Marianne Martinez
Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many ways, one of which is air frying. Air-frying broccoli is a quick and easy way to cook the vegetable, with a cooking time of around 5 to 15 minutes. It is a healthy and delicious side dish that can be served all year long. You can also use the air fryer to cook broccoli stems, which are usually discarded, into fries or tater tots.
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What You'll Learn
How to cut broccoli stems for air fryer
To cut broccoli stems for the air fryer, start by peeling the stems to remove the tough outer skin. Then, cut the stems into fries that are about 0.6 cm wide and 8 cm long. If any of the stems are thicker than the others, slice them lengthwise so they cook evenly. It is important to have equally sized stems and florets for even cooking.
You can also trim the ends of the broccoli before cutting, as the very ends can be tough and unpleasant to eat.
Once you have cut your broccoli stems, you can coat them in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan before air frying. Arrange the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, or until golden brown.
If you are using tenderstem broccoli, also known as broccolini, you do not need to cut the stems, as they are already long and thin. Simply trim the ends and dry the broccoli before seasoning and air frying. Tenderstem broccoli will air fry in about 5-6 minutes or until tender and slightly charred.
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Air fryer temperature and time for broccoli stems
When cooking broccoli stems in an air fryer, the temperature and time will depend on the type of broccoli and the style of cooking.
For Tenderstem broccoli, also known as broccolini, a temperature of 350°F for 5-6 minutes is recommended. This will result in tender, crispy broccoli with slightly charred edges. If you are cooking regular broccoli, a higher temperature of 400°F for 8-10 minutes is suggested. This will give you golden brown, crispy broccoli stems.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the broccoli stems. For Tenderstem broccoli, it is advised to cut the stems so that they are of equal size to ensure even cooking. Regular broccoli stems can be peeled and cut into fries, which will also impact the cooking time.
Additionally, the cooking time may differ between air fryers, so it is important to keep an eye on the broccoli while it is cooking to prevent burning.
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How to season broccoli stems in the air fryer
If you're looking for a quick, easy, and healthy snack, air-fried broccoli stems are a great option. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to season and cook broccoli stems in an air fryer:
Preparing the Broccoli Stems:
Start by peeling the tough outer skin from the broccoli stems. Then, cut the stems into even-sized fries, about 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) wide and 3-inches (8 cm) long. This ensures that the broccoli cooks evenly. If you're using tenderstem broccoli, also known as broccolini, you may need to slice thicker stems in half lengthwise.
Seasoning the Broccoli Stems:
Place the cut broccoli stems in a medium bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the stems and toss to coat evenly. Then, add your desired seasonings. For a classic option, sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add cornstarch for a crispier texture. Toss the stems to ensure they are well coated. For an extra crunchy and cheesy option, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then toss again.
Air-Frying the Broccoli Stems:
Arrange the seasoned broccoli stems in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the stems with a light coating of oil. This helps to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the stems are golden brown and crispy. For tenderstem broccoli, the cooking time may be shorter, around 5-6 minutes. Keep an eye on the broccoli stems to avoid overcooking or burning.
Serving the Broccoli Stems:
Remove the broccoli stems from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. You can enjoy them as is, or sprinkle with additional seasonings like red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, or feta cheese for an extra flavour boost. Serve them hot as a side dish, or enjoy them as a healthy snack.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy, and seasoned broccoli stems straight from your air fryer!
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How to serve air-fried broccoli stems
Air-fried broccoli stems can be served as a side dish or added to a grain bowl. They can also be served as a crunchy snack, or as a veggie-forward side dish at lunch or dinner.
To serve air-fried broccoli stems, first, trim the ends of the broccoli stems as they can be tough and unpleasant to eat. If any stems are thicker than the others, slice them down the length so they cook evenly. Then, peel the broccoli stems to remove the tough outer skin. Cut the stems into 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) wide fries, about 3-inches (8 cm) long. Transfer the cut stems to a medium bowl and drizzle olive oil over them. Toss to coat the stems evenly. Then, season the stems with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cornstarch, tossing to coat. Finally, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan over the stems and toss to coat them evenly.
Arrange the seasoned broccoli stems in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes or until golden brown. If the stems are not golden brown after 8 minutes, air fry for an additional 1-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Once cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
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How to reheat leftover air-fried broccoli stems
To reheat leftover air-fried broccoli stems, you can use either an air fryer or a microwave. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Using an Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Place the leftover broccoli stems in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space around each one.
- Reheat for 3-4 minutes or until warmed through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning.
- Serve immediately.
Using a Microwave:
- Place the leftover broccoli stems in a microwave-safe container.
- Microwave on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until warmed through.
- Stir or toss the broccoli gently to ensure even heating.
- Serve immediately.
Note that while the air fryer will help retain the crispy texture of the broccoli stems, the microwave option is quicker and more convenient. Choose the method that best suits your preference and time constraints.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the thickness of the broccoli stems. Broccoli stems should be air-fried for 8-10 minutes at 350°F or until tender and slightly charred.
Set your air fryer to 350°F or 400°F.
First, peel the broccoli stems to remove the tough outer skin. Cut the stems into 1/4-inch wide fries that are about 3 inches long. Dry the broccoli with paper towels to remove excess water.
Your broccoli stems may be burning due to a lack of oil or high heat. Reduce the heat and add more oil to the broccoli.
Season broccoli stems with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. You can also sprinkle feta, toasted almonds, and chili on top after cooking.
