Oh, you’re gonna love this one! I stumbled upon the magic of air fryer broccoli gratin one crazy Tuesday night when I needed a side dish FAST. In less time than it takes to preheat my oven, I had crispy-tender broccoli smothered in bubbling cheese that made everyone forget we were eating vegetables. Now it’s my secret weapon when I want something fancy-ish without the fuss. That air fryer magic gives you that perfect golden top while keeping the broccoli beautifully crisp beneath. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to soggy steamed broccoli again!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Broccoli Gratin
Let me count the ways this recipe will become your new go-to:
- Speed demon: Done in under 15 minutes – faster than takeout!
- Crispy perfection: That air fryer gives you golden cheese AND tender-crisp broccoli in one go
- Cheese pull magic: That glorious moment when the melted cheddar and Parmesan stretch as you scoop
- Easy clean-up: One basket to wash instead of a million pots and pans
- Stealthy healthy: Gets even veggie skeptics excited about broccoli (my niece asks for seconds!)
Seriously, it’s so good you’ll want to eat it straight from the air fryer basket. Not that I’ve done that. Maybe.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Broccoli Gratin
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy, crispy goodness happen:
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Chop them into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Trust me, nobody wants a mix of mushy and crunchy bits.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for that rich, melty flavor, but feel free to use your favorite blend.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick that takes this gratin to the next level.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Makes the broccoli creamy and dreamy. If you’re out of cream, whole milk works in a pinch – just won’t be as indulgent.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For that cozy, savory flavor without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: A little extra depth that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skip this! Seasoning is key to making those flavors pop.
- Cooking spray: Just a quick spritz to keep the broccoli from sticking to the basket.
That’s it! Simple, right? Now let’s get cooking.
Equipment You’ll Need
No fancy gadgets required here – just a few basics to make your air fryer broccoli gratin dreams come true:
- Air fryer: Any model will do – I’ve made this in everything from my tiny 3-quart to my mom’s giant family-sized one.
- Mixing bowl: For tossing those broccoli florets with all the tasty seasonings. I use my favorite old ceramic one that’s seen better days but still gets the job done.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Because guessing with cheese measurements never ends well (ask me how I know).
- Tongs or a spatula: For that magical moment when you pull the basket out to add the cheese. My silicone-tipped ones are perfect for not scratching the basket.
That’s seriously it! Now let’s turn these simple tools into crispy, cheesy broccoli magic.
How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli Gratin
Ready to make the easiest, cheesiest side dish ever? Let’s dive in! I’ll walk you through every step so you end up with perfectly crispy broccoli and gooey, golden cheese every time.
Step 1: Prep the Broccoli
First things first – grab your broccoli florets and make sure they’re all about the same size. Uneven pieces mean uneven cooking, and we don’t want that. Toss them in a mixing bowl with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – this is where the flavor starts! I like to give it a good mix with my hands to make sure every floret gets coated.
Step 2: Air Fry the Broccoli
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) – this is key for that crispy texture. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread the broccoli out in a single layer – overcrowding is the enemy here! Air fry for 5 minutes, then give the basket a quick shake halfway through to make sure everything cooks evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges start to get slightly golden and the broccoli is tender but still has a bit of bite.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Finish
Now for the best part – the cheese! Drizzle the heavy cream evenly over the broccoli (this keeps it nice and creamy). Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan on top. Don’t hold back – this is where the magic happens! Pop the basket back in the air fryer for another 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden edges. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn – melted cheese waits for no one!
And there you have it – air fryer broccoli gratin that’s crispy, cheesy, and ready to devour. Serve it immediately while it’s still gloriously gooey!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli Gratin
Want foolproof results every time? Here are my hard-won secrets:
- Size matters: Keep florets even – about 2-inch pieces. Too big and they won’t cook through; too small and they’ll burn before the cheese melts.
- Give ’em space: Single layer ONLY! Overcrowding steams the broccoli instead of crisping it. Cook in batches if needed.
- Cheese freedom: Swap cheddar for Gruyère or mozzarella if you’re feeling fancy. Want extra crunch? Sprinkle panko with the cheese.
- Watch closely: That last cheese-melting minute makes all the difference between golden perfection and burnt edges.
- Season smart: Taste your broccoli after seasoning – different cheeses bring different saltiness levels.
Follow these and you’ll have broccoli that converts even the pickiest eaters!
Variations for Air Fryer Broccoli Gratin
Oh, the possibilities! Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, here’s how I love to mix things up:
- Crunchy topping: Mix 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese – gives you that classic gratin crunch.
- Meaty twist: Toss in crispy bacon bits or diced ham before adding cheese. My nephew swears bacon makes broccoli taste “acceptable.”
- Cheese swap: Gruyère makes it fancy, smoked gouda adds depth, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Garlic lover’s dream: Add minced garlic or garlic-infused oil with the seasonings – just watch it doesn’t burn!
- Italian style: Swap Parmesan for Romano, add dried oregano and red pepper flakes.
The beauty? This recipe welcomes experimentation – make it yours! Just promise me you’ll try the original first so you know what amazing tastes like.
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer broccoli gratin is the ultimate sidekick! It pairs perfectly with simple grilled chicken, flaky salmon, or even a juicy steak. Leftovers? Just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to revive that crispy-cheesy magic. (Though good luck having leftovers!)
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are just estimates since brands and ingredient sizes can vary. Here’s the nutritional scoop per serving (about half the recipe):
- Calories: 180 (totally worth every one!)
- Fat: 12g (hey, that’s where the flavor lives)
- Saturated Fat: 7g (mostly from that glorious cheese)
- Carbs: 8g (with 2g fiber from our broccoli star)
- Protein: 9g (cheese AND veggies? Winning combo)
- Sodium: 220mg (easy to adjust by going lighter on salt)
- Sugar: 2g (all natural from the broccoli, promise)
Not too shabby for something that tastes like cheesy heaven, right? Using lower-fat cheeses or milk instead of cream can lighten it up, but where’s the fun in that? Enjoy every melty bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are all the broccoli gratin mysteries solved:
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
You can, but hear me out – frozen broccoli tends to get soggy in the air fryer. If you must use frozen, thaw it completely and pat it SUPER dry with paper towels first. Even then, it won’t get quite as crispy as fresh. My tip? Keep a bag of fresh florets in your fridge – they’ll last nearly a week and make all the difference here.
How do I store leftovers (if I have any)?
Hah – “leftovers.” That’s cute. But seriously, if some survives, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave (soggy city!) and pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to bring back that crispiness. The cheese won’t be quite as gooey, but it’ll still taste amazing.
My cheese keeps flying around in the air fryer – help!
Oh man, I’ve been there! That cheese wants to take flight, doesn’t it? Here’s my trick: After adding the cheese, loosely tent a piece of foil over the top (don’t seal it) for the first 2 minutes. This lets the cheese melt without creating a cheesy tornado in your air fryer. Remove the foil for the last minute to get that perfect golden top.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the cheeses for your favorite dairy-free alternatives (violife makes great melting cheeses), and use coconut milk or almond milk instead of cream. Just know the texture will be slightly different – dairy-free cheeses don’t get quite as stretchy and golden. Still tasty though!
Why is my broccoli still hard after cooking?
Two likely culprits: Either your florets were too big (cut them smaller next time), or your air fryer runs cool (try adding 2 extra minutes before adding cheese). I always do the fork test – if a fork meets resistance, it needs more time. But remember – we want crisp-tender, not mushy!
Did you give this air fryer broccoli gratin a whirl? I’d absolutely love to hear how it turned out for you! Drop a quick note in the comments – did the cheese get perfectly golden? Did your picky eater actually ask for seconds? Any brilliant twists you added? Your feedback helps me (and fellow broccoli lovers) create even more delicious kitchen magic. And hey, if you snapped a photo of that glorious cheesy pull, tag me – I live for those melty cheese shots!
Print
Irresistible 15-Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Gratin You’ll Love
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy side dish featuring crispy broccoli topped with melted cheese, made effortlessly in your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss broccoli florets with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place broccoli in basket and air fry for 5 minutes.
- Remove basket, drizzle heavy cream over broccoli.
- Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly.
- Air fry another 3-5 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cut broccoli into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- Substitute heavy cream with milk for lighter texture.
- Add breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: air fryer broccoli gratin, cheesy broccoli, easy side dish