Air Fryer Broccoli: The Perfect Roast Timing

Air fryer broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be made in just 6-15 minutes. The cooking time depends on how crispy you like your broccoli. The key to getting it right is to cut the florets into evenly-sized, very small pieces, toss them in olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add lemon juice, parmesan cheese, or other seasonings to taste.

How to season broccoli for air frying

Air-fried broccoli is a quick, healthy, and delicious side dish that can be whipped up in a fraction of the time it takes to roast broccoli in an oven. In just 10 minutes, you can have juicy, crispy, tender broccoli with a simple seasoning of your choice.

Ingredients

You will need:

• Broccoli florets
• Olive oil
• Seasoning of your choice (e.g. salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, curry powder)

Instructions

• Cut the broccoli into evenly-sized florets. This will ensure that the broccoli cooks evenly in the air fryer.
• In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil and your chosen seasoning. Use a spoon or your hands to distribute the oil and seasoning evenly, making sure all the nooks and crannies of the florets are coated.
• Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each floret. If your air fryer basket is too crowded, the broccoli will steam and soften instead of getting crispy, so you may need to cook it in batches.
• Air fry at around 350-400°F for 6-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The broccoli is ready when it is tender and has crispy, charred edges.

Tips:

• If you like your broccoli on the softer side, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to create a steaming effect.
• Fresh broccoli is best for air frying. Frozen broccoli can be used, but it will not get as crispy due to its higher moisture content.
• If you want to add cheese to your broccoli, sprinkle grated parmesan over the florets in the last 4 minutes of cooking.
• If you want to add a sauce, try something punchy like gochujang, peanut sauce, or sesame ginger dressing.

How to prepare broccoli for air frying

Ingredients

To prepare broccoli for air frying, you will need the following ingredients:

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

Preparing the Broccoli

When selecting 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 start to develop an unpleasant smell after a few days.

To prepare the broccoli, start by cutting the stem part with a knife and then cutting it into medium-sized florets. Ensure that the florets are of a similar size so that they cook evenly. Rinse the florets under running water or dip them in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes to clean them thoroughly. Drain the florets well in a colander for crispy broccoli.

Seasoning the Broccoli

In a bowl, add the florets and your desired seasonings. You can stick to the basic seasonings of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or get creative and experiment with different flavours. Some suggested variations include:

• Curried Roasted Broccoli: Toss the broccoli with oil, curry powder, garlic powder, and salt to taste.
• Asian-Style: Use low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and garlic powder.
• Garlic Parmesan: Combine melted butter, garlic powder, grated parmesan, and pepper.

Cooking the Broccoli

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350-400°F. Place the seasoned broccoli florets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. If your basket cannot fit all the broccoli in one layer, cook the broccoli in multiple batches.

Cook the broccoli for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness, with a longer cooking time resulting in more tender and charred broccoli.

Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can also sprinkle it with freshly grated parmesan cheese or a dash of fresh lemon juice for extra flavour.

Storing and Reheating

You can store leftover air-fried broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, bake it at 350°F until heated through or air-fry it again for a few minutes, being careful not to burn it.

How to cook broccoli in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

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

Method

• Cut the broccoli into evenly-sized florets.
• Wash the broccoli florets and drain well.
• In a bowl, toss the florets with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add lemon juice and parmesan cheese for extra flavour.
• Put the florets into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is not big enough.
• Air fry at around 350-400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• You can add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer to prevent burning and smoking.
• If you are using frozen broccoli, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
• For extra flavour, sprinkle with parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

How to store and reheat air-fried broccoli

Air-fried broccoli is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored and reheated if needed. Here's a guide to help you:

Storing Air-Fried Broccoli:

• Cooling: After cooking, allow the broccoli to cool down to room temperature.
• Container: Place the cooled broccoli in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator. Air-fried broccoli can be refrigerated for up to 3-5 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze air-fried broccoli. Spread the florets on a sheet pan first to prevent clumping, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. Frozen broccoli can be stored for up to 6 months.

Reheating Air-Fried Broccoli:

• Air Fryer: The best way to reheat air-fried broccoli is to use an air fryer, as this helps maintain the crispiness. Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes.
• Microwave: You can also use a microwave, but this may affect the texture. Place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl, add a small amount of water, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes. Check and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 200-250°F (93-121°C) for low heat or 450°F (232°C) for high heat. Place the broccoli on a baking sheet and reheat for 4-5 minutes.
• Stovetop: Reheating broccoli on a stovetop is another option. Simply stir-fry the broccoli in a pan for a few minutes until warmed through.
• Grill: You can also reheat broccoli on a grill, which will add a light smoky flavor. Place the broccoli on the grill for a few minutes, and consider adding seasonings or lemon juice for extra flavor.

Tips for Reheating:

• Reheating broccoli twice is not recommended, especially for roasted broccoli, as it can affect the taste, texture, and safety of the vegetable.
• When reheating, avoid overheating or burning the broccoli.
• If you want to retain crispiness, avoid covering the broccoli when reheating in the oven.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe container and cover, and ensure you release the steam carefully when removing the cover.
• The reheating time will vary depending on the method and equipment used, so keep a close eye on the broccoli to prevent overcooking.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your air-fried broccoli again while maintaining its taste and texture as much as possible!

How to choose the right broccoli for air frying

Choosing the right broccoli for air frying is essential to ensure even cooking and the best flavour. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect broccoli for your air fryer:

Freshness:

Look for bright green broccoli florets that are firm and fresh. Avoid broccoli with yellow or soft stems, as this indicates that it is not fresh. Broccoli is best used within 2-3 days of purchase, as it can develop an unpleasant odour if stored for too long.

Size and Uniformity:

When cutting your broccoli, try to ensure that the florets are of a similar size. This will help them cook more evenly in the air fryer. You can cut them into medium or very small florets, depending on your preference and the desired cooking time.

Cleanliness:

Rinse the broccoli florets well under running water or dip them in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes to remove any dust or dirt. Drain the florets thoroughly before cooking for crispier results.

Seasoning:

While you can get creative with your seasoning, the key to achieving the perfect flavour combination is to ensure a good coating of the broccoli. Toss the florets in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, or parmesan cheese. Ensure all the florets are evenly coated before placing them in the air fryer.

Oil:

Using a good quality oil, such as extra virgin olive oil, can enhance the flavour of your roasted broccoli. You only need a couple of tablespoons, as air fryers require minimal oil. Avoid using aerosol sprays, as these can damage your air fryer.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to choosing the right broccoli for air frying, resulting in a delicious and healthy side dish that your family will love!

Frequently asked questions