Cody Casey
Long-stemmed broccoli, also known as broccolini, is a hybrid vegetable that is a cross between regular broccoli and Chinese broccoli. It is a tasty and healthy side dish that can be prepared in an air fryer in a matter of minutes. The key to getting crispy tender broccoli is to ensure the broccoli is well-coated in oil and not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, which can cause it to steam. With the right preparation and cooking time, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious side that will complement any meal.
How to cook long-stem broccoli in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Broccoli, extra-virgin olive oil, tamari, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds |
| Preparation | Cut the broccoli into equal-sized florets and stems. Trim the ends of the stems. Dry the broccoli with paper towels or a clean tea towel. In a large bowl, toss the broccoli with olive oil, tamari, and garlic powder. Use your hands to coat the tops of the florets well. |
| Cooking | Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between florets. Work in batches if necessary. Set the temperature to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, or until tender and golden brown. |
| Serving | Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and sesame seeds, if desired. |
| Notes | If you want softer, steamed broccoli, add 1 tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking. If using frozen broccoli, do not thaw before air frying. |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut long stem broccoli for air frying
When preparing long-stem broccoli for air frying, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure even cooking and the best results. Firstly, trim the ends of the broccoli stalks as they can be tough and unpleasant to eat. If you have very thick stems, consider slicing them lengthwise to promote even cooking. It is also important to ensure that your broccoli florets are of roughly equal size, so cut them down if necessary. Bigger florets are generally preferable as they tend to cook more evenly, with crispy tops and tender stalks.
Before cooking, dry your broccoli thoroughly with paper towels or a clean tea towel. Excess water can cause the broccoli to steam instead of roast, which can affect the texture and cooking time. Once your broccoli is dry, place it in a large mixing bowl and toss it with your chosen seasonings and oil. Olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also experiment with other oils like avocado or peanut oil. For seasonings, a simple combination of garlic powder, salt, and pepper is always a good option, but you can also try other spices like red pepper flakes or sesame seeds.
Make sure to coat the broccoli well, paying special attention to the tops of the florets, as this will help ensure even browning and prevent burning. After coating, place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each floret to allow for proper air circulation. If your air fryer basket is too small to accommodate all the broccoli in a single layer, cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
Now, you're ready to air fry! Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. For softer, more steamed broccoli, add 1 tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to ensure all sides of the broccoli cook evenly. If you're unsure if your broccoli is done to your liking, check it when you shake the basket and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
With these tips, you'll be a pro at cutting and preparing long-stem broccoli for air frying!
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The best oil for air-frying long stem broccoli
The best oil for air-frying long-stem broccoli
Air-fried long-stem broccoli is a tasty, healthy, and easy-to-make side dish. To make it, you'll need to trim the ends of the broccoli stalks and slice the thicker stems lengthwise so they cook evenly. Then, dry the broccoli and toss it in a large bowl with oil and seasonings. Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 350°F (180°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until tender and golden brown, shaking the basket halfway through.
When it comes to the oil, extra-virgin olive oil is a popular choice for air-frying broccoli. It helps the broccoli become tender as it cooks and adds a nice flavour. However, you don't need a lot of olive oil – just a couple of tablespoons will do. Avocado oil is another healthy option with a high smoke point, which means it won't create smoke or odour when cooking. You can also use regular olive oil, but be sure to use enough to prevent the broccoli from burning.
If you're looking to add some crunch to your long-stem broccoli, you can coat it in panko breadcrumbs and air fry until crispy. This method uses very little oil, so it's a great option if you're looking for a healthier alternative.
So, whether you choose extra-virgin olive oil, regular olive oil, avocado oil, or even a combination of oils, just make sure your broccoli is well-coated before placing it in the air fryer. Enjoy!
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How to season long stem broccoli before air frying
To season long-stem broccoli before air frying, start by trimming the ends of the broccoli stalks, as they can be tough and unpleasant to eat. If any of the stems are thicker than the others, slice them down the length so they cook evenly.
Next, dry the broccoli with paper towels or a clean tea towel. Excess water can cause the broccoli to steam instead of roast, so make sure it's thoroughly dry before seasoning and air frying.
In a large bowl, drizzle olive oil over the broccoli and toss to coat. You can also use your hands to work the oil into the tops of the broccoli florets to prevent burning. Then, add your choice of seasonings. A simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder can give you an amazing flavor. You can also use garlic powder, which coats and sticks to the florets better than freshly minced garlic. For a savory, salty, and umami flavor, try adding tamari to the large bowl and tossing the broccoli before air frying.
For a more complex flavor profile, sprinkle on red pepper flakes, thyme, toasted sesame seeds, or grated parmesan cheese. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. If you're feeling adventurous, try drizzling on a punchy sauce, like gochujang, peanut sauce, or sesame ginger dressing.
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Air fryer temperature and time for long stem broccoli
To cook long-stem broccoli in an air fryer, you should first trim the ends and slice the thicker stems in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking. It is also important to ensure that the broccoli is dry before seasoning and air frying, as excess water can cause the broccoli to steam instead of roast.
The ideal temperature for air frying broccoli is 390°F (200°C). The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the broccoli stems and the desired level of crispiness. As a general rule, broccoli should be air-fried for around 5-10 minutes or until it is tender and slightly charred. For example, broccolini, a type of broccoli with small florets and long, thin stalks, typically cooks in 5-6 minutes. If you are using frozen broccoli, do not thaw it before air frying, as this will result in soft florets that won't crisp up easily. Frozen broccoli may need an additional few minutes to cook through.
When air frying broccoli, it is important to arrange the florets in a single layer with some space between them to allow the air to flow around them properly. If your air fryer basket is too crowded, the broccoli will steam instead of crisp up. If your broccoli is burning instead of cooking, you may need to reduce the cooking time or lower the temperature.
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How to store leftover air-fried long stem broccoli
To store leftover air-fried long-stem broccoli, you will need an airtight container. Place the leftover broccoli in the container and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days.
If you want to freeze the leftover broccoli, you can do so by storing it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, simply reheat it in the air fryer or the microwave.
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Frequently asked questions
First, trim the ends of the broccoli as they can be tough and unpleasant to eat. If any stems are thicker than others, slice them down the length so they cook evenly. Dry the broccoli with paper towels or a clean tea towel, then toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each floret. Set the temperature to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Check on the broccoli when you shake the basket halfway through. If it looks like it's burning instead of cooking, there may not be enough oil on the broccoli or the heat may be too high. If the broccoli is cooked to your liking, it should be tender and slightly charred.
Yes, but do not thaw the broccoli before air frying. Thawed frozen broccoli will result in super soft florets that won't crisp up easily. Frozen broccoli may also need a few extra minutes to cook.
