Air-Fryer Broccoli: Is It Worth The Hype?

Yes, you can cook broccoli in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to get crispy, tasty broccoli in under 10 minutes. Simply toss the florets with a simple seasoning and olive oil, and then pop them into the air fryer.

How to prepare broccoli for the air fryer

Preparing broccoli for the air fryer is simple and quick. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get the best results:

Ingredients:

You will need the following ingredients:

• Broccoli (fresh, not frozen)
• Olive oil (extra-virgin)
• Seasonings (such as garlic powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, etc.)
• Lemon (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Step 1: Cut the Broccoli:

Cut the broccoli into florets. Try to keep the florets roughly the same size, as this will help them cook evenly. You can also tear the broccoli into mini florets for quicker cooking. Remove any long stalks and save them for another use, such as making broccoli rice.

Step 2: Combine with Oil and Seasonings:

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets with olive oil and your desired seasonings. Toss or mix well to ensure that the broccoli is evenly coated. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright flavour.

Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket:

Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each floret. This ensures that the hot air can circulate around the broccoli and cook it evenly. If your air fryer basket is too crowded, cook the broccoli in batches.

Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350°F to 400°F. Cook the broccoli for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness and the size of your florets. Shake or flip the broccoli halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Step 5: Serve:

Once the broccoli is tender and golden brown, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can sprinkle it with fresh lemon juice, grated parmesan cheese, or your favourite seasonings for extra flavour.

Tips:

• If using frozen broccoli, avoid thawing it first as it will become too soft. Cook straight from frozen, and it will defrost and roast simultaneously.
• To prevent burning and smoking, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer pan before adding the broccoli.
• For crispier results, pat the broccoli dry after washing and ensure there is space between the florets in the air fryer.

The best temperature and time settings

Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time varies from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. For example, one recipe suggests cooking broccoli at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and crisp. Another recipe recommends cooking at 390°F for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

It's important to note that overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to steaming instead of crisping, so it's best to cook the broccoli in batches if necessary. Additionally, adding a small amount of water (about 1 tablespoon) to the bottom of the air fryer basket can help prevent burning and smoking.

When cooking frozen broccoli, it is recommended to avoid thawing beforehand as this can result in softer florets that don't crisp up easily. Instead, cook frozen broccoli directly from frozen, and note that it may require a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Seasoning and flavour combinations

The key to tasty air-fried broccoli is to season it well. The most popular seasonings are olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add lemon juice, soy sauce, or parmesan cheese for a flavour boost. Here are some specific seasoning and flavour combinations to try:

Combination 1:

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Thyme
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice

Combination 2:

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Tamari
• Red pepper flakes
• Toasted sesame seeds

Combination 3:

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Lemon slices
• Grated parmesan cheese

Combination 4:

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic granules
• Lemon juice
• Chilli flakes

Combination 5:

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Soy sauce
• Fish sauce or chile crisp
• Lemon zest
• Sesame seeds

How to prevent broccoli from burning in the air fryer

Air-fried broccoli is a quick and easy dish to make, but it can burn easily. Here are some tips to prevent your broccoli from burning in the air fryer:

Use Enough Oil

Coat the broccoli florets well with oil. This will help them cook evenly and prevent burning. Olive oil is a good option as it has a high smoke point and is packed with antioxidants. Use your hands to work the oil into the tops of the florets to ensure they don't burn before the stems are tender.

Don't Crowd the Air Fryer Basket

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

Use Bigger Florets

Smaller florets tend to burn more easily than larger ones. The smaller florets will brown on top before the stalk becomes fully tender. Keep your florets on the larger side so they cook more evenly.

Shake the Basket Halfway Through

Don't forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides of the broccoli cook evenly.

Adjust the Temperature and Timing

Keep an eye on your broccoli while it's cooking and adjust the temperature and timing as needed. Different air fryers may require slightly different settings, so it's important to monitor your broccoli to prevent burning.

What to serve with air fryer broccoli

Air fryer broccoli is a tasty, quick and easy side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:

Grains

Air fryer broccoli goes well with whole grains such as brown rice or quinoa. You can also add it to a grain bowl with a base of quinoa or brown or white rice, along with a protein like tofu or tempeh and a sauce such as gochujang, peanut sauce, or sesame ginger dressing.

Risotto or Pasta

This healthy broccoli dish also pairs beautifully with risotto or your favourite pasta dish.

Proteins

Air fryer broccoli can be served alongside grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Teriyaki beef.

Potatoes

Try it with a side of garlic herb-roasted potatoes, sweet potato fries, or roasted sweet potatoes.

Other Vegetables

As air fryer broccoli is usually served as a side dish, it can be paired with other roasted or air-fried vegetables, such as asparagus, green beans, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.

Frequently asked questions