Air fryer broccoli gratin is a simple and quick recipe, perfect when you want to serve a healthy yet tasty dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Born from one of those impromptu dinners: a green cabbage for a few cents, some mozzarella crumbled by eye, and the air fryer that does the rest.
Crunchy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, with an irresistible golden gratin, these broccoli even appeal to those who usually don’t like vegetables. The quick boiling keeps the cabbage firm and flavorful, while the final cooking gives a crispy surface without the need for frying.
From a nutritional standpoint, broccoli is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and minerals, ideal for light yet complete daily cooking. The air fryer allows minimal use of fats, making this recipe suitable for those seeking balanced dishes without sacrificing taste.
An economical, clever, and versatile preparation, perfect as a side dish but also great as a light main course. And if you don’t have an air fryer, you can easily bake them in a traditional oven.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Stove, Oven, Air Fry
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
- Energy 222.91 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 15.72 (g) of which sugars 5.99 (g)
- Proteins 12.48 (g)
- Fat 13.17 (g) of which saturated 6.45 (g)of which unsaturated 3.31 (g)
- Fibers 4.78 (g)
- Sodium 758.70 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 200 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs broccoli
- salt
- pepper
- 1 drizzle extra virgin olive oil
- 4.5 oz mozzarella
- 0.88 oz breadcrumbs
- 1 oz grated Parmesan
Tools
- 1 Air fryer baking pan
- 1 Air Fryer
Steps
Cut the broccoli into pieces and boil them in lightly salted water for 5 minutes.
The broccoli should just soften but remain crunchy. Drain them well.
Transfer the broccoli to an air fryer suitable baking pan.
Season with salt and pepper, and crumble the mozzarella directly on top, distributing it unevenly.
Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and cover with grated Parmesan.
If you wish, you can add a very light drizzle of oil.
Cook in air fryer at 356°F for about 20 minutes, until the surface is well golden and gratin.
The times can vary slightly: adjust by sight. 🔥 Traditional Oven Variant
If you prefer the oven:
• preheat it to 392°F
• bake the pan for about 20 minutes, until golden
📝 Final Tip from “Aunt Debby”
They are delicious fresh out of the fryer, but also great reheated the next day: the crust becomes crispy again and the inside stays cheesy.
Perfect as a side dish, but also as a quick fridge-saving dinner 🥦🧀
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I prepare the broccoli gratin in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the broccoli with mozzarella, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan in advance and store them in the fridge for a few hours. When ready to serve, cook them directly in the air fryer or oven until well gratin
