Air-Fried Broccoli: A Quick, Healthy, And Delicious Treat

Air fryer broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. It is a great way to get crispy-tender broccoli in under 10 minutes. All you need is broccoli florets, olive oil, and some seasonings. You can use salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a simple seasoning, or get creative with thyme, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes. The key to getting crispy broccoli is to ensure the florets are evenly sized and not overcrowded in the air fryer. Simply toss the florets with the seasoning and oil, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer, and cook at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F for 6 to 10 minutes.

How to prepare broccoli for the air fryer

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

Ingredients:

• Broccoli Florets: Use fresh broccoli florets for even cooking. Cut them into roughly equal-sized pieces to promote even cooking. You can also use pre-cut florets from the refrigerated aisle.
• Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is recommended. You only need a couple of tablespoons, as air fryers require less oil.
• Seasonings: The basic seasonings include salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other seasonings like cumin, red chili flakes, Italian seasoning, or squeeze some lemon juice for a citrusy flavor.

Instructions:

• Combine Broccoli and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, add the broccoli florets, olive oil, and your desired seasonings. Toss them together to ensure the broccoli is evenly coated. Use your hands to work the oil and seasonings into the florets, making sure there are no dry spots.
• Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow proper air circulation. If needed, cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Air Fry: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 350°F to 400°F, depending on your preference and the desired level of crispness. Cook for 6 to 10 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking on all sides.
• Serve: Remove the broccoli from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can garnish it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lemon juice for some extra flavor.

Tips:

• For crispy broccoli, it is important to ensure the florets are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches is recommended.
• For tender broccoli, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer to create a steaming effect.
• While you can use frozen broccoli, it is best to use fresh broccoli for the best crispness. Frozen broccoli may require a higher temperature and longer cooking time.

How to season broccoli for the air fryer

Air fryer broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. It is also very versatile when it comes to seasoning. Here are some tips on how to season broccoli for the air fryer:

Choose Your Seasonings

The beauty of air fryer broccoli is that it can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. You can go for a simple seasoning blend or get creative with different herbs and spices. Here are some options for seasonings to use:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Red pepper flakes
• Parmesan cheese
• Thyme
• Lemon juice
• Cumin
• Italian seasoning
• Onion powder

Prepare the Broccoli

When preparing the broccoli, it is recommended to use fresh broccoli florets for the best results. Cut the florets into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You can also add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to help the broccoli become tender and crispy.

Combine Broccoli and Seasonings

To ensure that the broccoli is packed with flavor, combine the broccoli florets with your chosen seasonings in a large bowl. Toss the broccoli well to fully coat the florets with the seasonings. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the broccoli! You can also add a tablespoon of water to the bowl to help keep the broccoli tender and prevent burning.

Cook in the Air Fryer

Once the broccoli is seasoned, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. Set the temperature and cooking time according to your air fryer's instructions, usually between 350°F and 400°F for 6 to 10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or flip the florets to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the broccoli is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and serve it hot. You can sprinkle on some freshly grated parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious air fryer broccoli!

How long to cook broccoli in the air fryer

To cook broccoli in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat the air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 390°F. The cooking time will be between 7 and 10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your broccoli. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to ensure that all sides of the broccoli cook evenly.

If you like your broccoli on the softer side, you can add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking. This will create a steaming effect. However, be aware that if you crowd the basket or use too much water, your broccoli is more likely to steam instead of air fry, resulting in a softer texture.

When cooking broccoli in an air fryer, it's best to use the florets for even cooking. Cut them into larger pieces to prevent burning. Before cooking, toss the broccoli florets in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other seasonings like thyme, Parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Make sure to coat the broccoli evenly with the oil and seasonings. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can cause the broccoli to steam instead of crisp. Arrange the broccoli in a single layer, leaving a little space between each floret.

What temperature to cook broccoli in the air fryer

The ideal temperature to cook broccoli in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F.

Most recipes recommend cooking broccoli in the air fryer for around 8-10 minutes at 350°F, though some recipes suggest cooking at 370°F or 375°F for the same amount of time. If you're looking for a faster cooking time, one recipe recommends cooking at 400°F for just 6 minutes.

It's important to note that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your broccoli florets. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your broccoli while it's cooking to ensure it doesn't burn.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that while you can cook frozen broccoli in the air fryer, fresh broccoli is generally recommended as it tends to yield crispier results due to its lower moisture content.

What to serve with air fryer broccoli

Now that you've made your air fryer broccoli, it's time to think about what to serve it with. Here are some ideas:

Grains

Air fryer broccoli goes well with whole grains such as brown rice or quinoa. You could also try it with a quinoa bowl or noodle bowl.

Risotto or Pasta

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

Proteins

Try serving it with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or teriyaki beef.

Potatoes

Potato dishes like garlic herb roasted potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or crispy baked sweet potato fries also complement air fryer broccoli nicely.

Other Vegetables

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

Sauces and Seasonings

For some extra flavour, serve your air fryer broccoli with a punchy sauce like gochujang, peanut sauce, or sesame ginger dressing. A sprinkling of red pepper flakes or toasted sesame seeds can also add some heat and crunch.

Frequently asked questions