If you’re searching for a delightful and wholesome snack that’s perfectly suited for little hands and gentle enough for tiny taste buds, the 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe is an absolute gem. These crispy, cheesy bites come together quickly, boasting the natural sweetness of cauliflower combined with mild cheddar and a tender oat flour base, making them a nutritious option to introduce textures and flavors to your baby while keeping preparation fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet vital, each bringing a unique touch to the flavor, texture, and nutrition of the tots. From the subtle creaminess of the cheese to the fiber-packed oat flour, every component has a role in making this dish irresistible.
- Cauliflower: Steamed and finely chopped for a tender, veggie-packed base that’s naturally mild and easy for little ones to enjoy.
- Garlic granules: Just a pinch to add a subtle hint of savory warmth without overwhelming delicate palates.
- Oat flour: Makes the tots wonderfully soft yet holds them together with a gentle nutty flavor and great texture.
- Mild cheddar cheese or goat cheese: Adds creamy richness and a touch of tanginess, perfect for introducing cheese to your baby.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder keeping all the ingredients perfectly combined.
- Black pepper: A very light seasoning to enhance the overall taste, used sparingly for baby-friendly flavor.
- Olive oil: A light drizzle that helps the tots crisp up beautifully in the airfryer without unnecessary grease.
How to Make 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by adding your finely chopped, steamed cauliflower into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the garlic granules, oat flour, cheese, and black pepper. Crack in the egg and gently fold everything together with a spoon until the mixture is completely combined. It should hold together without feeling too wet or crumbly, which is key for shaping the tots later.
Step 2: Shape the Tots
Using your hands, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and form it into small rounds or little tot shapes. This part is so much fun—allow yourself to get a little messy! Place each tot on a plate, ready for the next step.
Step 3: Airfry to Perfection
Give the tots a very light drizzle of olive oil to encourage crispiness. Preheat your airfryer to 200ºC and cook the tots for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to make sure they achieve a lovely golden brown color without overcooking. The result? Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with gentle flavors.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Once cooked, allow the tots to cool slightly before serving to your baby. Pair them with a mild dip or a small serving of fresh fruit to round out the meal beautifully.
How to Serve 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can be a simple way to brighten up these tots. Consider a tiny sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a touch of color and freshness that complements the cheesy flavor. Remember to keep garnishes baby-friendly and finely chopped to ensure safety.
Side Dishes
To make a well-rounded snack or mini meal, serve these tots alongside baby-friendly options such as soft steamed veggie sticks, mashed avocado, or sweet, juicy strawberries. These sides bring different textures and flavors that will keep your little one interested and encourage exploration of new tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn snack time into a delightful experience by presenting the tots on colorful plates or arranging them in fun shapes like smiley faces. For older toddlers, offering the tots on a small wooden board with little bowls of dips like yogurt or mild hummus encourages finger-feeding and independent eating—a fabulous step in baby led weaning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any tots leftover, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. This keeps them fresh and ready to reheat when you need a quick, wholesome snack for your baby or even yourself.
Freezing
These cauliflower and cheese tots freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep for up to 3 months, making them a convenient make-ahead option for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat frozen or refrigerated tots, pop them back into the airfryer at 180ºC for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if possible to retain that lovely crisp texture your little one will love.
FAQs
Can I substitute the oat flour with another type of flour?
Absolutely! You can try using rice flour or gluten-free flour blends if needed, but oat flour gives a naturally mild, slightly sweet flavor and soft texture that’s fantastic for babies.
Is this recipe suitable for babies with dairy allergies?
If dairy is a concern, swapping the cheddar for a mild dairy-free cheese or simply increasing the oat flour and adding a bit more seasoning can work well. Just be sure to consult with your pediatrician.
What is the best age to introduce these tots through baby led weaning?
This recipe is ideal once your baby is confidently handling soft finger foods, typically around 8 months old. Always ensure your baby is supervised while eating.
Can I add other vegetables to the mixture?
Yes! Finely grated carrot or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition and flavor, just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to keep the tots firm.
Is an airfryer necessary, or can I bake these tots in an oven?
You can bake them in a preheated oven at 200ºC for about 12 to 15 minutes. The airfryer speeds up cooking and creates a crispier texture, but oven baking is a great alternative.
Final Thoughts
Trying out the 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots for Baby Led Weaning Recipe is truly a joy, whether you’re nurturing new food adventures or just looking to add a lovely veggie-packed bite to your baby’s menu. They are simple, quick, and satisfyingly delicious, turning healthy eating into a fun and exciting experience. Give this recipe a try and watch your little one delight in every bite!
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: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 8 Minute Airfryer Cauliflower and Cheese Tots are a perfect first food for Baby Led Weaning, combining tender steamed cauliflower with mild cheddar cheese and oat flour for a nutritious, tasty, and easy-to-handle snack. Using the airfryer, they get a delightfully crispy exterior while keeping a soft inside, making them ideal for little hands and palates.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Mixture
- 1 head cauliflower, steamed and finely chopped (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: In a bowl, add the finely chopped steamed cauliflower, garlic granules, oat flour, cheese, egg, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly with a spoon until the mixture is fully combined and holds together well.
- Shape the Tots: Scoop a tablespoonful of the mixture and shape it into rounds or tot shapes using your hands. Place each shaped tot onto a plate.
- Prepare for Cooking: Lightly drizzle a very small amount of olive oil over the shaped tots to promote crispness during cooking.
- Airfry the Tots: Preheat the airfryer to 200ºC (approximately 392ºF). Place the tots in the airfryer basket without overcrowding and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp on the outside.
- Serve: Remove the tots from the airfryer and serve warm with a dip of your choice and a side of strawberries for a balanced and tasty snack.
Notes
- Ensure cauliflower is well drained to prevent soggy tots.
- Oat flour can be made by blending rolled oats until fine.
- Adjust garlic granules to taste or omit for very young babies sensitive to strong flavors.
- Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding in the airfryer for even cooking.
- Use mild cheese suitable for babies, such as mild cheddar or goat cheese.
- Always supervise babies during eating to prevent choking.
