In a world of a thousand shades of grey, it’s comforting to hold onto a few constant truths; like how putting cheese on something makes it taste better. I’ve tried to live by this profound motto most of my life, and it is especially true for air fryer broccoli and cauliflower. So bust out your cheese grater, follow this recipe and pile on the good stuff! It’s veggie side dish time.
“I wouldn’t recommend eating ANY vegetable without cheese”
-Not a trusted medical PROFESSIONAL
Table of Contents: Air Fryer Broccoli & Cauliflower
Table of contents
- Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower Recipe
- Why Air Fry Broccoli and Cauliflower
- Fresh or Frozen Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
- How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
- Dipping Sauces for Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
- Storing Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
- What to Serve with Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
- More Air Fryer Recipes!
Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower Recipe
Air fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower – CHEESY Goodness
Cheese just makes stuff taste better. This air fryer broccoli & cauliflower recipe is no exception.
4
servings5
minutes14
minutesIngredients
Broccoli florets – from 1 large head
Cauliflower florets – from 1 large head
3 Tbsp – Olive oil
2 oz Shredded Cheese – cheddar
1 tsp Kosher Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper
1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the broccoli and cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Toss to coat evenly.
- Place the vegetables in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes at 375F degrees. Shake the basket every at the halfway mark to help get an even fry on all the florets. They should be fork tender and slightly browned.
- Sprinkle your choice of shredded cheese on top of the vegetables and return them to the air fryer. Raise the temp to 400F degrees and cook for 1-2minutes.
- Once the vegetables are cooked and the cheese is melted, remove the basket from the air fryer and transfer the cheesy broccoli and cauliflower to a serving dish. Garnish with a little more cheese, and flakey sea salt. Serve hot.
Notes
Why Air Fry Broccoli and Cauliflower
Air frying broccoli and cauliflower is an easy, healthy, and tasty meal idea for several reasons.
First of all, air frying doesn’t require very much oil, so its way healthier than deep-frying or pan-frying. This is what I tell myself when I’m drowning the vegetables in cheddar cheese.
Secondly, broccoli and cauliflower are both nutrient-dense vegetables that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re low in calories, high in fiber and they contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation. Just imagine how popular they’d be if they tasted as good as cheese!?
Air frying broccoli and cauliflower is super easy. They cook quickly and evenly, so you can have a tasty, cheesy, healthy-ish meal or side dish in just a few minutes.
Fresh or Frozen Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
While both fresh and frozen vegetables can be used in air frying, there are some differences to consider.
Frozen broccoli and cauliflower
Frozen broccoli and cauliflower are convenient and can be stored for long periods of time. We usually always keep a bag in our freezer for last minute unplanned meals.
Frozen broccoli and cauliflower are also pre-cut, which saves time in when you’re in a rush. However, frozen vegetables to tend to have a softer texture than fresh veggies. This can mess with the texture when air frying, potentially making them mushy, or at least not super crisp.
The good news is that you don’t lose any of the nutrients with frozen broccoli. The bad news is, cheese still isn’t super healthy.
Fresh broccoli and cauliflower
Fresh veggies like broccoli and cauliflower are readily available in most grocery stores and farmers’ markets, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week. So if you have the luxury or meal planning, timing and availability shouldn’t be an issue.
Fresh broccoli and cauliflower will also taste better. When fresh they have a crisp texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. That taste and texture will hold up better in the air fryer too. So if you can, as is with most things, go fresh.
Cheesy Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this air fryer broccoli and cauliflower recipe.
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen is fine, but fresh is always better. Dob’t be afraid to use the stems, they’re tasty too!
- Cauliflower: break up the florets into bite sized pieces. They’ll be easier to eat and they’ll cook more evenly.
- Cheese: We love a classic shredded cheddar, but a mexican blend or parmesan would be great. Use whatever you like!
- Spices: Red pepper flakes to a little kick. Totally optional, but we use em’ like we do salt and pepper.
- Oil: A little olive oil to coat the veggies, but the air fryer doesn’t require a lot.
How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
Follow these step by step instructions to make this cheesy air fryer broccoli and cauliflower recipe.
Step 1: Season your Veggies
In a mixing bowl, combine the broccoli and cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Air Fry the Seasoned Veggies
Place the vegetables in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes at 400F degrees. Shake the basket every at the halfway mark to help get an even fry on all the florets. They should be fork tender and slightly browned.
Step 3: Sprinkle with Cheese
Sprinkle your choice of shredded cheese on top of the vegetables and return them to the air fryer. Cook for 1-2minutes. Be careful to not let the cheese burn.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Once the vegetables are cooked and the cheese is melted, remove the basket from the air fryer and transfer the cheesy broccoli and cauliflower to a serving dish. Garnish with some a little more cheese, some flakey sea salt or maybe some fresh herbs. Serve hot.
Enjoy!
Dipping Sauces for Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
This air fryer broccoli and cauliflower recipe is tasty enough on its own, but let’s be real, everything is better with a dipping sauce. Check out these recipes to add an extra flavor punch to your air fryer broccoli and cauliflower.
Frankie’s personal favorite is our Buffalo Ranch – the Ultimate Dipping Sauce, and I don’t blame her, this stuff is seriously tasty. It’s also great with wings or on a taco salad.
I don’t like gettin stuck without a good dipping sauce, thats not pickle I wanna find myself in. So I make this Dill Pickle Ranch Dressing, its a punch in the mouth, I love it. And NO, Im not sorry for that pickle joke.
Storing Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
Store your air fried broccoli and cauliflower in the fridge. Once the chess veggies have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container and put them in the fridge. They’ll keep for to 3-4 days.
To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can pop them back in the air fryer. Zap em at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Avoid reheating in the microwave. The micro can turn them into a soggy mess. It’s really just best to finish your damn vegetables and not have any leftovers! No ice cream until you finish your greens!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
This cheesy air fryer broccoli and cauliflower recipe is hearty enough to be served as a main dish or served as a aside. Either way it pairs great with a slew of things. Here are some fun dishes that would pair nicely with these cheesy air fryer broccoli and cauliflower.
Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin with Carolina Gold BBQ sauce. This juicy pork tenderloin is sous vide to perfection and dressed with a tangy, smoky, Carolina gold bbq sauce.
Want to try something new and bold with that plain old turkey? This festive Mexican turkey recipe is a great way to spice up a bird. Check out this recipe for Mexican Turkey with Spicy Adobo Sauce!
These lip smacking boneless country style ribs will have you licking your fingers and hollering yeehaw! Check out this Boneless Country Style Ribs Recipe.
More Air Fryer Recipes!
If you need some more air fryer ideas, look no further! We have some other great recipes that are super simple and super tasty.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Spiced Pears
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedge Recipe
EASY Air Fryer Bok Choy w/ Spicy Sriracha & Dry Roasted Edamame
Check these recipes out and let us know what you think. Happy air frying!
Air fryer broccoli and cauliflower FAQ’s
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in this recipe. Just try to thaw and remove any ice before air frying. This will help avoid excess moisture that might make the veggies soggy.
Hell yeah, you can use any type of cheese that you prefer. We like to use either cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Add the cheese during the last minute or two. This will keep it from burning.
There are a ton of great options out there, but you can’t go wrong with a Ninja. Check this guy out: Air Fryer Link.
Love this recipe! I’m hesitant with broccoli because it can be overpowering but works so well here 🙂 Keep them coming!