Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe- Cashew Cream & Indian Spices

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe – Cashew Cream & Indian Spices

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. It’s a little different, a little unexpected, but so good. I stumbled upon this combination a few months ago when I was craving something flavorful and healthy, and honestly, it’s become a regular in my kitchen. We’re taking humble broccoli and giving it a serious Indian-spiced makeover, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Air Fryer Broccoli isn’t your average veggie side dish. It’s packed with flavor from a creamy cashew-based marinade, infused with warm Indian spices. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal or a tasty snack. Plus, the air fryer gives it a lovely char that you just can’t beat. Trust me, even broccoli skeptics will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this deliciousness happen:

• 500 grams broccoli, cut into medium-sized florets
• 0.5 cup strained thick yogurt (about 125ml)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (about 30ml)
• 2 tablespoons cashew paste (about 30ml)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (about 5ml)
• 2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste (about 10ml)
• 0.25 teaspoon white pepper powder (about 1.25ml)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder (about 5ml)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder (about 5ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (about 2.5ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (about 2.5ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon sugar (about 2.5ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon garam masala (about 2.5ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon cardamom powder (about 2.5ml)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (about 15ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few things can really make or break this recipe!

Cashew Paste – A Creamy Base: Cashew paste is the star here, giving the marinade a beautiful richness. You can buy it pre-made, or easily make your own by soaking about ½ cup of cashews in hot water for 30 minutes, then blending them with a little fresh water until smooth.

Spice Blend – Exploring Indian Flavors: Don’t be intimidated by the spice list! These are common Indian spices that create a wonderfully complex flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking (more on that later!).

Yogurt Choice – Achieving the Right Tang: I recommend using strained thick yogurt (also known as Greek yogurt) for the best results. It’s thicker and tangier, which helps the marinade cling to the broccoli.

Olive Oil – Healthy Fat & Flavor: Olive oil adds a lovely flavor and helps the broccoli get nice and crispy in the air fryer.

Broccoli Freshness – Selecting the Best Florets: Look for bright green broccoli florets that are firm to the touch. Avoid any that are yellowing or have a mushy texture.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, cut your broccoli into medium-sized florets and set them aside. You want them to be bite-sized, but not too small.
2. Now, in a mixing bowl, let’s make the marinade. Combine the thick yogurt, heavy cream, cashew paste, lime juice, ginger garlic paste, white pepper powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, cardamom powder, garam masala, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Give it a good mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
3. Add the broccoli florets to the marinade and toss until they’re evenly coated. Make sure every little floret gets some love! Let this marinate for 10-15 minutes. This is where the magic happens, letting those flavors really soak in.
4. While the broccoli is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for 3 minutes.
5. Arrange the marinated broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd it! You might need to cook it in batches.
6. Cook at 180°C for 7-8 minutes, until the edges are charred and the broccoli is tender-crisp.

Expert Tips

Want to take this recipe to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tips:

Marination Time – Enhancing Flavor Penetration: While 10-15 minutes is good, you can marinate the broccoli for up to a few hours in the fridge for even more flavor.

Air Fryer Basket – Avoiding Overcrowding: Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of frying, so work in batches if needed.

Doneness Check – Achieving Perfect Texture: The broccoli should be tender-crisp, with slightly charred edges. If it’s not quite there, add another minute or two.

Spice Adjustment – Tailoring to Your Preference: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking! If you like it spicier, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

Vegan Adaptation: Swap the yogurt and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives like coconut yogurt and coconut cream.

Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!

Spice Level – Mild, Medium, or Hot: Adjust the amount of black pepper and add chili powder or cayenne pepper to control the heat. My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of Kashmiri chili powder for a beautiful color and mild heat.

Festival Adaptation – Navratri or Diwali Snack: This makes a fantastic festive snack! It’s flavorful, satisfying, and relatively healthy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Air Fryer Broccoli hot with your favorite dipping sauce. I love it with chili sauce, mint chutney, or even a drizzle of cheese sauce (if you’re feeling indulgent!). It’s also a great side dish for Indian curries, rice, or grilled meats.

Storage Instructions

Leftover broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best reheated in the air fryer to regain its crispness.

FAQs

What type of cashew paste works best for this recipe?

Homemade cashew paste is fantastic, but store-bought works great too! Just make sure it’s smooth and creamy.

Can I use a different oil instead of olive oil?

You can! Avocado oil or any other neutral-flavored oil will work well.

How can I adjust the marinade for a tangier flavor?

Add a little more lime juice or a teaspoon of amchur powder (dried mango powder) to the marinade.

Can this broccoli be baked in the oven instead of air fried?

Yes, you can! Bake at 200°C (392°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What is the best way to reheat leftover air fryer broccoli?

Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (356°F) for 3-5 minutes to restore its crispness.