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    Home » Air fryer Recipes » Air Fryer Vegetarian

    Air fryer Broccoli | Malai Broccoli in Air fryer

    Published: May 25, 2020 · Modified: Nov 26, 2022 by Rachna ·

    Jump to Recipe
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    This is a delicious cheesy or malai broccoli recipe appetizer that is perfectly browned outside and soft and tasty inside.

    It has marinated broccoli in a cheesy, spicy marinade for fingerlicking taste.

    This easy to make recipe is moderately spicy. It can be replicated with cauliflower. You can make the same recipe in an oven as well.

    Broccoli is a vegetable that is often not liked but is extremely healthy and nutritious.

    I guarantee you that this recipe will be loved by both kids and adults alike.

    Tasty air fried cheesy broccoli on a black platter with a mayo dip.

    How to Make the Perfect Cheesy Broccoli

    Fresh Broccoli: Nice fresh broccoli florets are the star of this recipe. Choose good ones.

    Marinade: The marinade here is yogurt or cashew yogurt and cheese/vegan cream cheese along with spices. For healthier version, skip cheese. You can vary the spices and their quantities as per your need. This recipe uses Indian spices but feel free to substitute them.

    This broccoli recipe in Indian marinade gives the broccoli a lovely cheesy flavour.

    Airfrying: Air frying really makes the broccoli delectable without using any extra oil.

    Can I Make a Simple Roasted Broccoli

    Yes, you can. Just toss your broccoli florets in 1 tbsp. olive oil with seasonings like pepper, salt, garlic powder, oregano with some parmesan cheese and Air fry at 180 C or 360 F for just 8 minutes till crisp.

    Serve hot.

    Try this really simple recipe of cheesy broccoli. Don't forget to check out the video for the recipe.

    Step-by-step Pictures:

    Wash and clean broccoli. Dry and keep the florets aside.

    Large broccoli florets in a bowl

    Make the marinade with the ingredients mentioned. For a healthier version, skip cream cheese/vegan cream cheese and double the Greek yogurt/cashew yogurt.

    You can skip garam masala or use spice of your choice like Italian seasoning, Cajun spice or fajita seasoning.

    Your marinade will be thick in consistency.

    Thick marinade for broccoli with spices

    Add broccoli florets to the marinade.

    Mix well till all the florets are coated with the marinade.

    Marinated broccoli florets in a steel bowl

    Cover and marinate in the fridge for 1-2 hours.

    Marinated broccoli in the Air fryer basket ready for air frying.

    To Air fry Broccoli:

    Preheat Air fryer at 360 F or 180 C for 6 minutes. Spray oil on the air fryer basket.

    Now arrange one layer of marinated broccoli and air fry at 360 F for about 12-14 minutes.

    Your broccoli are done once nicely browned. No need to flip the broccoli midway.

    Also you can use parchment paper to prevent the broccoli pieces sticking to the basket.

    Delicious broccoli air fried in air fryer basket and brown ready to eat.

    Your crispy broccoli in air fryer Indian style is ready to serve.

    Have it hot as an appetizer, side dish or party snack. It is really tasty and reasonably filling.

    Delicious air fried cheesy broccoli on a black platter ready to eat.

    Pro-Tips:

    1. The cooking time will vary depending upon the size of your florets and the kind of your Air fryer
    2. Always check every few minutes when Air frying.
    3. Use parchment paper to prevent the broccoli florets from sticking to the basket.
    4. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the basket so that broccoli gets enough place to cook properly.
    5. You can eliminate the cream cheese (or vegan cream cheese) and use more yogurt (cashew yogurt) if you want the recipe to be healthier.
    6. You can try the same recipe with baby corn or cauliflower.
    7. The recipe is moderately spicy. Feel free to adjust as per your taste.
    8. To make it vegan, use vegan or plant-based yogurt and vegan cream cheese.
    9. Skip dried fenugreek if you can't find it. You can use dried oregano in its place.
    10. You can skip garam masala or use spice mix of your choice like Italian seasoning, Cajun spice in its place.

    Serve malai broccoli with cilantro mint chutney or with any dip of your choice.

    It is pretty tasty just by itself.

    FAQs

    1. How to make this recipe vegan?

    You can use vegan cream cheese and vegan yogurt in the recipe.

    2. Can I make this recipe oil free?

    You surely can. I have only used oil for brushing the basket. You can use a parchment paper and cut it to the shape of the basket. Use it to line your basket and put broccoli on top. This way you can avoid the use of any oil.

    3. How can I replace cheese in this recipe?

    You can double the quantity of Greek yogurt in the recipe and skip cheese.

    4. Can I use homemade curd in place of Greek yogurt?

    Yes you can. You can hang the curd in a muslin cloth and drain off the whey and then use.

    5. What can I use in place of chickpea flour?

    You can use all purpose flour or corn starch

    6. What other vegetables can I use?

    This recipe works well with cauliflower and baby corn.

    7. What goes well with crispy broccoli?

    This is a great appetizer that is wonderful on its own. You can also pair it with a chicken, seafood or tofu side along with some rice or salad for a complete meal.

    8. Can I use frozen broccoli?

    Frozen broccoli may not work very well in this recipe. Fresh broccoli is better.

    9. Can I air fry and store the broccoli?

    This recipe tastes crispy and best when had fresh.

    Here's the recipe card:

    Air fryer Broccoli | Air fryer Malai Broccoli Indian Recipe

    Rachna Parmar
    This delicious Air fryer Brocolli is among the sought after Indian broccoli recipes It is a delicious appetizer or side dish recipe. Vegan alternatives are given.
    4.87 from 30 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 14 mins
    Marination time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 19 mins
    Course Accompaniment | Appetizer
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 4
    Calories 189 kcal

    Equipment

    • Air fryer

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 head broccoli

    Marinade

    • ½ cup Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt eg. cashew or peanut. You can use thick Indian curd too.
    • ½ cup cream cheese or vegan cream cheese
    • 2 tsp. ginger garlic paste or garlic powder and ginger powder
    • 1 tsp. paprika or Kashmiri red chilli powder
    • ½ tsp. garam masala powder or Italian seasoning or Cajun spice
    • 1 tsp. chickpea flour or besan or check notes for alternatives
    • 1 tsp. dry fenugreek or kasuri methi powder or ¼ tsp. dried oregano optional
    • ½ tsp. pepper powder
    • 1 tsp. lemon juice
    • Salt to taste

    For spraying or brushing Air fryer

    • 1 tsp. oil

    Instructions
     

    • Wash and clean broccoli. Dry and keep the florets aside.
    • Make the marinade with the ingredients mentioned. Your marinade will be thick in consistency.
    • You can double the quantity of yogurt or cashew yogurt and skip cream cheese for healthier version.
    • Add broccoli florets to the marinade. Mix well till all the florets are coated with the marinade.
    • Cover and marinate in the fridge for 1-2 hours.

    To Airfry:

    • Preheat Airfryer at 360 F or 180 C for 5 minutes. Spray or brush oil on the airfryer basket. Now arrange one layer of marinated broccoli and airfry at 360 F for about 12-14 minutes. No need to flip midway
    • You can use parchment paper to line the air fryer basket. This helps prevent broccoli from sticking to the basket.
    • Once browned remove and serve with dip.
    • Your cheesy or malai broccoli is ready to serve. Have it hot as an appetizer or party snack. It is really tasty and reasonably filling.

    Notes

    1. The cooking time will vary depending upon the size of your florets and the kind of your Air fryer 2. Always check every few minutes when Air frying. 3. Use parchment paper to prevent the broccoli florets from sticking to the basket. 4. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the basket so that broccoli gets enough place to cook properly.5. Healthier alternative: You can eliminate the cream cheese and use yogurt in its place if you want the recipe to be healthier. I used Amul cheese spread in the recipe. Use any brand of choice. 6. You can try the same recipe with baby corn or cauliflower. 7. The recipe is moderately spicy. Feel free to adjust as per your taste. 8. Skip dried fenugreek if you can't source it. You can use dried oregano in its place. 9. You can use corn starch or all-purpose flour in place of chickpea flour. 10.To make it vegan, use vegan or plant-based yogurt and vegan cream cheese. 9. You can skip garam masala or use spice mix of your choice like Italian seasoning, Cajun spice in its place.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 189kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 9gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 153mgPotassium: 606mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2191IUVitamin C: 137mgCalcium: 130mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let me know on Instagram @rachna.parmar or tag #rachnacooks
    Check out our Food videos Subscribe to our Food channel for recipe videos

    If you liked this crispy broccoli recipe made in Air fryer, I request you to leave a star * rating either on the recipe card or in the comments.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Damyanti says

      May 26, 2020 at 7:06 pm

      5 stars
      This will help me to get some people eat broccoli finally!

      Reply
      • Gurdev Parmar says

        May 27, 2020 at 5:42 pm

        Glad to help 🙂

        Reply
    2. Shantala says

      May 26, 2020 at 8:31 pm

      5 stars
      The only way I can get broccoli in my system!! 😀

      Reply
      • Gurdev Parmar says

        May 27, 2020 at 5:42 pm

        hehe That's kinda cute.

        Reply
    3. Nart at Cooking with Nart says

      October 21, 2020 at 8:35 pm

      5 stars
      This looks like it could be a good snack. I love broccoli and can't wait to try this!

      Reply
      • Rachna says

        October 29, 2020 at 6:37 pm

        Thanks Nart. Yes, it's a wonderful snack.

        Reply
    4. Sarah James says

      October 21, 2020 at 8:55 pm

      5 stars
      I love broccoli and your spicy coated broccoli looks delicious. Looking forward to trying your recipe, thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Rachna says

        October 29, 2020 at 6:37 pm

        Thanks Sarah

        Reply
    5. Shadi Hasanzadenemati says

      October 21, 2020 at 8:58 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a delicious recipe! Can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Rachna says

        October 29, 2020 at 6:37 pm

        Hope you like it.

        Reply
    6. Erika says

      October 21, 2020 at 9:00 pm

      5 stars
      I love my air fryer and making a healthy side dish like this broccoli is perfect! So delicious!

      Reply
      • Rachna says

        October 29, 2020 at 6:37 pm

        Thanks Erica

        Reply
    7. Dev says

      February 02, 2021 at 3:16 am

      *****loved the recipe..will definitely try it

      Reply
      • Rachna says

        February 02, 2021 at 9:07 am

        Thank you Dev!

        Reply
    8. Shamla says

      June 03, 2021 at 4:53 pm

      Thank you Rachna my family enjoyed this Broccoli. It was Devine

      Reply
      • Rachna says

        June 04, 2021 at 8:41 pm

        You are very welcome! So glad your family loved it, Shamla.

        Reply
    9. Surya says

      November 16, 2021 at 9:08 pm

      Hi, can i bake it instead of using of an airfryer.

      Reply
      • Rachna says

        November 16, 2021 at 10:31 pm

        Yes you can. You can double the time at the same temp. Do keep checking.

        Reply
    10. Mamatha says

      February 21, 2022 at 9:56 pm

      I tried this today and it turned out excellent. So aromatic tandoori flavored and easy peasy. Tha k you!

      Reply
      • Rachna says

        February 22, 2022 at 11:14 am

        Thank you so much, Mamatha. So happy to hear this.

        Reply
    11. Marlene huysamer says

      March 27, 2022 at 12:43 am

      This is definitely my next AF attempt. I love your recipes. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Rachna says

        March 28, 2022 at 11:28 am

        Thank you so much, Marlene.

        Reply
      • Rachna says

        March 30, 2022 at 7:13 pm

        Thanks so much

        Reply
    12. Andrew says

      June 29, 2022 at 9:51 pm

      5 stars
      I had extra broccoli and found this recipe when searching for ways to use it. I made a double batch of the marinade - used half to make broccoli, and the other half for soya chunks. (I noticed this recipe was similar to the recipe suggestion on the back of the box of soya) We loved it SO much more than the box recipe! We only added a bit extra mirchi and methi for our taste. This is now a staple in our house! I am excited to try more of your recipes!

      Reply
      • Rachna says

        June 30, 2022 at 8:14 am

        So happy to hear that, Andrew. I am glad that you like more mirchi. I am curious about the recipe at the back of the box of soya now. 🙂

        Reply

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    I am Rachna, a Certified Nutritionist and Health Coach. I help you eat healthy. I specialize in healthy recipes especially Air fryer recipes.

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