Steaming Broccoli In An Air Fryer: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryer broccoli is a quick, healthy side dish that can be whipped up in a fraction of the time. In just 6 to 10 minutes, this broccoli turns ultra-crispy and juicy, with a delicious savory flavor. It is a terrific side dish because it has so many nutrients and is easy to make. The key to getting the best results is to ensure the broccoli florets are evenly coated with oil and seasonings and arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

How long to steam broccoli in an air fryer

Steaming broccoli in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. The great thing about air fryers is that they require very little oil—just a couple of tablespoons—and they cook food in a fraction of the time of a conventional oven.

How to Steam Broccoli in an Air Fryer

First, cut your broccoli into florets of roughly equal size. This will help the broccoli cook evenly. Then, toss the florets in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings, such as onion powder, cumin, red chili flakes, or Italian seasoning. Make sure the broccoli is evenly coated.

Next, place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It's important not to overcrowd the basket, as this will cause the broccoli to steam rather than air fry. If your broccoli doesn't fit in a single layer, cook it in batches.

To steam the broccoli, add 1 tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket. Then, set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F and cook for 6 to 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. If you want crispier broccoli, increase the cooking time by a minute or two.

And that's it! You now have perfectly steamed (and maybe slightly crispy) broccoli ready to be served as a side dish or added to your favourite recipes.

What temperature to steam broccoli in an air fryer

To steam broccoli in an air fryer, it is recommended to set the temperature to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 7 to 9 minutes. If you want softer, steamed broccoli, add 1 tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking.

• Prepare the broccoli florets by washing and cutting them into evenly sized pieces.
• In a large mixing bowl, toss the broccoli florets with a drizzle of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as thyme or parmesan cheese.
• Transfer the seasoned broccoli to the air fryer basket, ensuring that it is arranged in a single layer with some space between each floret. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will cause the broccoli to steam instead of air fry.
• Set the air fryer temperature to 390°F (200°C).
• Cook the broccoli for 7 to 9 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to ensure even cooking on all sides.
• If you prefer softer, steamed broccoli, add 1 tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking. This will create more steam and prevent the broccoli from getting crispy.
• Once the cooking time is complete, remove the broccoli from the air fryer and serve immediately.

By following these steps and maintaining the recommended temperature of 390°F (200°C), you can achieve perfectly steamed broccoli with a tender texture and a delicious flavour.

How to prepare broccoli for steaming in an air fryer

Steaming broccoli in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook this healthy vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare broccoli for steaming in an air fryer:

Step 1: Cut the Broccoli

Wash the broccoli and cut it into florets. Try to keep the florets a similar size to ensure even cooking. You can also buy pre-cut florets to save time.

Step 2: Season the Broccoli

Place the broccoli florets in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or avocado oil and add your choice of seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or try garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Toss the broccoli well to ensure an even coating of oil and seasonings.

Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer

Add 1 tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to create a steaming effect and prevent burning. Place the broccoli florets in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 4: Steam the Broccoli

Set the air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. Cook the broccoli for 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Serve the Broccoli

Serve the steamed broccoli immediately for the best texture and flavor. You can sprinkle it with fresh lemon juice or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy!

How to prevent broccoli from getting mushy in an air fryer

To prevent your broccoli from getting mushy in an air fryer, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you crowd the basket, the broccoli is more likely to steam and soften rather than remain crispy. Ideally, the florets should fit in a single layer with a little space around each one. If they don't all fit, cook two batches instead.

• Use bigger florets. Smaller florets can brown on top before the stalk becomes fully tender.
• Ensure the broccoli is well-coated in oil. This will help it cook evenly and prevent burning.
• Don't use frozen broccoli. Thawed frozen broccoli will result in super soft florets that won't crisp up easily.
• Don't overcook the broccoli. Check on it halfway through cooking and adjust the cooking time as needed.

How to reheat steamed broccoli

To reheat steamed broccoli in an air fryer, start by preheating the air fryer to 375°F. Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between the florets. Reheat for 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is hot all the way through. Be careful not to overheat the broccoli, as it will burn.

If you are reheating a large quantity of broccoli, you may need to work in batches to ensure even heating. Additionally, if you are using frozen broccoli, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for about 12 minutes, or until crispy.

For best results, it is recommended to reheat steamed broccoli in the air fryer rather than the microwave, as this will help maintain the crispy texture.

Frequently asked questions