Are you ready to elevate your broccoli game with a dish that’s as simple to make as it is delicious? Introducing charred parmesan broccoli—crispy, flavorful, and made effortlessly in your air fryer. This dish is not just a side; it’s a versatile superstar that can stand proud as a main course or even a tasty snack. With the nutty flavor of parmesan, a hint of balsamic zing, and the perfect crunch, this broccoli creation will have everyone begging for seconds. Best of all, it’s quick, budget-friendly, and requires minimal prep. Join us as we dive into this mouth-watering recipe that turns an everyday vegetable into a culinary delight!
Preparation and Ingredients
The beauty of this charred parmesan broccoli recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to pull off this masterpiece. Everything begins with the humble broccoli, transformed into a dish that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is deliciously satisfying.
To start, consider the preparation of broccoli, which is crucial to ensure even cooking. You’ll need two medium-to-large heads of broccoli. Stand them up and trim around the core to remove the florets. Ensure each floret is roughly the same size to avoid uneven cooking. If you’ve ever been met with a piece of undercooked broccoli among a bunch of perfectly cooked ones, you’ll understand the importance of this step.
What about the stems? Most of us are guilty of discarding them, but with a bit of trimming, they can be just as delightful as the florets. Remove the woody parts of the stems and peel away the bitter outer layer if you find that unpalatable. The result is tender, nutritious, and ready to be incorporated.
Flavor Infusion
Now, it’s time to infuse some serious flavor into your broccoli. Three cloves of garlic, peeled and transformed into a paste using a microplane, will coat your broccoli beautifully and provide an aromatic base. Grate 20 grams of parmigiano-reggiano cheese freshly, which will act as a delicious crust when cooked. A tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and optional balsamic vinegar—just one tablespoon—will give the broccoli a lovely tang and ensure a rich depth of flavor. Season with salt and about 15 cracks of black pepper to taste. Toss everything together, ensuring that the garlic doesn’t clump and that all florets are coated evenly with the flavorful mixture.
Checklist
- 2 medium-large heads of broccoli
- 3 cloves garlic (made into a paste)
- 20g fresh parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
Once your broccoli is coated, spray a bit of oil into the air fryer basket to prevent sticking, then add in your seasoned broccoli. You might want to scrape some of the leftover seasonings from the bowl into the basket for extra flavor. Set your air fryer to manual cooking mode, adjusting the settings to 190°C (374°F) for about 10 to 12 minutes.
At about the halfway mark, say around 5 to 6 minutes, take a moment to pause and give your broccoli a shake. This ensures even cooking and enhances the crispy textures that the air fryer is perfect for. It’s an opportunity to embody that undeniable joy of air fryer cooking, where a quick shake can make all the difference.
After about 12 minutes, add a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese and give everything a little mix to distribute the melted cheese. Return the broccoli to the air fryer for another 5 minutes to achieve that ultimate charred texture and deep flavor.
Final Touch and Serving
Finally, remove your creation into a mixing bowl. For the finishing touch, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar if you love that added zing, and adorn with a generous sprinkle of sea salt flakes. The result? Crispy, charred parmesan broccoli that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Despite its rustic appearance, this dish is an explosion of flavors and textures. Bite into each floret, and you’ll experience the nutty flavor of parmesan cheese complemented by the slight acidity of the balsamic vinegar—all balanced by the simplicity of salt and pepper.
Whether you’re serving it as an accompanying dish or letting it shine solo, this recipe is sure to become a staple. It’s easy, inexpensive, and impressively tasty—qualities that make it a perfect addition to any meal rotation. So the next time you’re pondering over what to do with broccoli, let this quick air fryer recipe provide the delightful answer. Enjoy the simplicity, and let the flavors speak for themselves. Happy cooking!
