Do you ever crave a quick, delicious, and satisfying dish that can be whipped up with minimal effort? Look no further than our Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Broccoli! This crispy, nutty delight is elevated with hints of balsamic vinegar, turning your everyday broccoli into a scrumptious treat. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a main course, this versatile recipe is as easy on the wallet as it is on the taste buds. With just a few ingredients and an air fryer, you can create a dish that will impress both family and friends. Dive into this blog to discover the simple steps to making this mouthwatering broccoli, and get ready to add a new favorite to your culinary repertoire!
Preparation and Ingredients
Broccoli, often relegated to the role of a sidekick on our plates, has a chance to shine in this Parmesan crusted air fryer recipe. By giving it a crispy texture and rich flavor, broccoli transforms into a dish worthy of center stage. Using just a few ingredients, you’ll embark on a culinary journey that promises a delightful bite every time.
Prepping the Broccoli
Let’s start with the basics—prepping the broccoli. You’ll need two medium to large heads, but before you begin chopping, ensure they are thoroughly washed. Then, stand them up on their heads and trim around the core to remove the florets. It’s crucial to cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to getting that perfect char in the air fryer. Once your florets are trimmed, don’t discard the stems just yet.
Often overlooked, broccoli stems can be a delicious part of your dish. Trim the woody ends and, if desired, peel the outer layer. This step is optional, as some find the outer layer bitter, but feel free to use the entire stem. Cut the stems to match the size of your florets, ensuring uniformity throughout the dish.
Adding Flavor with Garlic and Cheese
Garlic adds a quintessential depth of flavor to your broccoli. Use three cloves and either run them along a microplane for a paste-like consistency or finely chop them. Creating a paste is recommended as it coats the broccoli evenly, ensuring each piece gets an ample amount of that robust garlic flavor.
Once your prep is complete, it’s time to mix. Place the broccoli in a bowl and add the garlic paste, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. The vinegar is optional and can be adjusted to your taste preference, adding a tangy balance to the crisp, nutty parmesan.
Seasoning is Key
Now, season your mix with salt and a good 15 cracks of black pepper. Be generous with the pepper; it elevates the overall flavor with its sharp hints. Stir everything together, making sure the garlic and cheese are well distributed, and every floret gets a touch of the flavorful dressing.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
With the mixture ready, it’s time to let the air fryer work its magic. Give your fryer basket a light spray of oil, then add in the broccoli. Spread it out evenly in the basket to ensure as much char as possible. Set the air fryer to manual, cooking for about 10 to 12 minutes at 190°C. The double fan setting is essential for an even cook.
Halfway through cooking, it’s time for the famous “air fryer shake.” Pause the fryer and give the basket a good shake. This not only redistributes the broccoli but also promotes even browning. Make sure nothing falls out as you do this; we don’t want any casualties on the kitchen floor.
Final Touches
Once your charred broccoli is done, it’s time for the finishing touches. Open the air fryer and sprinkle a little more Parmesan on top. The cheese will melt slightly, adding an extra layer of flavor. If desired, cook the broccoli for an additional five minutes to get that perfect balance of crunch and melt.
Transfer the broccoli to a mixing bowl and drizzle a little more extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar if you wish. Finish with a touch of sea salt flakes, which add both flavor and texture to the dish.
And there you have it—crispy, charred parmesan broccoli. While it might not win any beauty contests, one bite, and you’ll be hooked. The crisp texture combined with the nutty, cheesy flavor and the tang of balsamic is simply irresistible.
Conclusion
This straightforward recipe underscores the beauty of simplicity in cooking. It’s a dish that delights without being fussy or complicated. As you savor each bite, you’re bound to appreciate how a few humble ingredients can create something so satisfying.
So, whether you’re serving it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoying it as a stand-alone snack, air fryer broccoli is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s healthy, budget-friendly, and most importantly—delicious.
Remember to experiment with variations by adding different herbs or spices to make it your own. Perhaps some chili flakes for heat or a squeeze of lemon for a fresh kick. The possibilities are endless, and with an air fryer, you’ll find it hard to resist making this recipe again and again.
Enjoy the ease and flavor of this delightful air fryer dish, and let your culinary creativity take flight!
