Air-Fried Broccoli: Quick, Easy, And Healthy

Air fryer broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook broccoli. It is a convenient way to cook vegetables without having to heat up the entire oven. The air fryer is especially good at producing the Maillard reaction, which deepens the flavour of the broccoli. The best way to season broccoli for the air fryer is to do it simply with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. The broccoli can be seasoned with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, and lemon juice. The air fryer should be set to between 350°F and 400°F for 6-10 minutes.

How long to cook broccoli in an air fryer

Air fryer broccoli is a quick and easy dish to make—it can be ready in under 10 minutes! Here is a guide on how long to cook broccoli in an air fryer:

• Preparation: Before cooking the broccoli, you will need to prepare it. Firstly, cut the broccoli into florets. The size of the florets will determine how long it takes to cook. For even cooking, cut the florets into roughly equal-sized, very small pieces. You can also tear the florets into mini florets. This will ensure that the broccoli cooks quickly and evenly.
• Seasoning: Place the broccoli florets into a large mixing bowl and toss them with a drizzle of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like onion powder, thyme, or grated parmesan cheese. Ensure that the broccoli is well-coated.
• Air Frying: Transfer the broccoli to the air fryer basket. Arrange the florets in a single layer, ensuring that the basket is not overcrowded. If your basket is too small, cook the broccoli in batches. Set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the temperature and the size of your florets, but it should take between 6 and 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure that all sides cook evenly.
• Optional Add-Ins: For softer broccoli, add 1 tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking. You can also make garlic parmesan broccoli by adding 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese to the broccoli before cooking.
• Serving: Air fryer broccoli is delicious served as a side dish or added to a grain bowl. You can also sprinkle it with red pepper flakes, toasted sesame seeds, or fresh lemon juice before serving.

By following these steps and adjusting the cooking time as needed, you can easily cook broccoli in your air fryer to your desired level of doneness.

How to season broccoli in an air fryer

Air fryer broccoli is a quick and easy way to cook a tasty, healthy side dish in under 10 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season and cook broccoli in an air fryer.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Broccoli florets
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• (Optional) Red pepper flakes, toasted sesame seeds, thyme, grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice

Method

• In a large mixing bowl, toss the broccoli florets with a drizzle of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add in other seasonings of your choice, such as thyme or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.
• Transfer the broccoli to the air fryer basket, ensuring that it is arranged in a single layer with some space around each floret. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
• Set the air fryer temperature to between 350°F and 400°F, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes. For smaller florets, 6 minutes may be sufficient. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to ensure even cooking.
• (Optional) For softer, steamed broccoli, add 1 tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking.
• (Optional) For extra flavour, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, toasted sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Tips

• For crispy broccoli, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• For even cooking, cut the broccoli florets into similar-sized, small pieces.
• To prevent burning, use powdered garlic and onion instead of fresh.
• For a simple, tasty seasoning, a combination of garlic, salt, and black pepper is recommended.
• For a more complex flavour, you can add tamari to the broccoli before cooking.

What temperature to cook broccoli in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook broccoli in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the temperature you set your air fryer to, but it should take somewhere between 6 to 10 minutes.

To cook broccoli in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Broccoli florets
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder

Optional ingredients include:

• Red pepper flakes
• Sesame seeds
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice
• Thyme

First, toss the broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the broccoli is coated evenly. Then, transfer the broccoli to the air fryer basket, ensuring that it is arranged in a single layer with a little space around each floret. If your air fryer basket is too crowded, the broccoli will steam and soften instead of crisping up.

Next, set the temperature and cooking time. Different sources recommend different temperatures and cooking times. Some sources suggest cooking at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, while others recommend 375°F for 8 minutes, or 400°F for 6 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to ensure that all sides of the broccoli are cooked evenly.

Finally, serve the broccoli hot with your favourite main dish. You can also add some red pepper flakes and sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and lemon juice, if desired.

How to prevent broccoli from burning in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook broccoli in an air fryer! Here are some tips to prevent it from burning:

Use Large Florets

Keep your florets on the larger side. Smaller florets will brown on top before the stalk becomes fully tender. By the time it is tender, the tips of the florets may burn. Larger florets need more time to crisp up on top, so they cook more evenly in the air fryer.

Coat the Broccoli Well

For tender stalks and crispy tops, ensure the broccoli is well-coated in oil. You can use your hands to work the oil into the tops of the florets. Make sure no part of the broccoli is left dry.

Work in Batches

If your air fryer basket is too crowded, the broccoli will steam and soften instead of crisping up. The florets should fit in a single layer with a little space around each one. If they don't, work in batches.

Add Water to the Air Fryer

Adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket can help to prevent burning.

Don't Overcrowd the Basket

If your air fryer basket is overcrowded, the broccoli is more likely to steam than air fry. If all of the florets don't fit in a single layer with some space in between, cook in two batches.

How to prepare broccoli before air frying

Preparing broccoli for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, cut the broccoli into florets. The size of the florets will impact the cooking time and the overall texture of the broccoli. Smaller, evenly-sized florets will ensure even cooking and nicely roasted edges. Larger florets will take longer to cook and may result in the tips burning before the stalks are tender. If you are short on time, you can buy pre-cut broccoli florets.

Next, place the florets in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and add your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or try garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, or parmesan cheese. Give the florets a good toss to ensure they are evenly coated. This step is important as it ensures the broccoli will be packed with flavour and helps the seasonings stick.

Now your broccoli is ready for the air fryer! Transfer the florets to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer with a little space around each one. Overcrowding the basket will cause the broccoli to steam and soften, rather than achieving the desired crispy texture. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the broccoli in batches.

Finally, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer. This small but important step helps to prevent burning and smoking, and will keep the broccoli tender.

Frequently asked questions