Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy And Full Of Flavour
Looking for a delicious way to make broccoli more exciting? This air fryer cheesy malai broccoli recipe combines tender broccoli with a creamy, spiced yoghurt marinade and a rich cheesy finish. The air fryer gives the florets lightly charred, golden edges while keeping the preparation quick and simple with very little oil. Perfect as a starter, party appetiser or evening snack, this Indian-inspired broccoli recipe is packed with flavour and easy to make at home.
For slightly softer broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for two to three minutes, then immediately transfer them to cold water. Drain thoroughly before preparing the marinade.
Also Read: Air Fryer Brownies: Simple Recipe For Soft And Chocolatey Treats
Add salt according to taste and mix until you have a smooth, creamy marinade.
Add the broccoli florets and gently toss until every piece is well coated. Allow the broccoli to marinate for at least 20 to 30 minutes. For a deeper flavour, you can refrigerate it for longer.
Lightly grease the basket with a small amount of oil. Shake off any excess marinade from the broccoli before placing the florets in the basket.
Arrange them in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece. This allows hot air to circulate properly and helps create lightly crisp edges.
The broccoli should be tender on the inside with slightly charred and golden edges. Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the florets and the air fryer model.
For extra colour and a more pronounced cheesy finish, sprinkle a little grated cheese over the broccoli during the final two minutes.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you are preparing a larger quantity, cook the broccoli in batches.
You can also adjust the spice level according to your preference. Add green chilli paste for extra heat or reduce the chilli powder for a milder version.
This air fryer cheesy malai broccoli can be served with mint chutney as a starter or alongside naan, roti and other Indian dishes as a flavourful side.
Ingredients For Air Fryer Cheesy Malai Broccoli
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup thick Greek yoghurt or hung curd
- ¼ cup grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chilli powder
- ½ teaspoon chaat masala
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon oil
For Garnishing
- Fresh coriander, chopped
- Extra grated cheese
- A squeeze of lemon
How To Make Air Fryer Cheesy Malai Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare The Broccoli
Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly and pat them dry. Cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.For slightly softer broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for two to three minutes, then immediately transfer them to cold water. Drain thoroughly before preparing the marinade.
Also Read: Air Fryer Brownies: Simple Recipe For Soft And Chocolatey Treats
Step 2: Prepare The Malai Marinade
In a large bowl, combine thick yoghurt, cream, grated cheese, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, roasted cumin powder, black pepper, chilli powder, chaat masala and lemon juice.Add salt according to taste and mix until you have a smooth, creamy marinade.
Add the broccoli florets and gently toss until every piece is well coated. Allow the broccoli to marinate for at least 20 to 30 minutes. For a deeper flavour, you can refrigerate it for longer.
Step 3: Preheat The Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to around 180°C for three to five minutes.Lightly grease the basket with a small amount of oil. Shake off any excess marinade from the broccoli before placing the florets in the basket.
You may also like
- Meet Aabid Surti: The 'Water Warrior' who has saved millions of litres by fixing leaking taps for free
- Why people driving through the bridge over Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana, sometimes get so scared that they have to call police midway
- Fake Beauty Products: 1 in 4 are allergic to cosmetics, 40% received fake beauty products
- Why Some Men Choose Hookups Over Real Relationships After Their First Breakup?
- For Gen Z, patriotism doesn't always need a hero
Arrange them in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece. This allows hot air to circulate properly and helps create lightly crisp edges.
Step 4: Air Fry The Broccoli
Cook the cheesy malai broccoli at 180°C for approximately 10 to 14 minutes. Turn or shake the florets halfway through cooking so they brown evenly.The broccoli should be tender on the inside with slightly charred and golden edges. Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the florets and the air fryer model.
For extra colour and a more pronounced cheesy finish, sprinkle a little grated cheese over the broccoli during the final two minutes.
Tips For Perfect Cheesy Malai Broccoli
Use thick yoghurt or hung curd rather than runny yoghurt to prevent the marinade from becoming too watery. Make sure the broccoli is thoroughly dried after washing, as excess moisture can affect the texture.Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you are preparing a larger quantity, cook the broccoli in batches.
You can also adjust the spice level according to your preference. Add green chilli paste for extra heat or reduce the chilli powder for a milder version.
How To Serve Air Fryer Cheesy Malai Broccoli
Serve the broccoli immediately while it is warm and crisp around the edges. Garnish with fresh coriander, grated cheese and a squeeze of lemon.This air fryer cheesy malai broccoli can be served with mint chutney as a starter or alongside naan, roti and other Indian dishes as a flavourful side.
Loving Newspoint? Download the app now
