Parmesan-Crusted Delight: Perfectly Charred Broccoli in the Air Fryer
Broccoli, often overshadowed in the vegetable aisle, deserves its moment in the spotlight. This charred broccoli recipe, enhanced with the rich flavors of Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar, brings a new life to this humble green. The air fryer, known for its efficiency in cooking, adds a deliciously crispy texture to the broccoli that will have you coming back for more. Whether used as a side dish, a main course, or simply as a nutritious snack, this dish is versatile and easy to customize. Here’s how you can create this simple yet flavor-packed dish right in your kitchen.
Preparation
First, begin with the main ingredient – broccoli. Choose two medium to large heads of broccoli for this recipe. Stand them upright and trim the florets around the core. The key to perfect cooking is ensuring the florets are of similar size. This uniformity allows them to cook evenly, giving each bite the perfect amount of charred flavor. Don’t forget about the stems, which are often overlooked. Trim off the woody ends, peeling off the bitter outer layer if preferred, and cut them to match the size of the florets.
Garlic and Seasoning
Next, prepare the garlic paste. While you can chop garlic cloves, creating a paste from three cloves using a microplane ensures an even coating on the broccoli. This paste will infuse the broccoli with a full-bodied garlic flavor, enriching the overall taste of the dish.
Once the broccoli and garlic are ready, move on to the seasoning. Grate 20 grams of fresh Parmesan cheese and have one tablespoon each of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar ready. The vinegar is optional, adding a tangy twist that complements the nutty cheese. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper—about 15 cracks worth—to season the broccoli thoroughly.
Mixing and Air Frying
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, including the garlic paste, grated Parmesan, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well, ensuring the garlic doesn’t clump and that the oil and vinegar are evenly distributed. This mixture should coat the broccoli thoroughly, infusing it with flavor before it hits the air fryer.
Prepare your air fryer by setting it to manual cooking mode. Set the temperature to 190°C and the timer for 10 to 12 minutes. Add a touch of spray oil to the air fryer basket and transfer the seasoned broccoli into the air fryer, ensuring to scrape in all the flavorful bits from the bowl.
Finishing Touches
After 5 to 6 minutes of cooking, pause the air fryer. Give the basket a gentle shake—an essential step for air fryer cooking to ensure even cooking. Return the basket to the fryer and resume cooking for another 5 to 6 minutes.
Once the initial cooking phase is complete, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the broccoli, mixing lightly to distribute the cheese. Return the basket to the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese, enhancing the dish’s rich, cheesy flavor.
The Final Product
Upon completion, transfer the broccoli into a mixing bowl. For the finishing touch, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and a final dusting of Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle sea salt flakes for an extra burst of flavor.
The result is a batch of crispy, charred Parmesan broccoli that is not only a feast to the eyes but also a delight to the taste buds. The interplay of textures and flavors—crunchy broccoli, nutty Parmesan, and the subtle acidity of balsamic vinegar—makes every bite a culinary delight.
Enjoyment and Versatility
The ease of preparation, coupled with the scrumptious taste, makes this dish a perfect choice for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, requiring only a few ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
Whether enjoyed alone or as part of a meal, charred Parmesan broccoli made in the air fryer is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. One bite of this vegetable turned culinary masterpiece, and you’ll understand why it’s quickly becoming a household favorite.
So when you’re next on the lookout for a new dish to try, remember this recipe. It’s not just about cooking broccoli; it’s about transforming it into something exciting. Embrace the simplicity and let the air fryer do the magic, turning ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish.
