Air-Fried Broccoli And Cheese: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer broccoli and cheese is a quick, easy, and delicious side dish. It's a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, and the addition of cheese takes this dish to the next level. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend, to find your preferred flavour. This dish is also versatile, as you can add other ingredients like chicken, bacon, or vegetables to customise it to your liking. The air fryer ensures that the broccoli is cooked to perfection, with crispy edges and a tender texture.

Choosing the right type of broccoli

Selecting Fresh Broccoli:

Start by choosing fresh, high-quality broccoli. Look for broccoli with tight, compact florets that are vibrant green in colour. Avoid broccoli with yellow florets or a dull appearance, as this may indicate that it is past its prime. Fresh broccoli will give you the best results in terms of texture and flavour.

Choosing the Right Size:

When cutting your broccoli into bite-sized pieces, aim for uniformity in size. This ensures that your broccoli cooks evenly in the air fryer. Cut the broccoli into equal-sized pieces, including the stems if you prefer to use them. The size of the florets matters because smaller florets may cook too quickly and become mushy, while larger ones may require a bit more time to crisp up.

Florets vs. Stems:

While you can use both the florets and stems of broccoli in your air fryer, most recipes recommend using just the florets for more even cooking. If you do use the stems, make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as the florets. The stems take longer to cook, so keeping them in larger pieces can lead to uneven cooking.

Frozen vs. Fresh Broccoli:

Although fresh broccoli is ideal, you can also use frozen broccoli in your air fryer. Keep in mind that frozen broccoli will result in a softer, mushier texture and may not get as crispy as fresh broccoli. If using frozen broccoli, avoid thawing it beforehand, as this will make it even softer. Simply add a minute or two to the cooking time to ensure it's cooked through.

Storing Broccoli:

To ensure your broccoli stays fresh until you're ready to use it, store it properly. Broccoli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week if kept dry and placed in a ventilated bag or container. This will help maintain its crispness and flavour.

Remember, the key to choosing the right broccoli for your air fryer is to select fresh, high-quality broccoli with uniform-sized florets. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and crispy air-fried broccoli!

Preparing the broccoli

Firstly, you'll want to start with fresh broccoli. While you can use frozen broccoli, it won't get as crispy due to its higher moisture content. So, opt for fresh broccoli if possible. You'll just need the broccoli florets for this recipe. Remove any long stalks and save them for another use, such as making broccoli rice. Cut the florets into bite-sized pieces, aiming for uniform sizes to promote even cooking. You can also buy pre-cut florets, but be sure to trim any long stems for the best results.

Next, place the broccoli florets into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle a couple of tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over the broccoli. Don't skimp on the oil, as it helps the broccoli cook evenly and prevents burning. Use your hands or a spoon to distribute the oil evenly, coating each floret.

Now it's time to season the broccoli. A simple combination of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper works well. You can also add other dry seasonings like cumin, red chilli flakes, or Italian seasoning. Give the broccoli a good toss to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed and coat all the nooks and crannies of each floret.

Once your broccoli is prepared, it's ready to go into the air fryer. Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each floret. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will cause the broccoli to steam instead of crisping up. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Now you're ready to start cooking! Set your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 390°F, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the broccoli, and give the basket a shake or flip halfway through to ensure even cooking on all sides. If you prefer your broccoli on the softer side, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking to create a steaming effect.

That's it! Your broccoli is now ready to be topped with cheese and cooked for a further minute or so until the cheese is melted. Follow the rest of your recipe, and enjoy your delicious air fryer broccoli and cheese!

Adding cheese

There are several ways to add cheese to your air fryer broccoli. You can use shredded cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses, and sprinkle it on top of the broccoli before or after cooking. You can also create a cheese sauce by mixing shredded cheese with other ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and butter, and pouring it over the broccoli before air frying.

Sprinkling Cheese on Top

If you want to sprinkle cheese on top of your air fryer broccoli, here's what you can do:

• Choose a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Gouda, Swiss, or Monterey Jack to change the flavor profile.
• Shred the cheese yourself for the best melting results. Pre-shredded packaged cheese may not melt as evenly.
• Follow the basic steps to cook your broccoli in the air fryer. Cut the broccoli into evenly sized bite-sized pieces, coat them with oil and seasonings, and air fry at 350°F to 390°F for 7 to 10 minutes, tossing or shaking halfway through.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the broccoli during the last minute of cooking. This will allow the cheese to melt over the broccoli.
• Alternatively, you can sprinkle the cheese on the hot broccoli after it's been cooked and tossed in a bowl. This will still give you delicious cheesy broccoli!

Pouring Cheese Sauce Over Broccoli

If you want to make a cheese sauce to pour over your broccoli before air frying, here's a simple recipe:

• Start with some broccoli florets, washed and dried.
• In a bowl, mix together 8 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese, 1/4 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon of cracked pepper. You can also add other ingredients like cooked chicken or bacon for a heartier dish.
• In a separate bowl, mix together 3/4 cups of crushed Ritz crackers and 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
• Add your broccoli to a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water and microwave for a few minutes to steam the broccoli.
• Remove the broccoli from the microwave, drain the water, and add the cream cheese mixture to the bowl. Stir well to combine.
• Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into a baking pan and spread it evenly.
• Sprinkle the cracker and butter mixture on top of the broccoli and cheese.
• Place the baking pan into the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 10 minutes, then uncover and cook for an additional 5 minutes to make the topping golden brown and crunchy.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, seasonings, and toppings to create your own unique cheesy air fryer broccoli!

Cooking methods and timings

To make broccoli and cheese in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients: broccoli, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cheese. You can also add other seasonings like thyme, red pepper flakes, or soy sauce to taste.

Firstly, cut the broccoli into evenly-sized bite-sized florets. Try to keep the florets on the larger side, as smaller pieces may burn before the stalks are tender. Place the broccoli florets into a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Use your hands to ensure the broccoli is well-coated, paying particular attention to the tops of the florets. Then, add your desired seasonings to the bowl and toss the broccoli until it is evenly coated.

Next, place the broccoli into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space around each floret to allow the hot air to circulate. If your air fryer basket is too small to fit all the broccoli in one layer, you may need to cook the broccoli in batches. Set the air fryer temperature to between 350°F and 390°F and cook for 7 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. If you prefer softer broccoli, you can add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to create a steaming effect.

Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, sprinkle your chosen cheese on top and return to the air fryer for a further minute or until the cheese has melted. You can also add other toppings like breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a crunchy texture.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer broccoli and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a snack. It pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as grilled chicken, steak, or pasta. Here are some specific serving suggestions:

• Serve it as a side dish with steak or any other main course.
• Add it to a grain bowl or noodle bowl. For example, toss it into Cashew Broccoli Soba Noodles, Sesame Soba Noodles, or a Veggie Power Bowl.
• Make your own bowl by using a base of quinoa, brown or white rice, and add the broccoli with a protein like air fryer tofu or baked tempeh.
• Serve it with a punchy sauce on top, such as gochujang sauce, peanut sauce, or sesame ginger dressing.
• Sprinkle some red pepper flakes for heat or top it with toasted sesame seeds for crunch.
• For an Indian-inspired dish, season with ground cumin or curry powder.
• For extra umami, add a touch of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
• Make it spicy with chipotle or cayenne powder, or drizzle some sriracha hot sauce on top.
• Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, parmesan, feta, goat cheese, blue cheese, or freshly grated parmesan.
• Serve it as a snack—kids will love it!

Frequently asked questions