Malai Broccoli Recipe (Air Fryer & Oven)

tandoori malai broccoli tikka served on a plate with mint yogurt chutney, onions and lime wedge

5 from 4 votes

Malai Broccoli Recipe (Air Fryer & Oven)

Malai Broccoli is a flavorful and delightful appetizer where broccoli florets are coated with rich, creamy malai marinade and roasted until perfectly golden and crisp in the air fryer or oven.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Indian

Keyword malai broccoli

Diet Vegetarian

Method Air Fryer, Oven

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Resting Time 30

Total Time 50

Servings

Calories 166kcal

Author Bhavana Patil

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

For Malai Marinade

½ cup hung curd (or greek yogurt)
¼ cup heavy cream
¼ cup cheese (I used amul processed cheese)
1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
1 tablespoon kasuri methi
½ teaspoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon garam masala
salt to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon sugar optional
1 teaspoon lemon juice optional
1 tablespoon corn starch (or besan)

Other Ingredients

1 large head broccoli (about 20-22 medium sized florets, around 300 grams)
1-2 tablespoons butter for brushing

Garnish

lime wedges to serve
sliced onions to serve
tandoori mint yogurt chutney to serve

Instructions

Clean, and cut the broccoli head into bite-sized florets, roughly the same size for even cooking.
The next step is to blanch the broccoli. Bring a medium-sized pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Drop the broccoli in the boiling water, let it cook for 1 minute (for firm broccoli), and then transfer it into a bowl filled with water and ice cubes. Once cooled, drain the water and pat them dry with a kitchen or paper towel. Or you may also steam the broccoli in Instant Pot.
In a large bowl, add hung curd, heavy cream, shredded cheese, ginger-garlic paste, cardamom powder, kasuri methi, garam masala, cumin powder, salt, pepper, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch (flour). Mix everything well using a whisker.
Then add the blanched/steamed broccoli florets and mix until each piece of the broccoli is coated well with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Firstly, Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Grease the Air fryer basket with some butter (or oil). Place the marinated broccoli florets in the basket and spread them in a single layer (cook in batches if required). Brush or spray some butter on the top, ensuring the broccoli doesn't dry out.
Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 8-10 minutes or until edges start browning and turn tender-crisp. Turn halfway through cooking time.
Remove in a serving plate, squeeze some lime juice, and immediately serve with mint yogurt chutney.

How to Make Malai Broccoli in the Oven

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated cheesy malai broccoli evenly in a single layer.
Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes. Then broil on high for 2-3 minutes till they turn charred and crispy on the edges. Turn halfway through cooking time.

Notes

Expert Tips

Cut them the same size: This helps for quick and even cooking.
Prep and Dry Broccoli: Wash the broccoli florets, steam them, and pat them dry thoroughly before marinating. Excess moisture will make the roasted broccoli soggy.
Marination: In the refrigerator, let the broccoli florets marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have some extra time, then let them sit for longer. That way, they absorb more flavors from the marinade.
Corn starch: I highly recommend adding cornstarch (or besan) to the marinade. This step ensures that the cornstarch helps the broccoli coat well and not stick to the air fryer basket/pan.
Work in batches. Make sure to spread the marinated broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each other. Cook in batches if needed.
Shake the basket halfway: It's important to turn them halfway through cooking time for even roasting.

Variations

Other Veggies: You can also add a medley of vegetables like onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms along with broccoli to make mixed vegetable malai tikka.
Keto: If you want to make keto or low-carb malai broccoli tikka bites, then skip cornstarch in this recipe.
Paneer: Replace broccoli with paneer cubes to make malai paneer tikka.

Nutrition