Perfectly Crisp: Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Broccoli with a Balsamic Twist
Cooking with an air fryer can be an exciting and healthy way to prepare your meals, and charred broccoli with parmesan and balsamic vinegar is a perfect example of how versatile and delicious air fryer recipes can be. This dish balances the crispiness of air-fried broccoli with the rich flavors of parmesan cheese and the tangy zest of balsamic vinegar, creating a truly satisfying experience whether you enjoy it as a side dish, a main course, or a snack.
Preparation
To start, it’s crucial to understand the selection and preparation of the broccoli. For this recipe, you need medium to large-sized broccoli heads. These should be trimmed into evenly sized florets to ensure that they cook uniformly.
When cutting the broccoli, remember to stand them up on their heads and trim around the core, focusing on achieving consistent size. This uniformity in size is critical because it promotes even cooking, preventing some pieces from becoming overcooked while others remain underdone.
In addition to the florets, don’t neglect the broccoli stems. Though often discarded, they can be delicious if prepared correctly. Begin by trimming off the woody ends and peeling away the bitter outer layer, if preferred. Cut the stems into consistent sizes to match your florets, ensuring they cook at the same rate.
Garlic and Cheese
Garlic is a key ingredient in this recipe and is best prepared by creating a paste. While chopping is an option, using a microplane to turn the cloves into a paste enhances the flavor distribution, allowing the garlic to coat the broccoli more thoroughly. This step maximizes the garlic’s contribution to the dish’s overall flavor profile.
With your broccoli and garlic ready, the next step is to combine them with freshly grated parmesan cheese. About 20 grams of parmesan should suffice, but this can be adjusted to your liking. Adding a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar will provide depth and a slight tang. While the balsamic vinegar is optional, it elevates the dish with an extra layer of flavor.
Seasoning and Air Frying
Seasoning comes next. A pinch of salt along with some cracked black pepper – about 15 cracks’ worth – will enhance the natural flavors of the broccoli and complement the parmesan cheese. Once all these ingredients are combined in a bowl, mix them well to ensure every floret is coated with this delicious mixture.
Before cooking, spray a little oil over the prepared broccoli to help them achieve that desired crispness. Now, it’s time to place your broccoli into the air fryer. Set it to manual cooking mode at around 190°C and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. At the halfway mark of approximately five to six minutes, pause the cooking process and give the basket a good shake. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
Finishing Touches
After the initial cooking time, sprinkle some additional parmesan over the broccoli and return it to the air fryer for a few more minutes. This extra step gives the cheese time to melt and create a slightly crispy cheese layer on the surface of the broccoli.
Once your broccoli is perfectly cooked and charred, transfer it to a mixing bowl. For the finishing touches, drizzle a little more extra virgin olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar over the top. Top with a generous helping of parmesan and a few flakes of sea salt for that final flavor boost.
Conclusion
What you now have is a delectable dish of crispy, charred parmesan broccoli that is as delicious as it is nutritious. With its nutty flavor and satisfying crunch, this dish is sure to become a favorite. The balsamic vinegar adds a delightful acidity, beautifully complementing the richness of the parmesan and the earthy tones of the broccoli.
This air fryer broccoli recipe is not just easy to make but also cost-effective, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it to guests, making it for a family dinner, or simply enjoying it as a solo snack, this dish promises to please.
Embrace the simplicity and flavor of this air fryer charred broccoli recipe and enjoy a dish that is as pleasing to your taste buds as it is easy on your budget.
