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Air Fryer Low-Carb Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole

By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Apr 8, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
American 40 mins air-fryer-friendlyvegetariangluten-freelow-carbhealthyeasycrispfamily-friendlyweeknight-dinnerone-potcomfort-food

Make this easy and quick air fryer low-carb cauliflower and broccoli casserole featuring a creamy cheese sauce and crunchy topping. This gluten-free, vegetarian, and healthy comfort food recipe is perfect for family dinners and weeknight meals.

Air Fryer Low-Carb Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole
Prep 15 min
Cook 25 min
Total 40 min
Servings 4
Difficulty easy
Cuisine American

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook25 min
Total40 min
Servings4
Difficultyeasy
CuisineAmerican
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Ingredients

Servings 4
  • 1 small head cauliflower, cut into small florets (about 3 cups)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 cup almond flour (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower and broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Arrange the seasoned florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until just tender but still crisp.
  4. While the vegetables cook, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. Transfer the air-fried cauliflower and broccoli into an air fryer-safe casserole dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the vegetables and gently stir to combine.
  7. Sprinkle almond flour evenly over the casserole for a crunchy topping.
  8. Return the casserole pan to the air fryer. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the top is golden brown, crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  9. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
  10. Serve warm as a comforting low-carb main course or side dish perfect for family meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

If you want to customize this Air Fryer Low-Carb Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole to fit dietary needs or ingredient availability, here are some easy, healthy substitutions:

  • Cauliflower: Use Romanesco or white cabbage for a different texture but similar low-carb impact.
  • Broccoli: Swap with Brussels sprouts or asparagus tips to vary flavor while retaining crispness.
  • Olive Oil: Replace with avocado oil or melted coconut oil—both air fryer friendly healthy fats.
  • Unsalted Butter: Use vegan butter or coconut oil to make the dish dairy-free or vegan.
  • Heavy Cream: Substitute with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for dairy-free creaminess.
  • Cheddar and Parmesan Cheese: For vegan or dairy-free options, try nutritional yeast and vegan melting cheese alternatives.
  • Almond Flour: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds (for keto) to maintain a crunchy topping.
  • Garlic, Spices, and Mustard: Adjust or omit based on taste preferences; they enhance the savory, comforting profile.

These swaps allow you to easily make this casserole vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, ketogenic, or paleo while keeping it low-carb, healthy, and simple—ideal for family meals and quick preparation.

Air Fryer Model Notes

This low-carb cauliflower and broccoli casserole is designed to deliver even cooking and a golden, crispy topping when prepared in your air fryer. Since air fryer basket sizes, shapes, and heating elements vary, consider these tips for best results with your specific model:

  • Basket Size & Capacity: Smaller baskets may require cooking the vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause uneven cooking and soggy textures. Arrange florets in a single layer for optimal crispness.
  • Temperature Accuracy & Hot Spots: Advanced air fryers with precise temperature control and air circulation produce more evenly browned toppings. For units with less consistent heat, rotate or move the casserole pan halfway through the final cooking step.
  • Air Fryer Oven or Multi-Rack Models: Place the casserole on the middle rack for even heat exposure. Monitor browning carefully, as top heating elements can burn the topping.
  • Air Fryer Accessories: Use air fryer–safe casserole pans that fit your model. Some air fryers offer casserole-specific accessories that promote even cooking and easy handling.
  • Convection Fan Strength: Strong air circulation can speed cooking and enhance crispness but may dry vegetables if left too long. Check doneness a few minutes before the suggested time when using a new model.
  • Preheating: This recipe assumes preheating to 375°F (190°C). If your air fryer doesn't require preheating, add a couple of minutes to cooking times for best results.

Adjusting for your specific air fryer model ensures this low-carb, creamy casserole turns out deliciously creamy with a satisfying crisp topping every time.

Crispiness Control

To get the ideal crispiness on your Air Fryer Low-Carb Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole, apply these tips, perfect for this vegetarian, low-carb, and gluten-free dish:

  • Topping Crispness: The almond flour topping crisps beautifully when baked at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. For extra crunch, lightly add an additional coating of almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs before the final air frying step.
  • Preventing Over-Browning: If the topping browns too fast, lower the temperature to 365°F (185°C) and increase cooking time slightly, checking regularly to maintain a golden crust without burning.
  • Vegetable Texture: Initial 10-minute air frying creates crisp-tender veggies. For softer textures, shorten this step by 2-3 minutes; for crunchier bites, add 1-2 minutes but avoid crowding to ensure even cooking.
  • Moisture Balance: The creamy cheese sauce adds moisture that can soften the topping if left too long before serving. Serve soon after cooking to preserve crispiness.
  • Reheating: Reheat leftovers uncovered at 350°F (175°C) in the air fryer for 4-6 minutes, monitoring to keep the topping crisp without drying out the casserole.

By tweaking cooking time, temperature, and topping thickness, you can customize the crispness to suit your preferences for a quick, healthy, and comforting weeknight meal.

Reheat In The Air Fryer

To reheat your Low-Carb Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole in the air fryer while preserving its creamy texture and crispy topping, follow these steps tailored for vegetarian, low-carb, and family-friendly dishes:

  • Preheat Air Fryer: Set to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes for even warming without drying.
  • Prepare Casserole: Remove from fridge and let rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to protect the topping during most of reheating.
  • Reheat: Place oven- or air fryer-safe dish in basket. Heat for 8-10 minutes, removing foil in the last 2 minutes to re-crisp the topping. Look for bubbling edges or an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Avoid Overheating: Excess heat can separate cheese sauce. Use moderate temperature and foil protection initially.
  • Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 2-3 minutes post heating for the sauce to thicken slightly again; garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

This reheating method keeps your casserole flavorful and crisp, ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

What To Serve With This In The Air Fryer

This creamy low-carb cauliflower and broccoli casserole pairs perfectly with several air fryer dishes to create a balanced and delicious meal. For added protein, try air fryer garlic lemon chicken thighs or crispy salmon fillets to complement the casserole’s cheesy richness with savory freshness.

To maintain a vegetarian and healthy menu, air fryer seasoned crispy tofu bites or stuffed mushrooms add a satisfying texture and flavor contrast.

Light, fresh sides like air fryer asparagus or zucchini fries seasoned with herbs provide a crisp bite and keep the meal gluten-free and low-carb. Air fryer kale or spinach chips add a nutritious, crunchy snack element.

Finish the meal with a simple fresh salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or serve with warm low-carb garlic bread made in the air fryer for an indulgent twist.

These complementary air fryer recipes create a cohesive, nutritious, and flavorful family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights.

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