Cheesy Broccoli Airfryer Potatoes
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
I absolutely love making Cheesy Broccoli Airfryer Potatoes because they blend creamy, cheesy goodness with the delightful crunch of perfectly cooked potatoes. This recipe not only satiates my cravings but also adds a vibrant touch to our dinner table. The air fryer gives the potatoes that crispy texture while keeping them fluffy inside, and I can sneak in the nutritional benefits of broccoli without anyone noticing. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish has become a family favorite that I’m excited to share.
When I first made Cheesy Broccoli Airfryer Potatoes, I was pleasantly surprised by how flavorful and satisfying they turned out. I experimented with different cheeses to find the perfect balance, and I realized that sharp cheddar brought out the best flavors. The air fryer ensures that everything cooks evenly and reduces the grease you might find with traditional frying methods.
Every time I serve this dish, it gets rave reviews, especially from my kids who usually turn their noses up at broccoli. I love that I can prepare the ingredients quickly and pop them into the air fryer while I tend to other meal prep. It’s the ultimate side that is both delicious and healthy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich cheesy flavor combined with the freshness of broccoli
- Perfectly crispy potatoes with a soft and fluffy inside
- Quick and easy to make in the air fryer
Understanding Your Ingredients
The choice of potatoes is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. I recommend using medium-sized russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, as they provide a great balance between fluffiness and crispiness. Dicing them into even cubes, about 1-inch in size, ensures they cook uniformly. Additionally, the natural starch in these potatoes helps create a satisfying golden crust when air-fried, making each bite deliciously crunchy.
Broccoli is not just a health booster; it also adds vibrant color and texture to this dish. Using fresh florets is ideal for capturing that bright flavor and crispness. If you're short on time, frozen broccoli can work in a pinch—just make sure it’s thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture. Remember, this dish doesn’t just fill; it also sneaks in those essential vitamins without compromising on taste.
Air Frying Tips for Perfect Potatoes
Achieving that perfect crispy potato exterior is all about the air fryer temperature and cooking time. Preheating it to 400°F (200°C) is essential for proper cooking, as it allows the potatoes to start frying immediately. When you spread the mixture evenly in the air fryer basket, avoid overcrowding; give them space to circulate hot air. If the pieces touch too much, they won’t get as crispy, so cook in batches if needed.
During the halfway shake, it’s wise to check for doneness. If the potatoes are not golden yet, let them air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes. This is also a great time to test for seasoning; a pinch more salt can elevate the flavor immensely at this stage. Visual cues are your best friends—look for lightly browned edges before proceeding to add the cheese.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Cheesy Broccoli Airfryer Potatoes:
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Your ingredients are ready! Let's get cooking.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your Cheesy Broccoli Airfryer Potatoes:
Prepare the Potatoes and Broccoli
In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes and broccoli florets. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is well coated.
Air Fry the Mixture
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the potato and broccoli mixture in the air fryer basket and spread it out evenly. Cook for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Add Cheese and Finish Cooking
After 15 minutes, open the air fryer and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes and broccoli. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Once done, carefully remove the mixture from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as a delightful side dish!
Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Broccoli Airfryer Potatoes!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Adding some cooked bacon bits on top can also elevate this dish!
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
If you want to prepare this dish in advance, you can pre-cut the potatoes and broccoli, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Combine them with olive oil and seasonings just before air-frying to keep the flavors fresh. However, I recommend air frying just before serving for the best texture, as reheating can result in less crispiness.
For any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, a quick toss in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes ensures they regain some of that initial crunch. Microwaving is less ideal as it can lead to a soggy outcome—nobody wants that!
Variations to Try
Don't hesitate to give this recipe a personal twist! You can easily substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or even a dairy-free cheese alternative if you're looking for a plant-based option. For an added kick, consider mixing in some jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes with the garlic powder.
Another fun variation is to incorporate other vegetables alongside the broccoli. Cauliflower, bell peppers, or even spinach can blend seamlessly into this dish, enhancing texture and flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture content; if adding wetter veggies, you might want to adjust the air frying time slightly to ensure everything crisps up nicely.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the potato mixture.
→ What else can I add to this recipe?
You can add ingredients like cooked bacon, diced onions, or even different vegetables like bell peppers for added flavor.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best results.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Make sure your cheese does not contain any gluten ingredients.
Cheesy Broccoli Airfryer Potatoes
I absolutely love making Cheesy Broccoli Airfryer Potatoes because they blend creamy, cheesy goodness with the delightful crunch of perfectly cooked potatoes. This recipe not only satiates my cravings but also adds a vibrant touch to our dinner table. The air fryer gives the potatoes that crispy texture while keeping them fluffy inside, and I can sneak in the nutritional benefits of broccoli without anyone noticing. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish has become a family favorite that I’m excited to share.
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes and broccoli florets. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is well coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the potato and broccoli mixture in the air fryer basket and spread it out evenly. Cook for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
After 15 minutes, open the air fryer and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes and broccoli. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once done, carefully remove the mixture from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as a delightful side dish!
Extra Tips
- Feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Adding some cooked bacon bits on top can also elevate this dish!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 9g