Add Preferred SourceTender broccoli florets coated in a rich and creamy marinade with a touch of cheese and air-fried to perfection; this Indian-style
Like me, if you have a love-hate relationship with broccoli, you are in for a surprise with this recipe. It transforms the ordinary into an extraordinary and is, in fact, one of the best ways to enjoy this green vegetable.
Why you will love this recipe?
- Easy to make: This
air fryer malai broccoli recipe requires a few simple ingredients and steps, making it perfect for even the busiest weeknights. - Delicious: The creamy, cheesy marinade and crispy broccoli make for a truly irresistible dish.
- Versatile: Malai broccoli can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. It is also a great way to get the kids to eat their vegetables!
Ingredients
Broccoli: I have used a large broccoli for this recipe, which gave me around 5 cups of florets.
Dairy: To make this creamy broccoli, I am using yogurt, heavy cream, and mozzarella cheese. "Malai" in Hindi refers to cream, and this dish includes heavy cream or malai to give it a rich and creamy texture.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-step instructions
Expert Tips
While blanching broccoli is optional, I highly recommend it. I have seen that blanching the broccoli florets not only preserves the bright color but it also helps in attaining a crispy texture. It also helps remove any bitterness from the broccoli.
It is important to pat dry the blanched broccoli to remove excess moisture to ensure they crisp up well in the
Do not overcrowd the
If you prefer steaming broccoli, check out this recipe on how to steam broccoli.
Serving Suggestion
Indian-style
As an appetizer: When I'm hosting a party or get-together, I often present them as an appetizer - they're always a hit with guests. They pair well with mint chutney and tandoori mayonnaise.
As a side dish: Air fryer malai broccoli makes a delicious side dish that I enjoy with various meals. Some of our favorite family meals to pair it with are grilled chicken drumsticks, roasted vegetables, and chana dal-rice.
Recipe FAQs
While fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen broccoli if needed. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before cooking.
You can use any type of yogurt you like, but I recommend using plain yogurt for the best flavor. You can also use Greek yogurt, but it will be thicker and creamier.
Blanching the broccoli is optional, but I highly recommend it. Blanching helps to preserve the broccoli's bright green color and crisp texture, and it can also help to remove any bitterness from the broccoli.
To store
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Recipe card
Air Fryer Broccoli (Malai Broccoli)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli
- ½ cup yogurt
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon kasoori methi
- 1 tablespoon besan (chickpea flour), optional
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
Instructions
Blanch the broccoli (optional - see notes)
- Wash and cut the broccoli into medium-sized florets. Keep them approximately the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Bring water to boil in a medium saucepan. Once it comes to a rolling boil, add some salt, followed by the broccoli florets. Boil for one minute.
- Meanwhile, prepare an ice bath by filling a wide bowl with ice cubes and water.
- After one minute, remove the broccoli from the boiling water and immediately transfer it to the ice water. Once it cools down, drain the water and pat dry the florets using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Marinate the broccoli:
- In a large bowl, combine together yogurt, heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, ginger garlic paste, kasuri methi, besan, garam masala, ground cardamom, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well, making sure there are no lumps or dry bits of spices.
- Add the blanched broccoli to the marinade and mix well, making sure the florets are coated well. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
Air fry:
- Preheat the air fryer to 360 F (180 C). Brush oil in the air fryer basket.
- Place the marinated broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, do it in batches if necessary.
- Air fry at 360 F for 11-12 minutes or until the broccoli is tender and the edges are golden brown.
- Serve hot with dipping sauce of your choice.
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