Steaming Broccoli In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryer broccoli is a quick and easy side dish that can be made in under 15 minutes. It is a healthy option that is vegan-friendly, low in fat, dairy-free, and gluten-free. The key to getting the perfect texture is to ensure the broccoli florets are evenly coated in oil and seasonings and not overcrowded in the air fryer. For crispier broccoli, simply increase the cooking time by a minute or two.

How long to steam broccoli in an air fryer

Steaming broccoli in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and tasty side dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparation:

First, you will need to prepare the broccoli. Cut the broccoli into florets, ensuring they are all similar in size to allow for even cooking. Rinse the florets with water and let them dry. You can also use store-bought pre-washed broccoli.

Seasoning:

Place the broccoli florets in a large bowl and add your desired seasonings. A simple combination of olive oil, salt, and pepper is always a good choice, but you can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Toss the broccoli well to ensure it is evenly coated.

Air Frying:

Now it's time to cook the broccoli in your air fryer. Place the seasoned broccoli into the air fryer basket, spreading it into a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

To steam the broccoli, add a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking. This will create a steaming effect and ensure your broccoli is tender.

Set the temperature of your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time will depend on your desired texture and the size of your florets. For softer, steamed broccoli, cook for 8-10 minutes. If you prefer your broccoli more crispy and roasted, reduce the cooking time to 6-8 minutes.

It is important to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. So, keep an eye on your broccoli and give it a good shake or toss to ensure all sides cook evenly.

Serving:

Once your broccoli is cooked to your desired texture, it's time to serve! Air fryer broccoli makes a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs well with almost any main course. You can also sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra flavour boost. Enjoy!

Best temperature to steam broccoli in an air fryer

Yes, you can steam broccoli in an air fryer. If you want softer broccoli, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking.

To get the best results, cut the broccoli into florets of roughly the same size so that they cook evenly. Then, toss the florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other seasonings like thyme, Italian seasoning, or onion powder. Make sure the broccoli is well-coated but not saturated with oil.

The best temperature to cook broccoli in an air fryer is between 350°F and 390°F (150°C to 200°C). Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired texture. For crispier broccoli, cook for a shorter amount of time. For more tender broccoli, add a tablespoon of water and cook for a longer amount of time. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to ensure even cooking.

How to avoid mushy broccoli in an air fryer

Air-fried broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. However, if not cooked properly, it can turn out mushy. Here are some tips to ensure your broccoli comes out perfectly crispy and tender:

Cut Broccoli into Even-Sized Florets

Before air-frying, cut the broccoli into similar-sized florets. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents smaller pieces from overcooking or burning.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket

Place the broccoli florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space around each piece. If your basket is overcrowded, the broccoli will steam instead of air fry, resulting in a mushy texture. If needed, cook the broccoli in multiple batches.

Dry the Broccoli Thoroughly

Make sure to wash and then thoroughly dry the broccoli florets before adding them to the air fryer. Any excess water on the broccoli will cause it to steam instead of air fry, leading to a softer texture.

Use Enough Oil

Coat the broccoli florets lightly with oil. Olive oil, avocado oil, or any other light-flavored oil will work. Oil helps the broccoli cook evenly and promotes crisping. However, avoid using too much oil, as it can saturate the broccoli and affect the final texture.

Cook at the Right Temperature and Time

Cooking temperature and time may vary depending on your air fryer and the desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, cook broccoli at around 350°F to 400°F for 6-10 minutes. Check on the broccoli halfway through the cooking time and adjust as needed.

Shake or Toss the Broccoli Halfway Through

To ensure even cooking and browning, shake or toss the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process. This helps prevent the broccoli from steaming and promotes even crisping.

Avoid Using Thawed Frozen Broccoli

If using frozen broccoli, avoid thawing it before air frying. Thawed broccoli will turn out super soft and will not crisp up easily. Cook frozen broccoli directly from frozen, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

How to get crispy broccoli in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Broccoli florets
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Lemon juice
• Parmesan

Method:

• Cut the broccoli into florets, ensuring they are all similar in size.
• Rinse the broccoli florets with water and dry them thoroughly.
• Place the broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl.
• Drizzle olive oil or avocado oil over the broccoli florets.
• Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
• Toss the broccoli florets in the oil and seasonings until they are evenly coated.
• Transfer the broccoli florets to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space around each one. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Set the air fryer temperature to between 350°F and 400°F.
• Cook for 6-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
• Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• For extra crispiness, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
• Sprinkle the cooked broccoli with lemon juice and parmesan, if desired.

Tips:

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space around each floret to allow air to circulate and promote crispiness.
• Dry the broccoli thoroughly before adding it to the air fryer. Any remaining water will turn the air fryer into a steamer and prevent browning.
• Use olive oil or avocado oil for the best results, but any type of oil will work.
• If using frozen broccoli, do not thaw it before air frying. Add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it cooks through.

How to steam frozen broccoli in an air fryer

Steaming frozen broccoli in an air fryer is a simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect steamed broccoli:

Preparation:

Before you begin, ensure you have the following ingredients: frozen broccoli, olive oil or avocado oil, and seasonings of your choice such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder. You will also need an air fryer.

Start by rinsing the frozen broccoli florets in water. This step is important as it helps to remove any dirt or impurities. It is recommended to use fresh or thawed frozen broccoli, as super soft florets may not crisp up easily.

Next, dry the broccoli florets thoroughly. You can use paper towels or a kitchen towel to absorb any excess water. This step is crucial because any remaining water on the broccoli will turn your air fryer into a steamer, preventing the broccoli from browning and crisping up.

Seasoning:

Place the cleaned and dried broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil or avocado oil over the florets, ensuring they are coated but not saturated. You can also use an oil spray for more even coverage. The oil helps the broccoli become tender during cooking and prevents burning.

Now, it's time to season your broccoli. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours!

Use a spoon or your hands to gently toss the broccoli florets in the oil and spices, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. This step ensures that your broccoli absorbs all the flavours and cooks uniformly.

Cooking:

Once your broccoli is seasoned and ready, it's time to cook! Transfer the broccoli florets to the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer with a little space around each floret. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will cause the broccoli to steam instead of air fry. If needed, cook the broccoli in batches to ensure even cooking.

Close the air fryer and set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time will depend on your desired texture. For crispier broccoli, cook for 8-10 minutes. If you prefer your broccoli more firm or tender, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. For a roasted finish, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

Halfway through the cooking process, open the air fryer and shake the basket gently to turn the broccoli florets, allowing them to cook evenly on all sides. This step ensures that your broccoli doesn't burn and cooks uniformly.

Serving:

Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the steamed broccoli from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving bowl. You can enjoy it as a healthy and savoury side dish or add it to grain bowls, salads, or noodle dishes.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and serving options to find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions