Air-Fryer Broccoli: Is It Possible?

Air fryer broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook broccoli. It is a great side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses, and it can be made in just a few simple steps. All you need is broccoli florets, olive oil, and some basic seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The air fryer will give the broccoli a tender, crispy texture and concentrate its natural sweetness. The cooking process is simple and only takes around 5-10 minutes, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

How long to cook broccoli in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook broccoli in an air fryer! Here is a guide on how long to cook it for, depending on the result you want to achieve.

The cooking time will depend on the size of the florets and the desired texture. For example, if you want your broccoli to be al dente, it will take less time than if you want it to be more tender.

As a general rule, it takes around 7 to 10 minutes to cook broccoli in an air fryer. Here is a more detailed breakdown:

• For crispy and tender broccoli, cook at 390°F (200°C) for 7 to 9 minutes.
• For tender broccoli with crispy edges, cook at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
• For crispy broccoli, cook at 375°F for 8 minutes.

Tips for cooking broccoli in an air fryer:

• Cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
• Pat the broccoli dry before cooking to remove any moisture, as this will help achieve crispier edges.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between the florets to allow hot air to circulate and ensure even cooking. You may need to cook in batches.
• Shake or flip the broccoli halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on all sides.
• If using frozen broccoli, there is no need to thaw it first. However, it may need a few extra minutes to cook through.

Seasoning suggestions:

• Olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Olive oil, tamari (or soy sauce), and garlic powder.
• Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
• Olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, thyme, and grated parmesan cheese.
• Olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

Enjoy your air-fried broccoli as a side dish or add it to grain bowls, noodle bowls, or salads!

Can you use frozen broccoli in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in an air fryer! In fact, cooking frozen broccoli in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook this vegetable. It is also healthier and less time-consuming than other cooking methods like roasting, steaming, or microwaving, which can turn the broccoli into a soggy mush. Air frying frozen broccoli results in crispy, tender, and perfectly golden brown florets that can be served as a side dish or enjoyed as a snack.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 380-400°F (190-204°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is important as it ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

Take a bowl and add the frozen broccoli florets to it. Make sure to use florets instead of chopped broccoli or broccoli cuts as they tend to have a lot of stem pieces. You can also pick out and set aside any super small florets to prevent them from burning during cooking.

Step 3: Add Oil and Seasonings

Drizzle avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil over the broccoli florets. You can also use other oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil. Add your desired seasonings and spices to the bowl. Some popular seasoning options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Mix everything well to ensure the oil and seasonings coat the florets evenly.

Step 4: Arrange the Broccoli in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned broccoli florets in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket to allow proper air circulation. Leave some space between the florets so that they cook evenly and get crispy.

Step 5: Air Fry the Broccoli

Air fry the broccoli for about 10 minutes, and then remove the basket or tray. If you have a tray model, rotate the trays. If you have a basket model, shake the basket to ensure even cooking. Put the broccoli back in and air fry for another 5-10 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness. For larger broccoli florets, you may need to increase the cooking time.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the broccoli is crispy and golden brown, remove it from the air fryer and serve it hot. You can enjoy it as a side dish or dip it in your favorite sauce as a healthy snack.

Some tips to keep in mind when cooking frozen broccoli in an air fryer:

• Do not thaw the frozen broccoli before air frying. Cooking frozen broccoli directly in the air fryer results in a better texture and crispiness.
• If you want softer and steamed broccoli, add 1 tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent the broccoli from steaming instead of air frying. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Always shake or rotate the basket or tray halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

What temperature to cook broccoli in an air fryer?

Air-frying is a great way to cook broccoli. It's quick, easy, and results in tender, crispy broccoli with caramelized edges. The best temperature to cook broccoli in an air fryer is between 375°F and 400°F (about 190°C to 200°C).

At this temperature, the broccoli will cook in about 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of the florets and the specific air fryer model. It's important to ensure that the broccoli is cut into evenly sized florets so that it cooks uniformly.

Before air-frying, toss the broccoli florets with a light coating of olive oil and your choice of seasonings. Some popular seasoning options include garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. You can also add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast after cooking for extra flavor.

Additionally, adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket can help prevent burning and smoking. This is especially useful if you want softer, steamed broccoli rather than crispy broccoli.

Air-frying is a convenient and tasty way to cook broccoli, and with the right temperature and techniques, you can achieve delicious results every time.

How to stop broccoli burning in an air fryer?

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

Chop the broccoli into equally sized large florets

Large florets will take longer to crisp up on top, so they cook more evenly in the air fryer. Smaller florets can burn too quickly.

Pat the broccoli dry

If you wash your broccoli, make sure to pat it dry first to remove any moisture. The less moisture, the crispier the edges will be.

Don't crowd the air fryer basket

Give the broccoli space in the air fryer so that it cooks evenly. If the basket is too crowded, the broccoli will steam and soften instead of crisping up. Ideally, the florets should fit in a single layer with a little space around each one. If not, work in batches.

Don't skimp on the oil

Coat the broccoli well in oil. This will help the broccoli become tender as it cooks. If you don't use enough oil, the broccoli will burn instead of browning.

Add water to the air fryer basket

If you have trouble with things burning in your air fryer, put a tablespoon of water into the air fryer basket. This will help the broccoli keep some moisture.

What to serve with air fryer broccoli?

Air fryer broccoli is a quick and easy side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas on what to serve with air fryer broccoli to make a delicious and nutritious meal:

Grains

Air fryer broccoli goes well with whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, or a quinoa bowl. You can also try adding it to a grain bowl with other vegetables and proteins. For example, start with a base of quinoa or brown or white rice, then add the broccoli and some air fryer tofu or baked tempeh.

Proteins

Air-fried broccoli pairs well with proteins like grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or teriyaki beef. You can also try adding a protein source directly to your grain bowl, such as tofu or tempeh.

Noodles and Pasta

Air fryer broccoli can be a tasty addition to noodle or pasta dishes. Try tossing it into soba noodles or your favourite pasta dish. You can also make your own noodle bowl by adding the broccoli to a base of noodles and a protein source.

Other Vegetables

Air fryer broccoli is a great side dish to serve with other roasted or air-fried vegetables. Try pairing it with air fryer asparagus, air fryer carrots, or air fryer Brussels sprouts. You can also add it to a sheet pan of roasted vegetables, such as roasted sweet potatoes or garlic herb-roasted potatoes.

Sauces and Seasonings

To enhance the flavour of your air fryer broccoli, try serving it with a punchy sauce like gochujang sauce, peanut sauce, or sesame ginger dressing. You can also season it with red pepper flakes for heat or top it with toasted sesame seeds for crunch.

Fish

Air fryer broccoli can be a tasty side dish for fish, such as salmon. Try serving it with air fryer salmon or an easy salmon recipe.

Other Ideas

• Crispy sesame tofu and cilantro lime rice
• Cashew broccoli soba noodles
• Veggie power bowl
• Air fryer French fries
• Air fryer cauliflower

Frequently asked questions