Looking for a simple and crunchy way to rescue that nearly forgotten broccoli hiding in the back of your fridge? Look no further! This air fryer broccoli recipe is bound to win you over completely!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- This recipe is not only healthy and delicious but also wonderfully crispy.
- With just 20 minutes of prep time and another 10 minutes in the air fryer, it’s ready to enjoy.
- Plus, it requires only 4 simple ingredients.
- This crispy dish offers a unique approach to introducing vegetables to picky eaters, both young and old, who might be held captive by children’s taste preferences.
Ingredients For the Air fryer Broccoli
Broccoli: This vegetable takes center stage in the recipe. Not only is it packed with fiber, vitamins, and numerous health benefits, but its texture and flavor also make it an ideal choice for lunches, dinners, and even as a nutritious snack. When selecting broccoli for this recipe, opt for specimens that are vibrant green, with tightly closed florets and firm stalks.
Grated cheese: Cheese plays a crucial role in this air fryer broccoli recipe, adding an extra crunchiness and enhancing the dish’s overall flavor. You can opt for any cheese that can be grated; in this instance, I used mozzarella.
Olive oil: Olive oil serves to prevent the broccoli from drying out and helps the cheese adhere to the broccoli as we coat it.
Salt and seasoning: These are the essentials! While I stuck with salt and thyme, feel free to get creative with your seasoning choices. Paprika, black pepper, and oregano are all excellent options for this recipe.
You can find the exact quantities of each ingredient in the step-by-step instructions below and on the printable recipe card provided at the end of the article.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Broccoli in the Airfryer (With Images)
Step 1
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, seasoning to your preference, and salt to taste. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Step 2
Slice 1/2 head of broccoli into small florets. The key is to ensure they’re small enough to achieve a soft interior and crispy exterior, but not so tiny that they lose their structure. Add the broccoli florets to the bowl containing the spices and olive oil mixture. Stir until each floret is evenly coated, observing a glossy appearance due to the oil.
Step 3
On a plate or in a shallow dish, place 1/2 cup of grated cheese. Take one piece of broccoli at a time and roll it in the cheese, ensuring it’s coated on all sides. It’s perfectly fine if there’s cheese left over; you can always incorporate it into the recipe later.
Step 4
Arrange the coated broccoli pieces in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece to prevent sticking. If you have any remaining grated cheese, sprinkle it over the broccoli in the air fryer basket.
Step 5
Place the prepared broccoli in the air fryer and cook at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. Remember to flip the pieces halfway through using silicone tongs or a spatula to avoid scratching the air fryer basket. At the 10-minute mark, the broccoli will be soft with a slight crunchiness, while extending the cooking time to 12 minutes will yield super crunchy yet slightly less tender pieces. Remarkably, just an additional 2 minutes in the air fryer can significantly impact the final texture. Since each appliance varies, it’s advisable to monitor the cooking process to prevent overcooking.
How to Store Air Fryer Broccoli in the Fridge
Don’t toss out any leftovers! Simply follow the steps outlined below, and you’ll have tasty broccoli ready to enjoy in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Allow the leftover broccoli to cool completely.
- Opt for a container with a secure seal, like a jar or an airtight bag, preferably one with minimal empty space inside.
- Store the broccoli in the fridge, avoiding placing it on the door for optimal freshness.
How to Reheat Broccoli with Cheese in the Airfryer
Reheat in the airfryer: preheat the airfryer to 180 degrees and leave for 2 – 4 minutes.
Reheat in the oven: bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees in a non-stick pan or one lined with baking paper until the broccoli is crispy again.
Reheating in the microwave: although it’s not my favorite way of reheating this recipe, as it it may not maintain the crispiness as effectively, it is a practicle option. Microwave the broccoli in a dish with a teaspoon of water for 25-45 seconds (microwave times may vary).
What to serve with broccoli
Tahini Sauce With Garlic and Lemon: this tahini dressing is great as an addition to a full dish or even when you decide to enjoy this crunchy broccoli as a snack.
Healthy burger: vegetables + protein = deliciously healthy meal. This burger recipe, although also widely used for a fit snack, is delicious accompanied by vegetables, sources of carbohydrates and so on.
Rice: this is that simple and tasty side dish that you can never go wrong with.
Keto mug cake: Who says you can’t finish off your meal with a dessert as healthy as this broccoli? This mug cake is an excellent option and requires just a few ingredients.
Air Fryer Broccoli With Cheese Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 broccoli
- 1/2 cup grated cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and seasoning to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- Begin by cutting the broccoli into small florets.
- Next, in a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, salt, and your preferred seasoning.
- Toss the broccoli in the mixture until each piece is evenly coated and glistening.
- Individually dip each broccoli floret into grated cheese.
- Place the coated broccoli in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer.
- Air fry at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
NOTES
10 minutes in the airfryer will leave the broccoli soft and slightly crunchy, 12 minutes will leave it super crunchy and not too soft (yes, 2 minutes in the airfryer can make a big difference).
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