower with gooey melted cheddar
• Ready in under 20 minutes
• Healthy low carb side
• Pairs perfectly with any protein
• Kid friendly

One of the things that makes cauliflower a staple of many healthy diets is that you can prepare it in so many delicious ways. The air fryer makes this easier than ever, giving you perfectly cooked florets in less time than it takes in an oven. The circulation of high heat ensures the cauliflower gets slightly caramelized on the outside while staying tender on the inside.

The addition of melted cheddar cheese takes this dish to the next level, adding a rich, gooey, layer that pairs perfectly with the seasoned cauliflower. It’s a fantastic side dish that’s not only quick to prepare but also irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight side or a dish to serve at your next gathering, this air fryer cheesy cauliflower is a must-try!

If you love this cheesy cauliflower recipe, you should also try this Cheddar Oven Roasted Cauliflower and this Cheesy Cauliflower “Mac and Cheese”.

🛒 Ingredients for Cheesy Cauliflower

• Cauliflower
• Cheddar cheese
• Olive oil
• Garlic salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Air fryer

🔪 How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

Add the cauliflower florets to a mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil and sprinkle the garlic salt and ground black pepper over the top.

Toss to combine, making sure the cauliflower is well coated.

Pour the cauliflower into your air fryer basket.

Air fry for 10 minutes.

Remove from the air fryer, add the shredded cheddar over the top and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes or until melted and golden.

☑️ Storage Instructions

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💡 Tips for Air Frying Cauliflower

• Preheat Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before adding the cauliflower. This allows it to start roasting immediately.

• Shred it yourself: For cheese that melts the best, use freshly grated cheese off the block. Pre-shredded cheese has additives and tends to clump.

• Coat evenly: Ensure the cauliflower florets are evenly coated with the olive oil and seasoning for consistent flavor and texture.

• Don’t overcrowd: Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. This allows for even cooking and crispiness.

• Shake or flip: Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking (or flip the florets) to ensure all sides of the cauliflower are evenly cooked.

• Watch closely: Because air fryers do not all cook the same, you’ll want to keep an eye on the cauliflower during the final minutes of cooking to prevent the cheese from burning.

🍴 What to Serve with Cheesy Cauliflower

Cauliflower is the MVP of side dishes because it pairs perfectly with almost any main dish. Here are some popular options:

• Steak– Cast Iron Steak with Mushrooms, Air Fryer Steak and Grilled Steak with Compound Butter. 
• Chicken- French Onion Chicken, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs and Keto Lemon Chicken.
• Pork- Pan Fried Pork Chops, Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Stuffed Pork Loin.
• Seafood– Red Snapper with Compound Butter, Grilled Cajun Shrimp Skewers and Baked Salmon with Asparagus.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Cheese: Swap out cheddar for mozzarella, Parmesan, or Gruyère for a different cheesy flavor.

• Seasonings: Replace garlic salt with onion powder, smoked paprika, Ranch Seasoning or Italian Seasoning for a different flavor option.

• Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

• Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for added freshness and flavor.

• Bacon: Mix in some cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory addition.

• Nuts: Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a crunchy texture.

• Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a tasty medley.

Why is My Cauliflower Not Getting Crispy?

Make sure you’re not overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking the cauliflower in a single layer ensures even crispiness. Additionally, you will want to pat the cauliflower dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture.

Why is My Cauliflower Getting Too Dark but Still Isn’t Tender?

Try reducing the air fryer temperature to 375°F and cook for a bit longer. This allows the cauliflower to cook through without burning the exterior.

Is This Recipe Gluten-free?

Yes, this air fryer cheesy cauliflower recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the seasonings and cheese you use are also gluten-free.

Can I Add Protein to Make This a Complete Meal in One?

Yes, you can add cooked chicken, ground beef, or ham to the cauliflower to make it a more filling meal. Simply mix in the protein after the cauliflower has cooked, or cook it in the air fryer separately and combine.

Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?

You can prepare the cauliflower florets and toss them with oil and seasonings in advance. Store them in the fridge, and when you’re ready to cook, follow the air frying instructions and add the cheese during the last few minutes.

🍽️ More Keto Air Fryer Recipes

• Roasted Asparagus
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
• Jalapeño Poppers
• Pork Tenderloin
• Ai Fryer Zucchini
• Zucchini Fries