What matters
Do not blend cauliflower with cooking water or the mixture becomes too wet.
Everyday cooking Recipe
Air fryer cauliflower cheese nuggets
Air fryer cauliflower cheese nuggets with precooked vegetables, egg and breadcrumbs. Shape flat and bake in two batches rather than deep-frying.
Total time
1 hr 3 min
Calories
242 kcal
Servings
3 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Why this recipe works
Well-drained cauliflower binds better
The mixture makes twelve small nuggets, four per snack portion. Two batches are included. Cooling and resting count as preparation; these are not a complete meal.
Air Fryer Recipes
Vegetables
Cheese
Recipe
Air fryer cauliflower cheese nuggets
Air fryer cauliflower cheese nuggets with precooked vegetables, egg and breadcrumbs. Shape flat and bake in two batches rather than deep-frying.
Ingredients
3 servings
Method
-
1
Prepare
Cut cauliflower small and boil about 6 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly, chop finely and let steam off and cool for 10 minutes.
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2
Mix and season
Mix with egg, grated Gouda, flour, 30 g crumbs, salt and pepper. Rest 5 minutes. Shape twelve pieces about 1.5 cm thick, coat in remaining 20 g crumbs and oil.
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3
Cook
If required by the manufacturer, preheat for 3 minutes at 180 °C. Bake two batches of six, spaced apart, about 12 minutes each at 180 °C. Turn carefully halfway. Egg and flour must be cooked throughout. Check that the thickest part reaches at least 70 °C for 2 minutes; continue cooking if needed.
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4
Check and serve
Release with a spatula rather than shaking the basket. They should hold together but remain softer inside than meat nuggets.
Kitchen know-how
Tips for Air fryer cauliflower cheese nuggets
Serving guidance
Dips and salad are not included.
Variations
How to adapt this recipe
Mix finely chopped chives into the mixture, not loose in the basket.
With gluten-free flour and crumbs, reassess how the mixture holds together.
Nutrition per serving
242kcal
20.6 gCarbohydrates
11.4 gProtein
12.1 gFat
Values are estimates per serving and may vary depending on the ingredients, brands, portion size and preparation method used.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ about Air fryer cauliflower cheese nuggets
Usually the cauliflower was too wet or the mixture did not rest before shaping.
No, finely chopped vegetables are bound with egg, flour and cheese into flat pieces.
Gaps let air reach the coating; stacked pieces stay damp and break when turned.
No, raw egg and flour mean even the soft centre must cook fully.
Keep cooking