Air Fryer Broccoli (Malai Broccoli)

Air fryer malai broccoli on a white plate.

5 from 72 votes

Air Fryer Broccoli (Malai Broccoli)

This air fryer malai broccoli is easy to make and produces delicious results. The broccoli is coated in a creamy marinade and air-fried until crispy, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and delicious. Serve as an appetizer, side dish, or main course.

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Total Time40

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: Indian

Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Hindu, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 157kcal

Author: Shilpa Kerur

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.

Notes

Blanching broccoli before making malai 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.

Nutrition