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

Air fryer broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be made in just 6-15 minutes. The key to getting crispy broccoli with tender, roasted edges is to cut the florets into small, evenly sized pieces and toss them with olive oil and seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice before air frying. You can also add other seasonings like curry powder, soy sauce, or parmesan cheese to jazz it up. So, if you're looking for a delicious and nutritious side to pair with your favourite protein or main course, air fryer broccoli is a great option!

How long to roast broccoli in an air fryer

Roasting broccoli in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It's a great method to achieve tender broccoli with a delicious crispy texture and tasty charred edges. The best part is that it only takes about 10 minutes!

Preparation

First, you'll want to prepare your broccoli by cutting it into florets. It's important that the florets are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. You can also trim the stems if they are too long. Give the florets a good wash and drain them well.

Next, you'll need to season the broccoli. You can keep it simple with just olive oil, salt, and pepper, or add some extra flavour with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, or lemon juice. You only need a couple of tablespoons of olive oil, just enough to lightly coat the broccoli. Toss the broccoli florets in a bowl with the seasonings and oil until they are evenly coated.

Cooking Time

Now it's time to cook the broccoli in your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350-400°F. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on your desired level of doneness and the size of your broccoli florets, but it should take around 8-10 minutes for perfectly roasted broccoli.

For best results, shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. You may also want to add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer to prevent burning and smoking.

Once the broccoli is done to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can enjoy it as a side dish or add it to pasta, salads, or other recipes.

Tips

• If you're short on time, you can use pre-cut organic broccoli florets to save on preparation.
• If you want to add some extra crunch to your roasted broccoli, top it with chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios.
• You can also experiment with different seasonings to find your favourite flavour combinations.

Seasonings for air fryer roasted broccoli

Roasted broccoli in an air fryer is a quick, healthy, and tasty side dish. The best seasonings for air fryer roasted broccoli are those that add flavour without requiring a lot of oil. Here are some ideas for seasonings to use:

Basic Seasonings

A simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder can give your broccoli an amazing flavour. You can also add olive oil to enhance the taste and help the seasonings stick to the broccoli better. This basic combination of seasonings is a great starting point, and you can always add other seasonings to suit your taste.

Lemon Juice

Adding a dash of lemon juice to your broccoli can give it a nice citrusy flavour. Lemon juice also helps to brighten up the dish and enhance the other seasonings used.

Parmesan Cheese

If you're looking for a cheesy flavour, adding grated parmesan cheese to your broccoli is a great option. You can add the parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of air frying to create a delicious, crispy cheese crust.

Thyme

Thyme is a great herb to add to your roasted broccoli. It has a slightly woody and earthy flavour that pairs well with the other seasonings and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Cumin, Red Chilli Flakes, and Italian Seasoning

If you want to add a little kick to your broccoli, cumin, red chilli flakes, or Italian seasoning are great options. These seasonings can give your broccoli a nice spicy touch without overpowering its natural flavour.

Curry Powder and Soy Sauce

For an Asian-inspired twist, you can toss your broccoli with curry powder, soy sauce, honey, and garlic powder. This combination of seasonings creates a unique and delicious flavour that pairs well with the natural taste of broccoli.

Can you use frozen broccoli in an air fryer?

Yes, you can roast frozen broccoli in an air fryer. In fact, it is more convenient to use frozen broccoli directly in the air fryer than fresh broccoli, as it saves you the trouble of cutting it.

However, frozen broccoli florets have a lot of water content, which may affect the cooking time and the crispiness of the dish. To avoid this, make sure you drain the florets well before seasoning and roasting them.

Ingredients:

• Frozen broccoli florets
• Avocado oil or olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Place the frozen broccoli florets in a bowl.
• Drizzle avocado oil or olive oil on top of the broccoli and add the spices. Mix until everything is well combined and the florets are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
• Spread the broccoli out in a single layer on the trays or in the basket of the air fryer.
• Air fry for 10 minutes. If you have a tray model, rotate the trays. If you have a basket model, shake the basket.
• Air fry for another 8-10 minutes, or until the broccoli is crispy and golden brown.

You can serve the air-fried broccoli with some lemon wedges or a dipping sauce. Enjoy!

How to prepare broccoli for air frying

Air-fried broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be prepared in just a few simple steps. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to prepare broccoli for air frying:

Selecting and Cutting the Broccoli:

Start by choosing fresh broccoli with bright green florets that are firm and crisp. Avoid broccoli with yellow or soft stems, as this indicates that it is not fresh. Using a knife, cut the broccoli into medium-sized florets, ensuring that they are all roughly the same size. This step is important to ensure even cooking.

Cleaning the Broccoli Florets:

Rinse the broccoli florets thoroughly under running water to remove any dust or dirt. For a more thorough cleaning, you can soak the florets in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes. After cleaning, drain the florets well in a colander to remove any excess water. This step is crucial for achieving crispy air-fried broccoli.

Seasoning the Broccoli:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets with your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just olive oil, salt, and pepper, or get creative with additional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, or even parmesan cheese. Toss the broccoli well to ensure that all the florets are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Air Frying the Broccoli:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350°F and 400°F. Place the seasoned broccoli florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook the broccoli for 8-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness. For best results, shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Serving the Air-Fried Broccoli:

Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can enjoy air-fried broccoli as a side dish with your favourite protein or main course. It pairs well with grilled chicken, salmon, or steak, or even tossed into pasta or salads. For an extra touch of flavour, sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice on top of the broccoli before serving.

What to serve with air fryer roasted broccoli

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

Grains

Air fryer roasted broccoli goes well with whole grains such as brown rice or quinoa. You can also try serving it with risotto or your favourite pasta dish. The crispiness of the roasted broccoli will provide a nice contrast to the softness of the grains.

Proteins

This healthy broccoli dish can also be paired with various protein options. Some suggestions include grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Teriyaki beef. The savoury and slightly charred flavour of the air fryer roasted broccoli will complement the protein choices nicely.

Potatoes

For a heartier meal, consider serving air fryer roasted broccoli with a side of potatoes. Garlic herb roasted potatoes or crispy baked sweet potato fries would make a tasty addition to the meal. The starchiness of the potatoes will balance out the flavours of the broccoli.

Salads and Bowls

If you're looking for a lighter option, air fryer roasted broccoli can be a great addition to salads and bowls. You can toss it into a grain bowl or noodle bowl, or simply add it to a bed of greens. The broccoli will provide a nice crunchy texture to the salad or bowl.

Other Vegetables

You can also serve air fryer roasted broccoli with other vegetables. Try making a sheet pan of roasted vegetables that includes broccoli, or pair it with air fryer cauliflower for a healthy and crispy vegetable duo. The options are endless when it comes to creating a flavourful and nutritious meal with air fryer roasted broccoli.

Frequently asked questions