Introduction
Using an air fryer to make charred broccoli offers a delightful twist to this nutritious vegetable, making it both a treat for your taste buds and a breeze to prepare. This method not only enhances the natural flavors of broccoli with a nice char but also adds a delicious parmesan crust that elevates the dish to a whole new level of yumminess. Here’s how you can make this simple yet flavorful dish, perfect as a snack, side dish, or even the main attraction of your meal.
Preparation
Start by preparing your broccoli. You’ll need two medium to large-sized heads of broccoli. Stand them upright, and carefully cut around the core to separate the florets. They should be roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly, so take the time to cut them into uniform pieces, whether halves or quarters. Don’t discard the stems; trim off the woody parts, and they can be used as well, provided they are of similar size to the florets.
Next, prepare three cloves of garlic. The best way to do this is to peel them and run them through a microplaner to create a fine paste. A garlic paste coats the broccoli more effectively than chopped garlic, ensuring even flavor distribution.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets and stems with the garlic paste. Add 20 grams of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For a touch of flavor depth, include a tablespoon each of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The balsamic vinegar is optional, but it adds a lovely tangy note that complements the nutty flavor of the parmesan. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and 15 cracks of freshly ground black pepper.
Mix everything thoroughly until the broccoli is evenly coated. Pay special attention to breaking up any clumps of garlic, and make sure the olive oil, vinegar, and cheese are evenly distributed over the broccoli.
Cooking
Once your broccoli is well-seasoned, add a light spray of oil to prevent sticking, then transfer it to your air fryer basket. It’s time for the magic to happen.
Set your air fryer to manual cooking mode at 190°C, with a double fan if available, and cook the broccoli for 10 to 12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, pause the air fryer to shake the basket. This step is crucial as it redistributes the broccoli, ensuring that each piece cooks evenly and gets that desirable crispy char.
After the initial cooking period, sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese over the top (the amount is up to your preference), give it a gentle mix, and return it to the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes. This extra step adds an irresistible layer of melty, cheesy goodness.
Finishing Touches
When the time is up, transfer the crispy charred broccoli into a mixing bowl. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and top with more Parmesan cheese. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for a touch of savory crunch.
Conclusion
The end result is a side dish that packs a punch of flavor: crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, with the added nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese and the acidity of balsamic vinegar. This charred broccoli may not win a beauty contest, but it will definitely win over your taste buds.
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking or even swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of this dish make it a staple you’ll come back to time and again.
The air fryer truly transforms the texture of the broccoli, producing a crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender inner part. This technique brings out a natural sweetness in the broccoli, which pairs perfectly with the salty Parmesan and optional balsamic vinegar.
This dish is not only easy and quick but also healthy and delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack, a side, or a main course, it’s bound to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
