Air-Frying Broccoli: Quick, Easy, And Healthy Way

Air fryers are a great way to cook broccoli, with many people saying it's their favourite way to cook the vegetable. It's quick and easy, taking just 8 to 12 minutes to cook, and you can add a variety of seasonings and oils to make it tasty. You can also cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer, but it's best not to thaw it first.

Broccoli preparation

Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in an air fryer in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and cook broccoli in an air fryer:

• Selecting the Broccoli: Choose a fresh head of broccoli with a compact, dark green crown and no yellowing flowers. You can opt for a whole head with a large stem or 2-3 smaller crowns without the stem.
• Cutting the Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into uniform, bite-sized florets. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture. You can prepare the florets up to two days in advance and store them in a covered container in the refrigerator.
• Seasoning the Broccoli: Place the florets in a bowl and toss them with oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, or any other oil suitable for high-heat cooking. Ensure the florets are well-coated. Then, season the broccoli with your choice of spices. Common options include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.
• Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature varies across sources, with suggestions ranging from 350°F to 400°F. Adjust the temperature according to your air fryer's instructions and preferences for crispness.

Cooking the Broccoli:

• Arranging the Broccoli in the Air Fryer: Place the seasoned broccoli florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave some space between the florets to allow hot air to circulate. If necessary, cook the broccoli in batches.
• Cooking Time and Temperature: The cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of doneness and the model of your air fryer. Check the broccoli after 6-[8] minutes of cooking, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Broccoli is done when it is tender with a slight crunch and crispy, bright green, or lightly browned edges.
• Adding Extras: For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese or squeeze some lemon juice over the cooked broccoli. You can also add a drizzle of hot honey, balsamic glaze, or your favorite sauce.
• Storing and Reheating: Store leftover cooked broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, simply place the broccoli back into the air fryer for a few minutes to regain its crispness.

Oil and seasoning

Oil is an important component of cooking broccoli in an air fryer as it helps to prevent the broccoli from burning. You can use a variety of oils, such as olive oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil. The amount of oil needed is typically small, around 1-2 tablespoons or just enough to coat the broccoli. You can toss the broccoli with the oil in a separate bowl or directly in the air fryer basket if it has a non-stick coating.

When it comes to seasoning, there are many options to choose from. A basic combination includes garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage. If you want to add a tangy twist, a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can be a great addition. For a more gourmet touch, consider sprinkling Parmesan or another hard aged cheese over the broccoli before serving. Keep in mind that the amount of salt may need to be adjusted if using a salty cheese like Parmesan.

It is recommended to toss the broccoli with the oil first and then add the desired seasonings. This helps the spices stick to the broccoli, ensuring an even coating. You can also add fresh minced garlic, but it is best to add it during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to prevent it from burning.

Some people also recommend adding a tablespoon or two of water to the base of the air fryer basket to prevent the broccoli from charring too much or burning. This is especially helpful if you are cooking at higher temperatures or for longer periods.

Air fryer settings

Preheating the Air Fryer

Before adding the broccoli, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, you can preheat it to 370°F for 2 minutes. This step ensures that your air fryer is ready to cook the broccoli evenly.

Preparing the Broccoli

Start by cutting fresh broccoli into bite-sized or medium-sized florets. Try to make the florets uniform in size to ensure even cooking. You can also use frozen broccoli florets, but fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture. If using frozen broccoli, there is no need to thaw it first. Simply cook it directly from the freezer.

Seasoning the Broccoli

Toss the broccoli florets with oil, making sure to coat them well. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or any oil you have on hand. Then, season the broccoli with your desired spices. Common seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.

Cooking the Broccoli

Place the seasoned broccoli florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between the florets to allow for proper air circulation. Set the air fryer temperature to 370°F for 8 minutes. For crispier broccoli, you can increase the temperature to 400°F for 3-4 minutes. Remember to toss or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Serving the Broccoli

Once the broccoli is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and place it in a serving dish. You can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve it as a side dish, add it to salads or pasta, or enjoy it however you like!

Reheating and Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover cooked broccoli, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the broccoli back into the air fryer for a few minutes to regain its crispy texture.

Cooking time and method

Broccoli is a tricky vegetable to cook in an air fryer, as it can burn quickly. It is important to toss the broccoli florets with some oil before cooking to prevent burning. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or any oil you have on hand. Massage the oil into the florets with your hands to ensure they are well coated.

You can also add spices to the broccoli before cooking. Try garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, or keep it simple with just salt and pepper. If you want to add fresh minced garlic, wait until the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time. You can also sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top after cooking, or squeeze some lemon juice over the broccoli for a tangy taste.

Cut the broccoli into uniform, bite-sized pieces before cooking to ensure even cooking. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli, but make sure to cut off the stems if you are using a whole head of broccoli. Preheat your air fryer to 350-370 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-4 minutes. Place the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between the florets to allow hot air to circulate.

Cook the broccoli for 8-10 minutes, tossing halfway through the cooking time. The broccoli is done when it is tender with a slightly crunchy texture and crispy edges. It should be bright green or a little browned on the edges.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried broccoli is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried broccoli makes an excellent side dish to grilled meat, fish, or tofu. Its crispy texture and savoury, salty flavour complement a wide range of main courses. For a simple yet tasty side, sprinkle the broccoli with red pepper flakes for heat or top it with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch. You can also serve it with a drizzle of lemon juice or your favourite dipping sauce.

In a Salad

Chop the air-fried broccoli and mix it into a salad for added texture and a nutritional boost. The crispy broccoli will provide a satisfying contrast to the freshness of the salad leaves and other ingredients.

In Grain or Noodle Bowls

Air-fried broccoli is a tasty addition to grain or noodle bowls. It provides a crunchy texture and a savoury flavour that pairs well with other ingredients in the bowl. You can also add it to pasta dishes for an extra serving of vegetables.

As a Snack

Air-fried broccoli can be enjoyed on its own as a healthy and delicious snack. The crispy, tender texture and savoury flavour make it a satisfying option. You can also dip it in your favourite sauce or drizzle it with lemon juice for added flavour.

With Other Vegetables

Air-fried broccoli can be served alongside other roasted or air-fried vegetables. Create a colourful and nutritious spread by including a variety of vegetables such as asparagus, cauliflower, or sheet pan roasted vegetables.

In a Main Course

Air-fried broccoli can be incorporated into a main course, such as a crispy sesame tofu bowl with cilantro lime rice. It adds texture and flavour to the dish while providing a healthy serving of vegetables.

Frequently asked questions