There’s something irresistibly delightful about the 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe that makes it an absolute must-try for families starting their little ones on solid foods. These tasty tots offer a wonderful combination of creamy cauliflower and melty cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden crust perfect for tiny hands to grasp. Not only are they quick and easy to make, but they also pack in nourishing ingredients tailored for babies’ delicate palates and nutritional needs. Whether you are a seasoned parent or new to baby led weaning, this recipe brings a fresh, fun, and flavorful option to your feeding routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making magic in the kitchen, especially with a dish as simple yet flavorful as this. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing taste, texture, and nutrition, creating those perfect little tots bursting with goodness.
- Cauliflower (1 head, steamed and finely chopped): The star veggie that adds subtle sweetness and a smooth tender bite once steamed and squeezed dry.
- Garlic granules (1 tsp): A gentle way to introduce flavor depth without overwhelming baby’s palate.
- Oat flour (1 cup): Made from blended oats, it binds the mixture with wholesome fiber and gives a soft structure.
- Mild cheddar cheese or goat cheese (1/2 cup): Adds richness and a melt-in-the-mouth creaminess toddlers adore.
- Egg (1): The natural binder holding everything together while providing a protein boost.
- Black pepper (to season): Just a pinch to lightly lift the flavors without adding heat.
- Olive oil (a drizzle): Essential for a golden and crispy finish when air frying.
How to Make 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Start by placing the finely chopped steamed cauliflower into a bowl, making sure to squeeze out any excess moisture first to avoid soggy tots. Add the garlic granules, oat flour, cheese, egg, and a dash of black pepper. Using a spoon, stir everything together until you have a smooth, consistent mixture that’s ready to be shaped.
Step 2: Shape the Tots
Grab a tablespoonful of your cauliflower mixture and gently shape it into small rounds or classic tot shapes with your hands. Since this recipe is perfect for baby led weaning, keep the sizes manageable for little fingers to hold and explore. Place your shaped tots onto a plate as you go.
Step 3: Prepare for Air Frying
Lay your tots onto the airfryer basket or tray in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd them. Lightly drizzle a very small amount of olive oil over the tops to encourage that golden, crispy exterior without excess grease.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Set your airfryer to 200ºC and cook the cauliflower tots for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them toward the end to ensure they turn perfectly golden brown and crisp on the outside, while soft and cheesy inside.
How to Serve 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a light sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or mild basil can add a pleasant aroma and little bursts of flavor without overpowering the tots. For babies, keeping it mild is key.
Side Dishes
Pair these tots with sweet, juicy strawberries or other soft fruit for a balanced, colorful plate that invites curious little eaters to enjoy a range of tastes and textures. The natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory tots.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these tots into bite-sized finger foods with a side of a mild yogurt dip or homemade applesauce. Serve alongside steamed vegetable sticks or soft avocado slices to introduce new flavors in an appealing and toddler-friendly style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any tots left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure they’ve completely cooled before sealing to keep the texture just right.
Freezing
These cauliflower and cheese tots freeze wonderfully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a sealed bag or container. They keep for up to 1 month, making them perfect for quick meals on busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the tots back in the airfryer at 180ºC for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them lose their delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use different cheese in the 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe?
Absolutely! Mild cheddar is a great choice for its flavor and meltability, but goat cheese or even mozzarella can work well too. Just choose a cheese that melts nicely and isn’t too strong for baby’s palate.
What if my baby has an egg allergy?
You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg alternative (1 tablespoon of ground seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) to help bind the tots together without compromising texture.
Can I make these tots without an airfryer?
If you don’t have an airfryer, baking these tots on a lined tray at 200ºC for about 15-20 minutes should work well, turning halfway through to achieve even crispiness.
Are these tots suitable for older kids and adults?
Definitely! While designed for baby led weaning, these tots are delicious for the whole family. Serve them as a healthy snack or a side dish any time of the day.
How do I know the cauliflower is cooked enough for this recipe?
Steamed cauliflower should be soft enough to mash easily between your fingers. This ensures the tots have a tender texture that’s safe and enjoyable for babies learning to chew.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a nutritious, tasty, and super quick recipe to introduce your baby to solid foods, the 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe is a fantastic place to start. They bring together wholesome ingredients with textures and flavors that babies love, and you’ll feel great offering something homemade and wholesome. I can’t wait for you to try making these tots and see those little faces light up with delight!
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: British
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
These 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots are a perfect first food for baby-led weaning, combining nutritious cauliflower with mild cheddar cheese for a delicious, healthy snack. The tots are air-fried to achieve a crispy exterior while remaining soft inside, making them suitable for little ones and easy for parents to prepare.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Tots
- 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 olive oil
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, add the steamed and finely chopped cauliflower, garlic granules, oat flour, mild cheddar cheese, egg, and black pepper. Use a spoon to stir thoroughly until the mixture is fully combined and holds together well.
- Shape Tots: Take a tablespoonful of the mixture and use your hands to shape the mixture into small rounds or traditional tot shapes. Place the shaped tots onto a plate ready for cooking.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly drizzle a very small amount of olive oil over the shaped tots to help them crisp up during cooking.
- Air Fry: Place the tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 200ºC (approximately 400ºF) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove the tots from the air fryer and serve warm with a baby-friendly dip and a side of fresh strawberries for a nutritious snack or meal.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the steamed cauliflower to avoid soggy tots.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the cheese with a suitable non-dairy cheese alternative.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the size of the tots and your air fryer model.
- This recipe is suitable for babies starting solids with baby-led weaning but always supervise your child while eating.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in the air fryer for best results.
