Air-Fryer Roasted Broccoli with Cheese Sauce Recipe

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Broccoli with Creamy Aji Sauce

Original Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 6 cups broccoli florets
• 10 tablespoons low-fat evaporated milk
• 5 tablespoons queso fresco, crumbled
• 4 teaspoons aji amarillo paste (or other hot pepper paste)
• 6 lower-sodium saltine crackers

Directions

1. Preheat an air fryer to 375F (190C).
2. Coat broccoli florets with cooking spray. Place half of the florets into the air fryer basket.
3. Cook the broccoli until crisp-tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Repeat with the remaining florets.
4. While the broccoli cooks, combine evaporated milk, queso fresco, aji amarillo paste, and saltines in a blender. Process until smooth, around 45 seconds.
5. Pour the sauce into a bowl and microwave for about 30 seconds, or until warm.
6. Serve the crispy broccoli with the creamy sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Value	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	107	-
Total Fat	3g	4%
Saturated Fat	1g	7%
Cholesterol	8mg	3%
Sodium	264mg	11%
Total Carbohydrate	14g	5%
Dietary Fiber	4g	13%
Total Sugars	7g	-
Protein	7g	15%
Vitamin C	76mg	84%
Calcium	214mg	16%
Iron	1mg	5%
Potassium	473mg	10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Air-fried broccoli, paired with a creamy, zesty cheese sauce, is a modern twist on a classic vegetable side dish. This delicious and nutritious recipe is easy to prepare using an air fryer, allowing for crisp-tender florets that maintain their vibrant green color and fresh taste. Combined with a smooth queso fresco sauce spiced with aji amarillo paste, this dish offers an unforgettable flavor profile, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Below, we explore the history, regional characteristics, and interesting facts surrounding this delightful dish.

History of Air-Fryer Roasted Broccoli with Cheese Sauce

Broccoli, a vegetable that hails from the Mediterranean region, has been part of human cuisine for centuries. While the origins of broccoli date back to ancient Rome, it became a staple vegetable in Europe and the United States only in the 20th century. Broccoli is known for its health benefits, being rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The concept of roasting vegetables with cheese sauce is not new either, as it draws inspiration from various American comfort foods. The air fryer, a modern kitchen appliance, has gained popularity for its ability to cook food quickly and healthily, offering a way to enjoy "fried" foods with significantly less oil. Combining these elements, the air fryer roasted broccoli with cheese sauce brings together the health-conscious trend of air frying with the indulgent appeal of cheese-based sauces, offering the best of both worlds.

Regional Characteristics

While this recipe can be found across the United States, its roots can be traced to the increasing popularity of air fryers in the modern kitchen. The use of queso fresco, a soft, crumbly cheese that originates from Mexico, adds a regional twist that ties it to Latin American culinary traditions. The addition of aji amarillo paste, a staple in Peruvian cooking, gives the dish a mild heat and bright color, highlighting the growing fusion of flavors from different regions. In the United States, cheese and broccoli combinations are often seen in dishes like casseroles or steamed veggie sides, but the air fryer method creates a more vibrant, crispy texture, making it a modern favorite in American homes.

What Sets It Apart From Similar Dishes

While other roasted broccoli recipes exist, the addition of the creamy cheese sauce, especially one made with queso fresco and aji amarillo paste, makes this dish unique. Traditional cheese sauces are often heavy, while the air-fried method used here retains the natural flavors of the broccoli without overwhelming it. Additionally, using the air fryer ensures the broccoli becomes crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. This contrast in texture, combined with the tangy heat of the sauce, elevates the flavor profile beyond typical vegetable side dishes. Compared to standard cheese-covered broccoli casseroles, this version offers a fresher, lighter alternative.

Where to Serve

Air-Fryer Roasted Broccoli with Cheese Sauce is versatile enough to be served in various settings. It works wonderfully as a side dish for family dinners, especially when paired with roasted meats, grilled fish, or even vegetarian entrees. Its quick preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Additionally, its unique flavor profile makes it a great addition to festive meals like Thanksgiving or holiday dinners, where vegetable sides often get overshadowed by heavier dishes. The combination of crispy broccoli and creamy cheese sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser in any setting.

Interesting Facts

• Broccoli is part of the cruciferous vegetable family, known for its cancer-fighting properties due to its high content of antioxidants like vitamin C and sulforaphane.
• The air fryer was first introduced in the early 2000s and has since become a popular kitchen appliance, especially for health-conscious eaters looking to reduce oil usage in cooking.
• Queso fresco, a fresh cheese popular in Latin American cuisine, is made by curdling milk with an acid (like lemon or vinegar), resulting in a mild, slightly tangy flavor.
• Aji amarillo paste, made from the aji amarillo pepper native to Peru, adds a unique flavor with a mild to medium heat, and is a key ingredient in many South American dishes.
• This dish is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, and the air frying process retains more of the broccoli's nutrients than traditional roasting methods.

Air-Fryer Roasted Broccoli with Cheese Sauce is a perfect example of how traditional vegetables can be reimagined using modern cooking techniques and bold flavors. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply enjoy a healthier take on comfort food, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

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