Roasting Broccoli In An Air Fryer: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Roasted broccoli is a tasty and nutritious side dish that can be made in an air fryer in as little as 6 minutes. The air fryer is a great way to cook broccoli, as it concentrates the natural sweetness of the stalks and gives the tips a caramelized flavor. The key to getting the best results is to ensure even cooking by cutting the broccoli into evenly sized florets, tossing them with oil and seasonings, and shaking the air fryer basket during cooking to prevent scorching.

How to roast broccoli in an air fryer

Roasting broccoli in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty, healthy side dish. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly roasted broccoli.

Ingredients:

• Broccoli Florets
• Olive Oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, etc.

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Start by cutting the broccoli into evenly sized florets. Try to keep the florets around 1 to 2 inches in size. This ensures more surface area for crisping and uniform cooking.

Step 2: Season the Broccoli

Place the broccoli florets in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Use your hands or tongs to toss the broccoli, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.

Next, add your desired seasonings. At a minimum, a sprinkle of salt and pepper will do. However, you can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Transfer the seasoned broccoli to the air fryer basket, spreading the florets into a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can trap moisture and prevent the broccoli from crisping properly.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli

Close the air fryer and set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on your desired level of doneness, but generally, it should take around 8 to 10 minutes for the broccoli to roast.

For optimal results, shake the basket halfway through cooking to toss the florets and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the broccoli is tender with crispy, charred edges, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving platter. You can top it with some grated parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for an extra touch of flavor.

And that's it! You now have a delicious and nutritious side dish to accompany your favorite meals. Enjoy!

Air fryer roasted broccoli recipe

Ingredients:

• Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

• Cut the broccoli florets into evenly sized pieces.
• In a large bowl, toss the broccoli with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice (if using). Make sure the broccoli is evenly coated.
• Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket.
• Set the air fryer to 350-400°F (170-205°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• If desired, add grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Tips:

• For best results, use fresh broccoli and cut the florets into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Frozen broccoli can also be used, but it may require a longer cooking time due to the excess water content.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• For extra flavour, try adding other seasonings such as onion powder, soy sauce, honey, or curry powder.

Tips for making excellent air-fried broccoli

Air-fried broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be made in just 10–15 minutes. Here are some tips to ensure your broccoli turns out perfectly:

Picking and Preparing the Broccoli

When buying broccoli, look for bright green florets that are firm and fresh. The base of the stem should be firm and green, not soft and yellow. Broccoli is best used within 2–3 days of purchase as it can develop a strange smell over time.

When preparing the broccoli, cut the stems and florets into evenly sized pieces. This ensures the broccoli cooks evenly. The recommended size is around 1 to 2 inches. Make sure to clean the florets well, rinsing them under running water or dipping them in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes. Drain the florets thoroughly for crispier broccoli.

Seasoning the Broccoli

You can season your broccoli in a variety of ways, from simple olive oil, salt, and pepper to more complex combinations like garlic parmesan or Asian-style soy sauce and honey. Here are some specific seasoning ideas:

• Olive oil, salt, and pepper
• Olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Olive oil, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
• Olive oil, curry powder, garlic powder, and salt
• Olive oil, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and garlic powder
• Melted butter, garlic powder, grated parmesan, and pepper

Cooking the Broccoli

Air fryers differ in style and settings, but a good rule of thumb is to cook the broccoli at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F for 8–12 minutes. For optimal cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and cook the broccoli in batches if needed. This allows for better air circulation and more even cooking.

Additionally, shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps to toss the broccoli florets and ensures they cook evenly. You can also start cooking at a higher temperature and then reduce the heat to get crispy florets with tender insides.

Serving the Broccoli

Air-fried broccoli is delicious on its own, but you can also dress it up in various ways. Try topping it with Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast, chopped nuts, or seeds. You can also incorporate it into other dishes like quiche, omelet, or pizza.

How long to cook broccoli in an air fryer

Air-frying broccoli is a quick and easy way to cook this nutritious vegetable, and it results in a tender, crispy side dish. Here's a guide on how long to cook broccoli in an air fryer, with some tips for the best results.

Preparation

Firstly, cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets. This helps to ensure even cooking and maximise the surface area for crisping. You can also trim the stems of the florets if they are too long. The florets should be around 1 to 1 1/2 inches in size.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time for broccoli in an air fryer can vary depending on the desired level of doneness and the specific air fryer model. However, on average, it takes about 8 to 12 minutes to cook broccoli in an air fryer.

For the first half of the cooking time, set the air fryer temperature to between 390°F and 400°F. After placing the broccoli florets in the air fryer basket, cook for 4 to 6 minutes.

Then, remove the basket and give it a good shake to toss the florets, ensuring even cooking. Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking for the remaining time.

For the last half of the cooking time, lower the temperature to 340°F. This two-step temperature process helps to create tender broccoli with crispy, charred edges.

Tips for Success

• Keep moisture to a minimum by drying the broccoli well before placing it in the air fryer. Excess water can cause the broccoli to steam instead of roast, resulting in sogginess.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking the broccoli in small batches allows for better air circulation and even cooking.
• Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavour and nutrition.
• Season the broccoli simply with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. You can also add lemon juice, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for extra flavour.
• Shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to toss the florets and prevent scorching.
• For crispy, charred edges and tender interiors, cut the broccoli into small, evenly sized florets and cook in batches to allow for good air circulation.

Storing and Reheating

You can make air fryer broccoli ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. However, the florets may lose their crispiness when stored, but the taste will remain intact.

To reheat, use a microwave or an air fryer preheated to 340°F until warm. For the best results and to retain crispiness, reheat in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes.

Cooking broccoli in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this nutritious vegetable. By following the above guidelines and tips, you can achieve tender, crispy broccoli with charred edges that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Enjoy your healthy and delicious air-fried broccoli!

What to serve with air fryer broccoli

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

Grains

Air fryer broccoli goes well with whole grains such as brown rice or quinoa. You can serve it as a side dish or add it to a grain bowl with other vegetables, proteins, and sauces. For example, try making a bowl with a base of quinoa or brown rice, add the air fryer broccoli, and then some air fryer tofu or baked tempeh. You can also add a sauce like peanut sauce or sesame ginger dressing.

Risotto or Pasta

This healthy broccoli dish also pairs beautifully with risotto or your favorite pasta dish. You can toss the air fryer broccoli into pasta or add it as a side dish to your favorite pasta meal.

Proteins

Air fryer broccoli can be served alongside grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Teriyaki beef. It is a tasty and healthy side dish that will complement a variety of protein options.

Potatoes

Try serving air fryer broccoli with a side of garlic herb-roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, or sweet potato fries. These starches will balance out the flavors and textures of the air fryer broccoli.

Other Vegetables

As air fryer broccoli is a versatile side dish, you can serve it with other roasted or air-fried vegetables. Some options include roasted butternut squash, garlic herb-roasted baby potatoes, or air fryer cauliflower.

Frequently asked questions