Air-Fryer Broccoli: Perfect Timing For Crispy Veggies

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. To make it, simply season the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook in the air fryer at 350-400°F for 6-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You can also add lemon juice, parmesan cheese, or other seasonings to taste. Enjoy your crispy, tender, and flavorful broccoli as a side dish or toss it into pasta, salads, or other dishes.

How to roast broccoli in an air fryer

Roasted broccoli is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be made in an air fryer in just a few minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to roast broccoli to perfection:

Ingredients:

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets. Cut the florets into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavour and health benefits.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes to taste.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tangy flavour.

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C).
• Toss broccoli with seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice. Toss well to ensure even coating.
• Add broccoli to the air fryer: Place the seasoned broccoli florets into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket. If needed, cook the broccoli in batches.
• Cook the broccoli: Close the air fryer and set the timer for 8-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For crispier broccoli, cook for a longer duration.
• Shake the basket halfway through: To ensure even cooking, remove the basket halfway through the cooking time and give it a good shake to toss the florets.
• Serve and enjoy: Once the timer goes off, remove the basket and transfer the roasted broccoli to a serving dish. Enjoy it as a side with your favourite protein or main course.

Tips:

• Prevent smoking: To prevent smoking, add a tablespoon or two of water to the air fryer pan before cooking.
• Try frozen broccoli: Frozen broccoli florets can also be used, but they may require a bit more time to cook.
• Don't overcrowd the basket: For even cooking and crispy results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Toppings: For an extra flavour boost, top your roasted broccoli with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a drizzle of sweet teriyaki sauce.

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 versatile cooking method that allows you to season the broccoli to your liking and have it ready in a short amount of time. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to roast broccoli in an air fryer, along with some tips and tricks for the best results.

Preparation

To start, you'll need to prepare the broccoli florets. It's recommended to cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. You can also trim the stems if they are too long. Clean the florets thoroughly under running water or by dipping them in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes. Drain the florets well to ensure they stay crisp during cooking.

Seasoning

After preparation, it's time to season the broccoli. Place the florets in a large mixing bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just olive oil, salt, and pepper, or get creative with additional spices. Some popular seasoning options include garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, curry powder, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Toss the florets well to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Cooking

Now it's time to cook the broccoli in your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. Transfer the seasoned broccoli florets to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the desired level of doneness, but generally, you'll cook the broccoli for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. For crispier broccoli, you may cook it for a few minutes longer.

Serving

Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and place it in a serving dish. You can add a final touch of seasoning or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. Air-fried broccoli pairs well with various main courses, including grilled chicken, steak, salmon, and pasta dishes.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh broccoli florets for the best results. Frozen broccoli may work, but it contains more water and may require adjustments to cooking time.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the broccoli in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
• Add a tablespoon or two of water to the air fryer pan to prevent smoking and keep the broccoli tender.
• For extra crispy broccoli, use a paper towel to pat the florets dry after washing and before seasoning.

Air fryer roasted broccoli recipe

Ingredients

• Broccoli florets (3-4 cups)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
• Pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
• Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon)
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the broccoli evenly.
• Transfer the seasoned broccoli to the air fryer basket, ensuring it is in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is not large enough.
• Air fry at 375°F for 4 minutes. Shake the basket and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is fork-tender.
• Remove the broccoli from the air fryer and place it in a serving dish.
• Optionally, sprinkle with lemon juice and/or parmesan cheese to taste.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips

• You can add a tablespoon of water to the air fryer pan to prevent smoking and keep the broccoli tender.
• If you prefer your broccoli with a charred flavour, you can air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
• This recipe can be adapted with different seasonings, such as curry powder, soy sauce, honey, or butter.
• You can use frozen broccoli florets, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.

Tips for air fryer roasted broccoli

Air fryer roasted broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be made in just 6-15 minutes. Here are some tips to ensure perfect results every time:

Choose the Right Broccoli

Select fresh broccoli with bright green florets that are firm and fresh. The base of the stem should be firm and green, not soft and yellow. Organic, pre-cut broccoli florets are a convenient option, but ensure they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.

Seasoning

The beauty of roasted broccoli is its versatility when it comes to seasoning. You can keep it simple with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or get creative with lemon juice, parmesan cheese, curry powder, soy sauce, honey, or even a sprinkle of your favourite BBQ rub.

Preparation

Cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets and ensure they are clean and well-drained. In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli with your chosen oil and seasonings. Toss well to ensure an even coating.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F. Place the seasoned broccoli florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cooking time will vary depending on your desired level of doneness, but generally, 8-10 minutes should be sufficient. For best results, shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Serving

Air fryer roasted broccoli is a versatile side dish that pairs well with almost any main course. For added flavour, sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dash of your favourite seasoning blend.

How to store and reheat air fryer broccoli

Air fryer broccoli is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

When it comes to reheating, you have a few options:

• Pop the broccoli back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes until hot and crispy.
• Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until hot, but note that it won't be as crispy as when it was first cooked.
• Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

How Long to Roast Broccoli in an Air Fryer

Now you know how to store and reheat your air fryer broccoli, but how long does it take to cook?

Most recipes recommend cooking broccoli in the air fryer for around 8-10 minutes at 350-400°F. It's important to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and to check that the broccoli isn't burning.

You can also add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to create a steaming effect and prevent burning. This is a good option if you prefer your broccoli softer rather than crispy.

When cooking frozen broccoli, it's best not to thaw it first. Add a few minutes to the cooking time, and keep an eye on it to ensure it's cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Frequently asked questions