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Melissa
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Air fryer cheesy cauliflower casserole is an easy low carb side dish that combines tender cauliflower with melted cheese. It’s a simple way to turn cauliflower into a satisfying side dish without spending much time in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Cauliflower Recipe
Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or simply looking for a tasty way to incorporate more veggies into your meals, this low-carb side dish has you covered.
This is the best mac n cheese swap and it is a great way to get picky eaters to enjoy a cauliflower dish.
Plus, this tasty casserole is easy to prepare, making it a convenient addition to your weekly menu.
This cheesy cauliflower casserole low-carb recipe contains affiliate links which means that if you make a purchase I will receive a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower
Cauliflower florets are the base of this recipe and a staple in a ketogenic diet. When making low carb recipes that include cauliflower, I like to pair it with as much cheese as possible.
This recipe uses lots of cheese including cream cheese, mozzarella & extra sharp cheddar cheese to make the cheese sauce.
This recipe calls for butter, sour cream, and heavy cream to make the gooey cheese sauce that gives this loaded cauliflower bake its delicious texture.
For the flavoring, this keto casserole recipe calls for seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
How to Make Cheesy Cauliflower in the Air Fryer
This keto cauliflower recipe comes together by first preparing the cauliflower. Whether you use frozen steamable cauliflower or fresh cauliflower florets, boil or steam the cauliflower in a large saucepan until it is fork-tender.
This should take about 7-10 minutes, depending on the type of cauliflower you use for this recipe.
Once the cauliflower is done cooking it is important to drain it as much as possible, see the section below for some great ideas for removing excess moisture from the cauliflower.
The next step is to prepare a baking dish by spreading cream cheese into the bottom of the pan.
Then add the cooked cauliflower to the dish.
Sprinkle the seasonings on top, add the butter, and then add in the heavy whipping cream.
Mix in some of the other cheese and sour cream to blend all of the different types of cheese and cauliflower together.
Then add the remaining cheese on top.
Put the cheesy cauliflower casserole into the air fryer set to 400 degrees f for about 5-7 minutes.
Alternatively, you could cook this recipe in a preheated oven but it will take much longer than cooking in the air fryer, about 15-20 minutes total in a 400 f oven.
Allow to cool for 1-2 minutes and give it a quick stir before serving.
Variations on this Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Low Cab Recipe
This is one of my favorite recipes for the keto diet because it can be easily customized to please the entire family.
Add a little spice by sprinkling some cayenne pepper on top or pour a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce into the creamy sauce for a delicious kick.
Swap out the cheeses this keto cauliflower bake calls for by adding in your favorite types of cheeses or combine them for a dish brimming with extra cheesy goodness.
This low carb side dish can even be customized to be a main dish by doubling it or bulking up the recipe with some simple add-ins to create new recipes with little effort.
Add in some crispy bacon and top with fresh green onions to make a loaded cauliflower casserole recipe that resembles a loaded baked potato.
Or use only half of the bacon and mix it in some rotisserie chicken for a flavorful meaty twist on this keto cauliflower casserole recipe.
How to Dry Out Cauliflower
Place cooked cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, then squeeze the cloth firmly to remove any remaining moisture.
Alternatively, you can use a fine mesh strainer and gently press against the mesh to eliminate excess water into a large bowl, then dump it.
Be cautious not to overcook the cauliflower, as this can lead to excessive moisture. Patting the cauliflower dry with paper towels before using any of the methods can help speed up the drying process.
For a roasted cauliflower dish, consider returning the cauliflower to the oven for a few extra minutes after drying to enhance its flavor and texture.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This cheesy cauliflower casserole low carb recipe should be kept in an airtight container until ready to reheat.
This recipe can taste just as good as the first time when reheated in an air fryer.
Start by preheating the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the cauliflower in a single layer with space in the basket.
Set the timer for 3-5 minutes, adjusting as needed. If not hot enough, flip or stir and continue in 1-2 minute intervals until done.
To reheat this recipe in the microwave, using a microwave-safe bowl, heat at a lower power level around 50-70% power. Reheating at high heat can lead to uneven heating and overcooking. Start by reheating the cauliflower for 1-2 minutes.
After each interval, carefully remove the dish from the microwave and stir the cauliflower. This helps distribute heat evenly and prevents hot spots.
Repeat the reheating and stirring process until the cauliflower reaches your desired temperature.
Be cautious not to overheat to avoid drying out or overcooking the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Fresh Cauliflower for this Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole?
Absolutely! This easy cauliflower casserole can be prepared with a fresh head of cauliflower or frozen. Using frozen cauliflower that comes in a steamable bag just makes this cooking process easier but it isn’t necessary. You could even use roasted cauliflower, steamed cauliflower, or mashed cauliflower for this recipe if you prefer.
Can I Use Cauliflower Rice in Place of Cauliflower Florets?
You could also use cauliflower rice to make this cheesy loaded cauliflower casserole dish just be sure to adjust the cook times as the rice will become fork tender pretty quickly. While a nice golden brown top makes this creamy cauliflower casserole delicious, cauliflower rice can quickly reach this stage so be sure to keep an eye on it. You could also use a food processor to quickly make cauliflower rice out of florets if you prefer rice for this recipe. If you really want a crispy top, spray some olive oil or avocado oil on top before cooking.
How Long Does Cauliflower Cheese Take in an Air Fryer?
Cauliflower cheese takes about 5–7 minutes in an air fryer at 400°F when using pre-cooked cauliflower. For this air fryer cheesy cauliflower casserole, steam or boil the cauliflower until fork-tender before combining it with the cheese and seasonings. Transfer the mixture to an air fryer-safe baking dish and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you prefer a golden-brown cheesy topping, keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of cooking.
Can You Make Cheesy Cauliflower in an Air Fryer With Frozen Cauliflower?
Yes! Frozen cauliflower works well for making air fryer cheesy cauliflower casserole, and using steamable frozen cauliflower makes this low-carb side dish even easier to prepare. Steam or boil the frozen cauliflower until fork-tender, then drain it thoroughly before adding the cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and seasonings. Removing excess water helps prevent a soggy or watery cauliflower casserole. Once assembled, cook in the air fryer at 400°F for approximately 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
Is Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Keto-Friendly?
Yes! This air fryer cheesy cauliflower recipe is a keto-friendly, low-carb side dish made with cauliflower, cream cheese, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and other simple ingredients. Unlike traditional macaroni and cheese, this cheesy cauliflower casserole uses cauliflower instead of pasta, making it a lower-carb alternative. Each serving contains approximately 7 grams of total carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and 5 grams of net carbs, based on the estimated nutrition information in the recipe card. It’s an easy keto cauliflower recipe to serve alongside chicken, beef, or your favorite low-carb dinner.
What to Serve With Cheesy Cauliflower
Enhance your culinary experience by pairing this delicious cheesy cauliflower side dish with some delectable main courses.
Dry Rub for Chicken Legs: Elevate your meal with perfectly seasoned chicken legs. The savory blend of spices in this dish complements the cheesy cauliflower, creating a balanced and flavorful combination.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs: Dive into tender, succulent chicken thighs smothered in BBQ goodness. The smoky flavors of BBQ chicken harmonize beautifully with the creamy texture of cheesy cauliflower.
Recipe for Deep-Frying Fish: For seafood lovers, crispy deep-fried fish is a fantastic choice. The contrast of crunchy fish and creamy cauliflower creates a delightful culinary contrast.
Instant Pot Roast Beef and Gravy: Savor the richness of tender roast beef paired with the cheesy cauliflower. The savory beef and creamy cauliflower meld to create a comforting, satisfying meal.
Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs: Enjoy the mouthwatering goodness of ribs cooked to perfection. The smoky, succulent flavors of baby back ribs complement the cheesy cauliflower’s creaminess for a memorable feast.
Low-Carb Fried Chicken: Crispy, crunchy low-carb fried chicken meets creamy cauliflower in a pairing that’s perfect for those watching their carb intake. Indulge in a guilt-free, delicious combination.
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Yield: 4
Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Prep Time: 5 minutesCook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
This cheesy cauliflower casserole low carb recipe is the perfect keto side dish made in an air fryer. It truly is the perfect comfort food!
5.0 Stars (42 Reviews)
Ingredients
- 12 Ounces of Cauliflower
- 4 Ounces of Cream Cheese
- 1/2 Cup of Mozzarella
- 1 & 1/2 Cups of Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Teaspoon of Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon of Butter
- Dash Salt & Pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon of Heavy Cream
- 1 Teaspoon of Sour Cream
Instructions
Boil or steam the cauliflower in a large saucepan until it is fork-tender.
This should take about 7-10 minutes, depending on the type of cauliflower you use for this recipe.
Once the cauliflower is done cooking it is important to drain it as much as possible, see the section below for some great ideas for removing excess moisture from the cauliflower.
The next step is to prepare a baking dish by spreading cream cheese into the bottom of the pan. Then add the cooked cauliflower to the dish. Sprinkle the seasonings on top and then add in the heavy whipping cream.
Mix in some of the other cheese and sour cream to blend all of the different types of cheese and cauliflower together.
Then add the remaining cheese on top.
Put the cheesy cauliflower casserole into the air fryer set to 400 degrees f for about 5-7 minutes.
Alternatively, you could cook this recipe in a preheated oven but it will take much longer than cooking in the air fryer, about 15-20 minutes total in a 400 f oven.
Allow to cool for 1-2 minutes and give it a quick stir before serving.
Notes
You can easily double this recipe to make this meal a main dish instead of a low-carb side dish. Or check the post for add-in ideas to make this a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 295Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 14gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 72mgSodium 418mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 14g
This nutrition information is an estimate, it is always advised to use your own trusted calculator to make sure this recipe fits into your specific diet.
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© Melissa
Cuisine: American / Category: Low Carb & Keto Recipes
The post Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower (Easy Low Carb Recipe) appeared first on ThirtySomethingSuperMom.