Introduction
There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming a simple vegetable like broccoli into a gourmet dish that excites the taste buds. This Parmesan-crusted charred broccoli recipe is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. With the broccoli’s natural sweetness enhanced by the rich umami of Parmesan cheese and a hint of balsamic vinegar, this dish is perfect as a side, main course, or a quick snack. Let’s explore the steps to create this culinary delight with minimal effort, using an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 medium to large heads of broccoli
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 20g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Salt
- Cracked black pepper (15 cracks worth)
- Spray oil
- Extra Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and sea salt flakes for finishing
Instructions
Preparation
Stand the broccoli heads up and trim around the core to remove the florets. Ensure all florets are of the same size for even cooking. Trim off the ends of the stems and remove the outer layer if desired. Peel and create a paste from the garlic using a microplane.
Seasoning the Broccoli
Add the garlic paste into a bowl with the broccoli florets. Add 20g of Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the broccoli with the ingredients.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Spray the broccoli with a touch of oil. Transfer into an air fryer. Cook manually for about 10 to 12 minutes at 190°C. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Sprinkle more Parmesan cheese over the broccoli after 12 minutes, mix, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Finishing Touches
Once cooked, transfer the broccoli to a mixing bowl. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and a topping of Parmesan cheese. Season with sea salt flakes.
Conclusion
Your crispy charred Parmesan broccoli is ready to enjoy. Despite its simplicity, this dish offers a fantastic crisp texture and rich nutty flavor from the Parmesan, complemented by the subtle acidity of balsamic vinegar. Perfect as a budget-friendly and delectable recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the crunch and flavor explosion!
