If you’re looking for a delightful, wholesome snack that’s perfect for introducing your little one to solid foods, you’re going to love this 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe. These tots are tender on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and packed with flavor from mild cheddar and garlic granules. Plus, they come together quickly in the airfryer, making them a fantastic option for busy parents who want something nutritious and easy to prepare. Trust me, these tasty bites are sure to become a favorite for both you and your baby!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these cauliflower and cheese tots just right starts with simple, fresh ingredients that blend perfectly to give you that creamy texture and delicious taste. Each component has a special role, from adding moisture to flavor and the perfect binding consistency.
- Cauliflower: Steamed and finely chopped, it’s the star of the show providing natural sweetness and fiber.
- Garlic granules: A gentle hint of garlic adds depth without overpowering the mild flavors.
- Oat flour: Made by blending oats, it brings a subtle nuttiness and helps hold the tots together.
- Mild cheddar cheese (or goat cheese): Adds creaminess and a savory touch perfect for little tastes.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to keep everything perfectly shaped.
- Black pepper: Just a pinch to enhance the overall flavor without any heat.
- Olive oil: A light drizzle to help create that irresistible crispiness in the airfryer.
How to Make 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Ingredients
Start by adding the steamed and finely chopped cauliflower, garlic granules, oat flour, cheese, egg, and a pinch of black pepper into a large bowl. Using a spoon, stir everything together until it forms a uniform mixture. This step is where all those wonderful flavors and textures begin to come alive, and the oat flour helps bind it just right.
Step 2: Shape Your Tots
Next, grab a tablespoonful of the mixture and use your hands to shape it into small rounds or little tot shapes. Don’t worry about getting them perfect; their rustic charm adds to their appeal. Place each formed tot on a plate or tray, ready for their quick airfryer session.
Step 3: Prepare for Cooking
Lightly drizzle a tiny amount of olive oil over the shaped tots. This small touch of oil is key to achieving the golden, crispy exterior that makes these tots so irresistible, all while keeping them healthy and baby-friendly.
Step 4: Airfry to Perfection
Place the tots into your airfryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Set the airfryer to 200ºC and cook the tots for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them toward the end—they’ll turn beautifully golden and slightly crispy, making them just perfect for little hands to pick up and enjoy.
How to Serve 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe
Garnishes
While these tots are delicious on their own, you can add a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving to add a burst of color and freshness. For babies who are exploring textures, a side of smooth avocado or a simple yogurt dip makes a lovely addition that enhances flavor and adds creaminess.
Side Dishes
Complement these tots with soft, sweet strawberries or slices of ripe banana for a naturally sweet contrast. For older toddlers or adults, pair them with a crunchy cucumber salad or carrot sticks for more veggies on the plate—this little combo is a win for the whole family!
Creative Ways to Present
Make mealtime extra fun by serving these tots on colorful plates or in mini cupcake liners to give each tot its own little nest. You can even arrange them into a smiley face on the plate to delight your baby’s senses and spark curiosity about food. It’s a fantastic way to encourage baby-led weaning with both taste and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any tots left after your meal, pop them into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, making them a perfect snack or quick addition to lunchboxes during your busy week.
Freezing
This 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe is freezer-friendly, which is great news for proactive meal planners. Arrange the tots on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They should keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat straight from frozen.
Reheating
To bring the tots back to life with their signature crispiness, reheat them in your airfryer at 180ºC for about 4 to 5 minutes. Microwaving is quicker but will soften them—you choose depending on your texture preference and time available.
FAQs
Are these tots suitable for babies just starting solids?
Absolutely! The mild flavors and soft texture make these tots perfect for baby led weaning, introducing new textures and tastes gently.
Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?
You can, but oat flour adds a lovely nutty flavor and is often gentler on little tummies. If using regular flour, choose a whole wheat or gluten-free variety depending on your baby’s needs.
Is it okay to use goat cheese instead of cheddar?
Yes! Goat cheese is a great alternative, lending a slightly tangy flavor while keeping the tots soft and creamy.
Do I need to steam the cauliflower before using it?
Steaming softens the cauliflower and helps remove excess moisture, which is important for the right tot texture and to keep them from falling apart.
Can I bake these tots instead of airfrying?
You can bake them in the oven at 200ºC for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through to get them evenly crispy. The airfryer just speeds up the process and gives the best crispness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly rewarding about making a healthy, homemade snack that even the tiniest family member will eagerly gobble up. This 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe brings together simple ingredients and a quick cooking method to deliver a tasty, nutritious treat everyone can enjoy. Give it a try—you might just find yourself craving these delightful tots as much as your little one does!
Print
8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 18-20 minutes
- Yield: 20 tots
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Delicious and healthy 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots perfect for baby led weaning. These tots combine steamed cauliflower, oat flour, mild cheddar cheese, and gentle seasoning, cooked quickly in an air fryer for a crispy, nutritious snack that babies and toddlers will love.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Tots Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, steamed and finely chopped (with liquid squeezed out)
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 cup oat flour (blended oats)
- 1/2 cup mild cheddar cheese or goat cheese
- 1 egg
- Black pepper, to season
- Drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the finely chopped steamed cauliflower, garlic granules, oat flour, mild cheddar cheese, egg, and black pepper to a mixing bowl. Use a spoon to stir everything together thoroughly until fully combined into a consistent mixture.
- Shape the Tots: Take a tablespoonful of the mixture and use your hands to form small rounds or tot-shaped pieces. Place each shaped tot onto a plate ready for cooking.
- Prepare for Airfrying: Lightly drizzle a very small amount of olive oil over the shaped tots to help with crisping and browning during cooking.
- Cook in Airfryer: Place the tots in the air fryer basket and cook at 200ºC (392ºF) for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp on the outside.
- Serve: Serve the cauliflower and cheese tots warm with a baby-friendly dip and a side of fresh strawberries for a complete, nutritious meal or snack.
Notes
- Ensure the cauliflower is well steamed and excess moisture is squeezed out to prevent soggy tots.
- You can substitute mild cheddar cheese with goat cheese for a different flavor or to suit dietary preferences.
- Check tots halfway through cooking and shake the basket to ensure even cooking if your air fryer requires it.
- These tots are suitable for baby-led weaning and can also be a tasty snack for toddlers and adults.
- Adjust black pepper quantity to suit the baby’s taste and tolerance.
