Steaming Broccoli: Air Fryer Magic In Minutes

Air fryer broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be made in under 10 minutes. It is the perfect combination of crispy and tender, without getting mushy. The key to getting crispy broccoli is to ensure that the florets are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, allowing hot air to circulate around them. A simple seasoning of olive oil, salt, and pepper is all you need, but you can experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning. For softer, steamed broccoli, add a tablespoon of water to the air fryer basket before cooking.

How to steam broccoli in the air fryer

How to Steam Broccoli in an Air Fryer

Steaming broccoli in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook this healthy vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect steamed broccoli.

Preparation

Before cooking, you will need to prepare the broccoli. Start by rinsing the broccoli florets and patting them dry with paper towels. It is important to ensure that the broccoli is dry before placing it in the air fryer, as any remaining water can cause the broccoli to steam rather than air fry.

Next, cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets. Having similarly sized pieces will ensure that the broccoli cooks evenly. Place the florets in a large bowl and add a drizzle of olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use other types of oil, such as vegetable oil or avocado oil. Make sure that the broccoli is well-coated with the oil, but not saturated.

Seasoning

Now it's time to season the broccoli. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or add other seasonings to suit your taste. Here are some suggestions:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar

Add your chosen seasonings to the bowl and toss the broccoli gently to ensure that each floret is lightly coated with oil and seasonings.

Cooking

Once your broccoli is prepared and seasoned, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Place the broccoli florets into the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the broccoli in batches.

Set the temperature of your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time will depend on your desired texture. For broccoli that is crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, cook for 10 minutes. If you prefer your broccoli more on the firm side, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. For a roasted finish, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

Halfway through the cooking time, shake the air fryer basket to turn the broccoli and allow it to cook evenly.

Serving

Your air fryer broccoli is now ready to serve! You can enjoy it as a side dish or add it to a grain bowl or salad. For an extra touch of flavour, sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice over the broccoli before serving.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftover broccoli, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the broccoli back in the air fryer or microwave for 2-5 minutes until warmed through.

How to keep broccoli from getting mushy

Avoid Overlapping Broccoli Florets

Although it is fine to overlap broccoli florets in the air fryer, avoid layering them too much or packing the basket full. The more room you leave around each piece of broccoli, the crispier it will get. If your florets don't fit into a single layer with some space in between, cook two batches instead.

Dry the Broccoli

Make sure to wash and then thoroughly dry the broccoli before adding it to the air fryer. Any water left on the florets will turn the air fryer into a steamer, preventing browning and making the broccoli more likely to get mushy.

Don't Use Frozen Broccoli

Frozen broccoli has more moisture than fresh broccoli, so it is not recommended for this recipe. The edges won't crisp up as nicely, and the florets will be super soft and won't crisp up easily.

Cut Equal-Sized Florets

Cutting the florets to a similar size will ensure that they cook at the same rate, and you won't end up with some florets being overcooked and mushy while others are still firm.

Don't Overcook

Check your broccoli halfway through the cooking time and adjust the remaining cooking time as needed. Broccoli is best when it is still slightly crispy, so don't overcook it or it will become mushy.

How to season air fryer broccoli

Air fryer broccoli is a quick and easy dish to make, and it goes well with almost anything. It's also a great way to get your nutrients in, with broccoli being loaded with vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients:

• Broccoli florets
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Optional:

• Thyme
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes
• Sesame seeds
• Tamari

Method:

• Rinse the broccoli florets and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Place the florets in a bowl and pour in a tablespoon of olive oil. You want the broccoli to be coated, but not saturated with oil.
• Season with salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or any other seasonings you like.
• Use a spoon to gently toss the broccoli in the oil and spices, ensuring that every piece is lightly coated.
• Transfer the broccoli to the air fryer basket, ensuring that the florets are in a single layer with some space around each one. You may need to cook in batches.
• Set the air fryer to 350°F-390°F and cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on your desired texture.
• Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to turn the broccoli and allow it to cook evenly.
• If you like your broccoli more on the roasted side, you can cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• For a more tender broccoli, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

Tips:

• It's important to dry the broccoli thoroughly before adding it to the air fryer to prevent it from steaming and affecting the browning.
• Don't overfill the air fryer basket. The more space you leave around each floret, the crispier it will get.
• You can also add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket if you prefer your broccoli softer and more steamed.
• If using frozen broccoli, there's no need to thaw it beforehand. Just be aware that it may need a few extra minutes to cook through.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious air fryer broccoli!

How long to cook broccoli in the air fryer

Yes, you can steam broccoli in an air fryer. If you want softer, steamed broccoli, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking.

Preparation

First, rinse and cut the broccoli into florets. The broccoli florets should be similar in size to ensure even cooking. Place the florets in a bowl and pour a tablespoon of olive oil over them. You want the broccoli to be coated, but not saturated with oil. Then, season the broccoli with salt and pepper, and gently toss or stir to completely coat it. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or any other spices you enjoy.

Cooking

Place the broccoli into the air fryer basket and set the temperature and time. The cooking time will depend on your desired texture. For broccoli that is crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, cook for 10 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer your broccoli more firm, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. For a roasted finish, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the air fryer basket to turn the broccoli and allow it to cook evenly.

Serving

You can serve air fryer broccoli as a side dish or add it to a grain bowl. For a simple side dish, garnish the broccoli with red pepper flakes for heat or top it with toasted sesame seeds for crunch. You can also drizzle a punchy sauce on top, such as gochujang sauce, peanut sauce, or sesame ginger dressing.

How to make garlic parmesan broccoli

Ingredients:

• 3-4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Method:

• Add broccoli, olive oil, garlic powder, salt & pepper to a large bowl and toss to combine.
• Transfer to the air fryer and set to 375F for 8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through.
• Once the timer goes off, remove and serve immediately.

For an extra kick of flavour, add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese to the bowl and mix well before cooking.

Tips:

• Ensure the broccoli florets are evenly coated with oil and seasoning.
• For crispier broccoli, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• If you prefer softer broccoli, add 1 tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking.
• Frozen broccoli can be used, but it may need a few extra minutes to cook through.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy side dish!

Frequently asked questions