Air-Fryer Broccoli And Cauliflower: Quick, Easy, And Healthy

Air fryers are a great way to cook broccoli and cauliflower, as they can be used to make a quick, healthy and tasty side dish or snack. The cooking process is simple: the vegetables are seasoned and then cooked in the air fryer for around 10-15 minutes. You can also add a vinaigrette to the vegetables before cooking, or garnish them with lemon or Parmesan cheese afterwards.

How to season broccoli and cauliflower before air frying

To season broccoli and cauliflower before air frying, start by cutting the vegetables into uniform, 1-inch pieces. Place the florets in a mixing bowl and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You could also add thyme leaves and lemon juice to the mix. Ensure the cauliflower florets are smaller than the broccoli, as cauliflower takes longer to cook.

Once the vegetables are seasoned, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

The best temperature to cook broccoli and cauliflower in an air fryer

For a simple recipe, preheat your air fryer to 370°F and lightly grease the basket with non-stick olive oil spray. Season your broccoli and cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring the cauliflower florets are smaller than the broccoli as it takes longer to cook. Add the seasoned florets to the preheated air fryer and cook for 11 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 3 to 4 minutes for even cooking.

You can also cook broccoli and cauliflower at 380°F for 15 minutes, shaking the basket 1 to 2 times to ensure even cooking. Another option is to cook the vegetables at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you prefer your vegetables extra crispy, you can cook them for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

If you're looking for a more browned and crunchy result, try cooking your broccoli and cauliflower at 400°F for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket at the halfway point.

How to ensure even cooking

To ensure even cooking, it's important to cut the broccoli and cauliflower into uniform pieces. If using packaged, pre-cut vegetables, cut the larger pieces into smaller, uniform pieces. This will help ensure that all the vegetables cook at the same rate.

When placing the vegetables in the air fryer basket, make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking, so you may need to cook the vegetables in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

During the cooking process, shake the basket every 3-4 minutes or halfway through to ensure even cooking. This will help prevent the vegetables from steaming and promote even crisping.

Finally, it's important to note that cauliflower takes longer to cook than broccoli. Therefore, ensure the cauliflower florets are smaller than the broccoli florets to allow for even cooking.

How to cut broccoli and cauliflower for air frying

When preparing broccoli and cauliflower for air frying, it's important to cut them into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and browning. Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into 1-inch pieces, making sure that the cauliflower florets are smaller than the broccoli florets as cauliflower takes longer to cook. If you are using pre-cut packaged vegetables, cut the larger pieces into smaller, uniform pieces. Some smaller pieces are fine and will get browned and crunchy in the air fryer.

You can also cook the broccoli separately first to give it a jumpstart in the cooking process, as it takes longer than cauliflower. To do this, place the broccoli florets in a large, microwave-safe bowl and cook in the microwave at full power for 3 minutes, then drain any accumulated liquid.

Once your vegetables are cut and prepared, you can season and cook them in the air fryer.

How to serve broccoli and cauliflower after air frying

Once your broccoli and cauliflower are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it's time to serve them! Here are some tips to ensure your dish is delicious and visually appealing:

Firstly, ensure you have cooked the vegetables to your desired level of crispiness. If you prefer them extra crispy, you can always put them back in the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Secondly, consider garnishing your vegetables with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This will add a tangy or savoury flavour to your dish, respectively.

Thirdly, transfer the broccoli and cauliflower to a serving dish. It is recommended to serve them immediately while they are still hot and crispy.

Finally, you can serve them as a side dish or a snack. They go well with a variety of proteins and grains, or you can enjoy them on their own as a healthy treat!

Frequently asked questions