Air-Fryer Broccoli: Healthy, Quick, And Delicious

Air fryer broccoli is a quick and easy way to cook the vegetable, resulting in a tasty, crispy, and tender side dish in under 10 minutes. To make air fryer broccoli, toss broccoli florets with olive oil and a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, before placing in the air fryer for 6-10 minutes.

Air fryer broccoli recipe and ingredients

Air fryer broccoli is a quick and easy side dish to make. It has the perfect crisp edges and a delicious savoury flavour. You can also add it to a grain bowl or noodle bowl.

Ingredients:

• Broccoli florets
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Tamari
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Method:

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, tamari, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the broccoli is well-coated. Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between the florets. You might need to work in batches so that the broccoli doesn't steam and soften. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until tender and golden brown.

You can also add grated parmesan cheese, thyme, or a squeeze of lemon juice to the broccoli for some extra flavour.

Tips:

• Keep the florets on the larger side so that they cook more evenly.
• Use your hands to coat the broccoli well and make sure there are no dry spots.
• If you want to add a sauce, try gochujang sauce, peanut sauce, or sesame ginger dressing.
• For a crispy texture, reheat any leftover broccoli in the air fryer or microwave for 30 seconds.

Enjoy your tasty and healthy air fryer broccoli!

How to make air fryer broccoli

Ingredients:

• Broccoli florets
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Lemon zest (optional)
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F–390°F (around 180°C).
• In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Ensure the broccoli is well-coated.
• Transfer the broccoli to the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each floret. You may need to work in batches.
• Air fry for 7–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For softer broccoli, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking.
• Serve immediately. Optionally, sprinkle with lemon juice, lemon zest, sesame seeds, or parmesan cheese.

Air fryer broccoli cooking time and temperature

Air fryer broccoli is a quick and easy dish to make as a side or a snack. It's also highly nutritious, with plenty of vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients

• Broccoli florets
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Water (optional)

Cooking instructions

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to around 350°F-390°F.

Then, in a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with a drizzle of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the broccoli is well-coated.

Next, transfer the broccoli to the air fryer basket, ensuring it is laid out in a single layer with a little space around each floret. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Cook for 7-10 minutes at 350°F-390°F, shaking the basket halfway through. If you prefer softer broccoli, add a tablespoon of water to the basket before cooking.

Once the broccoli is tender and golden brown, it's ready to serve. You can sprinkle with red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, or Parmesan cheese for an extra kick of flavour.

Tips

• Use larger florets, as smaller ones may burn before the stalks are tender.
• Don't skimp on the oil, as this will help the broccoli become tender and prevent burning.
• If using frozen broccoli, there's no need to thaw first.
• For extra flavour, add a sprinkle of thyme, grated Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• If you're making a bigger batch, use an air fryer of at least 6-quart capacity.

Air fryer broccoli vs oven-roasted broccoli

Air fryer broccoli is a quick and easy way to cook broccoli, resulting in a tender and crispy texture in under 10 minutes. It is a healthy and delicious side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. The key to getting the perfect air fryer broccoli is to ensure that the florets are well-coated in oil and seasonings, and to cook them in a single layer to allow for even cooking.

On the other hand, oven-roasted broccoli is a more traditional method that takes longer to cook but delivers a similar tender and crispy texture. Roasting broccoli in the oven typically involves coating the florets in oil and seasonings, and cooking them on a baking sheet at a high temperature until they are tender and crispy.

One advantage of air frying broccoli is the speed and convenience it offers. Air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food, resulting in shorter cooking times compared to conventional ovens. This makes air fryer broccoli a great option when you are short on time or want to avoid heating up your kitchen. Additionally, air fryers tend to be more energy-efficient than ovens, making them a more cost-effective choice.

In terms of taste and texture, both air fryer and oven-roasted broccoli can deliver delicious results. Air fryer broccoli is known for its crispy edges and savory flavor, which can be enhanced by using different seasonings and ingredients such as garlic powder, parmesan cheese, or soy sauce. Similarly, oven-roasted broccoli can also be seasoned to perfection and achieves a nice char on the florets.

However, one difference to note is that oven-roasted broccoli may require a higher temperature and longer cooking time to achieve the desired level of crispness. This is because ovens heat food indirectly, whereas air fryers use direct heat, resulting in faster cooking times.

In terms of preparation, both methods are relatively simple. For air fryer broccoli, you will need to cut the broccoli into florets, coat them in oil and seasonings, and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Similarly, oven-roasted broccoli involves cutting the broccoli into florets, tossing them in oil and seasonings, and spreading them out on a baking sheet before placing them in the oven.

In conclusion, both air fryer and oven-roasted broccoli are tasty and nutritious options. Air fryer broccoli offers the convenience of faster cooking times and the ability to achieve a crispy texture without heating up your entire kitchen. Oven-roasted broccoli is a more traditional method that delivers similar results but may take longer to cook. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference, time constraints, and the equipment available to you.

Storing and reheating air fryer broccoli

Storing Air Fryer Broccoli:

It is best to let the broccoli cool down to room temperature before storing it. Place the broccoli in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for 3-4 days.

Reheating Air Fryer Broccoli:

You have a few options for reheating your air fryer broccoli:

• Pop it back into the air fryer for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
• Use a microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated all the way through.
• If you are short on time, a quick reheat in a pan on the stove will also do the trick.

Tips for Reheating:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes before reheating.
• Arrange the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even reheating.
• A light mist of oil can help the broccoli retain its crispy texture.
• Keep an eye on the broccoli to avoid overcooking and adjust the time and temperature as needed.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your air fryer broccoli as a delicious and healthy side dish multiple times throughout the week!

Frequently asked questions