If you’re looking for a delightful, easy, and nutritious way to introduce solids to your little one, the 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These tots blend the mild sweetness of cauliflower with the cheesy goodness that babies adore, all while being perfectly bite-sized and quick to prepare. You’ll love how this recipe balances healthy ingredients with irresistible taste, making mealtime fun and stress-free for both you and your baby.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet crucial for creating the perfect texture and flavor balance in your tots. Each element adds something special—cauliflower brings natural sweetness and softness, cheese lends a creamy richness, and oat flour helps everything hold together beautifully.
- 1 head cauliflower, steamed and finely chopped: This is the star of the dish, providing a gentle veggie base packed with vitamins and fiber.
- 1 tsp garlic granules: Adds a subtle savory depth without being overpowering, perfect for tiny taste buds.
- 1 cup oat flour (blended oats): Helps bind the mixture while keeping the tots gluten-free and wholesome.
- 1/2 cup mild cheddar cheese (or goat cheese): Gives a creamy, melty texture that’s mild enough for babies and adds calcium.
- 1 egg: Acts as a natural binder, ensuring the tots hold their shape.
- Black pepper to season: Just a pinch, to introduce a gentle seasoning without being too strong.
- Drizzle olive oil: Helps create a lovely, golden crisp on the outside when air-fried.
How to Make 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cauliflower and Mix Ingredients
Start by steaming the cauliflower until it’s tender, then finely chop and squeeze out any excess liquid to avoid sogginess. In a bowl, combine the chopped cauliflower, garlic granules, oat flour, cheese, egg, and a tiny pinch of black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly combined and comes together nicely.
Step 2: Shape the Tots
Take a tablespoonful of your mixture and use your hands to gently shape them into little rounds or classic tot shapes. The size should be perfect for baby hands to hold, encouraging independent feeding. Place each shaped tot on a plate as you go.
Step 3: Prepare for Airfrying
Drizzle a very small amount of olive oil over the shaped tots. This will help them develop a golden, crisp exterior during air frying without making them greasy. Arranging them neatly in the airfryer basket ensures even cooking.
Step 4: Cook in the Airfryer
Set your airfryer to 200ºC and cook the tots for about 8 to 10 minutes until they look irresistibly golden and crisp on the outside. This quick cooking method locks in moisture so that the inside stays tender and soft, ideal for little eaters.
How to Serve 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple finishing touch, try adding tiny sprigs of fresh herbs like parsley or basil on the side—it not only adds a burst of color but also a subtle fresh aroma that excites the senses. A small dollop of mild yogurt or hummus dip can also enhance the experience for curious taste explorers.
Side Dishes
Pair these tot favorites with soft fruits like sliced strawberries or steamed carrot sticks for an easy, colorful meal. The combination keeps things balanced and introduces your baby to a variety of textures and tastes in one sitting.
Creative Ways to Present
Make mealtime inviting by arranging the tots in fun shapes on the plate, such as a smiley face or a colorful rainbow with fruit slices. You can also serve them with tiny dipping bowls filled with natural yogurt or mashed avocado, encouraging baby-led dipping and self-feeding.
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. This makes them perfect for prepping in advance and offering a quick snack later on without any fuss.
Freezing
These cauliflower and cheese tots freeze beautifully! Simply place the shaped tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 1 month, making batch cooking a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the tots back into the airfryer at 200ºC for about 5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again, or warm them gently in the oven. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that lovely crunchy outside.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Mild cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese work well here. Just choose options that melt nicely and aren’t too strong in flavor to keep it baby-friendly.
Is this recipe suitable for babies with gluten intolerance?
Yes! Using oat flour made from blended oats keeps this recipe gluten-free, perfect for babies who need to avoid gluten or for parents seeking a wholesome grain alternative.
How do I know when the tots are cooked properly?
They should be golden and slightly crispy on the outside while still tender inside. A gentle press should show firmness but the interior should remain soft enough for baby to gum or chew.
Can I make these without an airfryer?
While the airfryer really speeds up cooking and gives that perfect crisp, you can bake these tots in the oven at 200ºC on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Are these tots safe for a baby-led weaning stage?
Yes! Their size and texture are ideal for little hands to hold and mouths to explore, encouraging self-feeding while being soft enough to chew safely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about seeing your baby enjoy their very first tastes of wholesome food, and the 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe makes that moment deliciously easy. Quick to prepare, packed with nutrition, and irresistibly tasty, these tots are sure to become a mealtime favorite in your home. Give them a try and enjoy watching your little one dive into their food adventure with joy and curiosity!
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: Vegetarian
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 and oat flour to create tasty, bite-sized tots that are easy to handle and packed with flavor. Quick to prepare and cook, these tots are a healthy and delicious snack for little ones and the whole family.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Mixture
- 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, to taste
For Cooking
- Drizzle of olive oil
To Serve
- Dip of choice
- Side of strawberries
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the finely chopped steamed cauliflower, garlic granules, oat flour, cheese, egg, and black pepper to a mixing bowl. Using a spoon, stir everything well until the mixture is fully combined and uniform in texture.
- Shape Tots: Take a tablespoonful of the mixture and, using your hands, shape it into small rounds or tot-like shapes. Place these shaped tots onto a plate, ready for cooking.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle a very small amount of olive oil over the shaped tots to help with browning and crisping during cooking.
- Cook in Airfryer: Preheat the airfryer to 200ºC (about 390ºF). Place the tots inside the airfryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the tots are golden brown and cooked through. Check for doneness and adjust time slightly if needed.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the cauliflower and cheese tots warm with a dip of your choice and a side of fresh strawberries for a balanced, tasty meal or snack for baby-led weaning.
Notes
- Ensure the cauliflower is well steamed and squeezed dry to avoid soggy tots.
- Use mild cheddar or goat cheese for a baby-friendly flavor; avoid strong cheeses.
- You can substitute oat flour with gluten-free flour if necessary.
- Adjust garlic granules to taste or omit if preferred for babies sensitive to strong flavors.
- Serve with baby-appropriate dips such as plain yogurt or mild hummus.
