Looking for a quick and easy way to elevate your veggie game? Our charred broccoli recipe is here to save the day! Made effortlessly in the air fryer, these broccoli florets are parmesan-crusted with a hint of balsamic vinegar for that added zing. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, a main meal, or enjoying them as a savory snack, this dish is incredibly versatile and, best of all, satisfying to the taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, follow our simple steps, and prepare for a flavor-packed experience that will leave you craving more. Get ready to transform your ordinary broccoli into an extraordinary culinary delight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 medium to large heads of broccoli
- 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced into a paste
- 20 grams of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
- Spray oil for cooking
- Sea salt flakes for finishing
Preparation Steps
Prepping the Broccoli
- Trim the Broccoli: First, stand the broccoli heads on their heads. Carefully trim around the cores, removing the florets. It’s crucial to ensure that the florets are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Prepare the Stems: Don’t discard the stems! Trim off any woody parts and peel the outer layer if you find it bitter. Again, cut these into pieces similar in size to the florets.
Garlic and Cheese Preparation
- Garlic Paste: Use a microplane to turn the garlic cloves into a paste. This step ensures a more even coating on the broccoli.
- Cheese Grating: Finely grate the Parmesan cheese to maximize its distribution and flavor.
Mixing Everything Together
- Combine Ingredients: Add the broccoli, garlic paste, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with a bit of salt and crack some black pepper over the mix.
- Toss Thoroughly: Mix everything well. Focus on breaking up any clumped garlic and ensuring that the oil, vinegar, and cheese coat every broccoli piece evenly.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Spray the basket with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook: Place the broccoli mixture in the air fryer, making sure to scrape any remaining seasonings from the bowl into the fryer. Set the air fryer to 190°C and cook for about 10-12 minutes.
- Pause and Shake: At the midway point (around 5-6 minutes), pause the cooking to shake the basket. This ensures even cooking and crispy edges.
Final Touches and Serving
- Additional Cheese: After 12 minutes, sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese over the broccoli. Return it to the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and crisp slightly.
- Finishing Touches: Once done, transfer the broccoli to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a tiny bit more olive oil and balsamic vinegar if you wish. Finish with a sprinkling of sea salt flakes for an extra burst of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: With minimal preparation and cooking time, this recipe is perfect for a quick meal fix.
- Versatility: These broccoli florets can be a snack, a side, or even a main course. Pair them with grilled proteins or mix them into pasta for a wholesome meal.
- Flavor: The combination of nutty Parmesan and tangy balsamic gives the broccoli a unique flavor profile that’s sure to delight.
- Healthiness: Air frying reduces the need for excessive oil, keeping the dish light yet flavorful.
With this recipe, not only are you treating yourself to a delicious dish, but you’re also incorporating a nutritious vegetable into your diet in an exciting way. Whether you’re a longtime broccoli lover or new to the cruciferous crew, this mouthwatering preparation will have you reaching for seconds—maybe even thirds! So don’t wait any longer; grab your ingredients and your air fryer, and let the cooking fun begin.
