Introduction
Welcome to our culinary corner where simplicity meets flavor! Today, we’re diving into a delightfully easy and delicious recipe—charred broccoli in the air fryer, with a parmesan crust and a hint of balsamic vinegar. This versatile dish can serve as a side, a main, or a snack, and is sure to elevate any meal with its crispy texture and nutty flavor explosion. With minimal prep and accessible ingredients, you’re just minutes away from a new family favorite. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- Two medium to large-sized heads of broccoli
- Three cloves of garlic
- 20 grams of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- One tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- One tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
- A touch of spray oil
- Additional Parmesan and sea salt flakes for finishing
Preparation Steps
To begin your journey toward creating this delectable Parmesan Crusted Broccoli, you’ll first need to gather your ingredients. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity, both in ingredients and preparation. Here’s your checklist for success:
Prepping the Broccoli
Stand the broccoli heads upright and trim around the core to remove the florets. It’s crucial to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. You can halve or quarter them, but uniformity is key.
Once the florets are trimmed, turn your attention to the stems. Trim off the woody ends, as they can be tough and unpalatable. For the remaining stem, some prefer to peel away the outer layer due to its bitterness, while others use it all. The choice is yours, but remember: consistency in size is your ally for uniform cooking.
Garlic and Seasoning
Next, let’s focus on the garlic—it’s the aromatic base that will enhance our broccoli. You have two options: either peel and run the cloves along a microplane to create a paste or chop them finely. Making a paste is recommended as it adheres better to the broccoli, ensuring a more even distribution of flavor.
Now comes the fun part: assembling the ingredients for seasoning. Combine the garlic paste, grated Parmesan, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and cracked black pepper in a bowl with the broccoli. The balsamic vinegar is optional, yet it introduces a delightful acidity that balances the richness of the cheese.
Cooking the Broccoli
With everything well-mixed, it’s time to transfer your broccoli mixture into the air fryer. Set your air fryer to manual cooking mode at 190° C and cook for a total of 10 to 12 minutes. At about the 6-minute mark, pause the air fryer and give the basket a good shake to ensure even cooking. It’s a ritual every air fryer owner knows well—embracing the shake for those perfectly crisp and evenly cooked results.
After the initial cooking time, sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese over the top and return the mixture to the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes. This step not only melts the cheese for an extra crispy layer but also enhances the flavor profile of the broccoli.
Final Touches
Once the cooking time is complete, transfer your beautifully charred broccoli to a mixing bowl. For the finishing touch, drizzle a little more extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top. Add more freshly grated Parmesan and a pinch of sea salt flakes to taste.
What you’re left with is a dish that might not win any beauty contests, but whose flavors are sure to delight. The crispy texture and nutty flavor of the broccoli, combined with the tangy balsamic vinegar and savory parmesan, create a truly mouth-watering experience. And the best part? It’s quick, easy, and affordable.
Conclusion
This dish serves as a testament to the saying that the simplest ingredients, when treated with care and respect, can create the most delicious results. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side, main dish, or a quick snack, this charred broccoli is bound to become a favorite for anyone who tries it.
In conclusion, this Parmesan Crusted Charred Broccoli recipe is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. It’s a straightforward yet flavorful dish that can be adapted to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings or toppings to make it your own.
Enjoy this easy and delectable air fryer recipe as part of a balanced meal or as a stand-alone treat. Happy cooking, and may your culinary adventures be as rewarding as your taste buds demand! Before you know it, this dish will be a staple at your dining table, savored and celebrated by friends and family alike.
