Roasting Broccoli In An Air Fryer: Easy, Quick, Delicious!

Roasting broccoli in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It's a great side dish that can be served with almost any meal, and it's especially good with beef, chicken, and seafood. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes, to add flavour to the broccoli. The cooking time is typically around 10 minutes, and you may need to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

How long to roast broccoli in an air fryer

Roasting broccoli in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy, and tender broccoli. The cooking time will depend on the size of your broccoli florets and the desired level of doneness. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast broccoli in an air fryer:

Preparation

Before roasting, cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets. You can also include the stems, but the florets will give you a much better result as they cook more evenly. Clean the florets thoroughly under running water to remove any dust or impurities. Drain the florets well to ensure they are dry before roasting.

Seasoning

In a large mixing bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like onion powder, thyme, or parmesan cheese to enhance the flavour. Make sure the broccoli is evenly coated with the seasoning.

Air Frying

Transfer the seasoned broccoli to the air fryer basket, ensuring a flat single layer with some space between each floret. Overcrowding the basket will result in steaming instead of air frying, so cook in batches if necessary. Set the air fryer temperature to between 350°F and 400°F, and cook for 6 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

Halfway Through

Shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on all sides. At this point, you can also flip the florets to achieve an even browning. If you prefer softer, steamed broccoli, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking.

Serving

Once the timer goes off, remove the basket and serve the broccoli immediately. You can also sprinkle some fresh lemon juice or grated parmesan cheese on top for extra flavour.

Storing and Reheating

You can make air fryer broccoli ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. However, the florets may lose their crispiness when stored. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer or microwave for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through.

Roasting broccoli in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this nutritious vegetable, and with these simple steps, you'll be able to enjoy perfectly roasted broccoli in no time!

Seasonings for air fryer roasted broccoli

Roasted broccoli is a versatile dish that can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for seasonings to use when making roasted broccoli in your air fryer:

Basic Seasonings:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic Powder

These basic seasonings provide an amazing flavour and are a great starting point. You can always add other seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Lemon Juice:

Adding a dash of lemon juice to the basic seasoning mix can bring a tangy freshness to your roasted broccoli.

Parmesan Cheese:

Grated or shredded parmesan cheese can be added to the broccoli before or after cooking for a savoury, umami flavour.

Spicy Kick:

For some extra heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to your basic seasoning mix.

Asian-Inspired:

For an Asian twist, try tossing your broccoli in low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and garlic powder. This combination will give your broccoli a sweet and savoury flavour.

Curried Roasted Broccoli:

Curry powder can be a great addition to your basic seasoning mix, giving the broccoli an earthy, spicy flavour.

Thyme:

Adding a sprinkle of thyme to your basic seasoning mix can bring a subtle, herbal flavour to your roasted broccoli.

Remember, when seasoning your broccoli, you want to ensure that the florets are well-coated. Use your hands to work the seasonings into the tops of the florets to prevent burning. You can also add olive oil to help the seasonings stick and to promote even cooking.

Can you use frozen broccoli in an air fryer?

Yes, you can roast frozen broccoli in an air fryer. In fact, it is recommended to cook frozen broccoli directly from frozen in the air fryer, as this helps to achieve a better texture. Frozen broccoli florets have a high water content, so cooking them from frozen can help to avoid sogginess.

To cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Place the frozen broccoli florets in a bowl and drizzle with avocado or olive oil. Add your choice of seasonings and mix well, ensuring the broccoli is evenly coated.

Next, spray the air fryer basket with avocado or olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned broccoli florets in the basket in a single layer, ensuring the basket is not overcrowded. Air fry for 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket at least once during cooking to promote even browning. For best results, keep a close eye on the broccoli to avoid burning.

Your frozen broccoli is ready when it is crispy and golden brown. Serve immediately with lemon wedges or your favourite dipping sauce.

How to prepare broccoli for air frying

Preparing broccoli for air frying is a simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get the best results:

Step 1: Choosing and Cutting the Broccoli

When buying broccoli, look for bright green florets with firm and fresh stems. The base of the stem should be firm and green, not soft or yellowed. It is best to use broccoli within 2-3 days of purchase as it can develop an unpleasant odour if stored for too long.

To cut the broccoli, use a knife to trim the stem and then cut it into evenly sized florets. This ensures that the broccoli cooks evenly. You can also peel the stems and cut them into small pieces if you want to include them.

Step 2: Cleaning the Broccoli

Clean the broccoli florets thoroughly to remove any dust or dirt. You can rinse them under running water or dip them in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes. Drain the florets well in a colander, as excess water can affect the crispiness of the air-fried broccoli.

Step 3: Seasoning the Broccoli

In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with your desired seasonings. You can use a simple combination of olive oil, salt, and pepper, or get creative with other seasonings. Some popular options include garlic powder, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, onion powder, curry powder, soy sauce, honey, and Parmesan cheese. Experiment with different seasonings to find your favourite flavour profile.

Step 4: Mixing and Marinating

Make sure to mix the broccoli well with the seasonings and oil. You can use tongs or your hands to ensure that all the florets are evenly coated. For even more flavour, you can let the broccoli marinate in the seasonings for about 30 minutes before air frying.

Step 5: Preparing the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350-400°F (180-200°C). You can also add a couple of tablespoons of water to the bottom of the air fryer or under the crisper tray to help prevent burning and promote even cooking.

Step 6: Cooking the Broccoli

Place the seasoned broccoli florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Close the air fryer and cook at the desired temperature for 8-10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your broccoli. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and toss the florets if needed.

Step 7: Serving the Broccoli

Once the broccoli is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can top your air-fried broccoli with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped nuts, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavour. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious side dish!

What to serve with air fryer roasted broccoli

Air fryer roasted broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. It goes well with a variety of main dishes and can be served in multiple ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve with air fryer roasted broccoli:

Grains

Air fryer roasted broccoli pairs well with whole grains such as brown rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with risotto or your favourite pasta dish. For a grain bowl, start with a base of quinoa, brown, or white rice, then add the broccoli and a protein like tofu or tempeh.

Proteins

Air fryer roasted broccoli can be served alongside grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or teriyaki beef. For a vegetarian option, pair it with crispy sesame tofu and cilantro lime rice.

Potatoes

Roasted broccoli goes well with potatoes, such as garlic herb roasted potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or sweet potato fries.

Other Vegetables

You can also serve air fryer roasted broccoli with other vegetables, such as roasted cauliflower or air fryer asparagus.

Sauces and Seasonings

For an extra flavour boost, season your broccoli with parmesan cheese, lemon juice, or a punchy sauce like gochujang, peanut sauce, or sesame ginger dressing.

Other Ideas

Air fryer roasted broccoli is also great as a snack straight from the air fryer basket! You can also add it to a salad or noodle bowl, or use it as an ingredient in a broccoli salad or broccoli rice dish.

Frequently asked questions