If you’re craving a dish that’s both simple to make and bursting with flavor, look no further than our charred broccoli in the air fryer. Coated in a delectable crust of parmesan and lightly accented with a touch of balsamic vinegar, this versatile recipe can transform into a side dish, main dish, or even a stand-alone snack. Perfect for any occasion and incredibly adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand, this dish promises an explosion of flavors with every bite. Join us as we guide you through creating this crispy, nutty delight that will soon become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Preparation
The process of making charred broccoli in the air fryer begins with minimal yet essential preparation. You’ll need two medium to large heads of broccoli to start. Begin by standing them upright and trimming around the core to remove the florets. Ensuring uniformity in size is crucial as it allows for even cooking. Depending on the size you prefer, cut them in halves or quarters. Take the leftover stems, trim off the woody ends, and discard them, as they don’t contribute to the desired flavor or texture.
Once you have your broccoli florets prepared, you need to consider the stems. Remove some of the outer layers because they tend to be bitter, or you can use them entirely if you find no issue with the taste, ensuring they’re cut to match the size of the florets.
Preparing the Garlic
The next step involves preparing the garlic. You will need three cloves, peeled, and to best integrate the flavor, run them along a microplane to create a paste. This ensures the garlic coats the broccoli effectively, making each piece flavorful. Optionally, if you don’t have a microplane, you can finely chop the garlic, although it might not adhere as well.
Flavoring the Broccoli
Once the broccoli and garlic are prepped, it’s time to flavor them. Add the garlic paste to the broccoli, followed by 20 grams of freshly grated parmesan cheese. The combination of these two ingredients is what creates that savory crust that makes this dish so irresistible.
Next, add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. This ingredient not only adds a rich flavor but also assists in creating that perfect charred texture. Then, add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. While this ingredient is optional, it adds a beautiful acidity that complements the nuttiness of the parmesan and the earthiness of the broccoli.
Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. About 15 cranks of the peppermill should suffice, but you can adjust this to taste. When all the ingredients are in, start mixing them thoroughly. Your aim is to ensure the garlic is broken down and evenly distributed, coating each floret with the olive oil, cheese, and balsamic vinegar.
Once everything is well-mixed, you might want to lightly spray some additional oil to ensure the broccoli achieves a nice golden-brown char in the air fryer. This step is optional but recommended if you’re looking for that perfect crisp.
Cooking Instructions
Transfer the seasoned broccoli into the air fryer. Set the temperature to 190°C and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Here’s where the magic happens: the air fryer’s high heat and circulating air crisps up the broccoli, giving it that mouth-watering charred exterior.
Halfway through cooking, after about 5 to 6 minutes, pause the cycle, open the fryer, and give it a good shake. This simple action ensures even cooking and prevents any pieces from sticking to one another.
After 12 minutes, open the air fryer and sprinkle a little more parmesan cheese over the broccoli. This step not only enhances the flavor but also adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness. Once more, mix the broccoli slightly to spread the cheese evenly.
Pop the basket back in the fryer for an additional 5 minutes. This final cooking time allows the parmesan to melt and create a delightful golden crust over each floret.
Serving Suggestions
Once done, transfer the broccoli into a mixing bowl. Add a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar for added richness and flavor depth. A sprinkle of more parmesan cheese, because who could resist more cheese, and finally, a touch of sea salt flakes to finish.
Your charred broccoli is now ready to be served! The end result is a visually unassuming dish but packed with incredible flavor. The crispy, nutty texture of the parmesan crust combined with the slight tang from the balsamic creates an explosion of flavors.
This dish is not just easy and quick to make, but it’s affordable and adaptable. You can easily swap ingredients based on your preference, such as adding a hint of chili for spice or incorporating lemon zest for freshness.
Remember, cooking is about creativity and making the dish your own. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a main course, or a nourishing snack, this air fryer charred broccoli will impress anyone lucky enough to try it.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your parmesan-crusted creation!
