Steaming Broccoli In An Air Fryer: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Air fryer broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be made in under 15 minutes. The air fryer's high-powered convection fan makes food crispy in a fraction of the time, and without the need for much oil. This recipe is perfect for those who love their veggies with dark, crispy edges.

How to cook steam broccoli in an air fryer

How to cut broccoli for the air fryer

When preparing broccoli to be cooked in an air fryer, it's important to cut the broccoli into small, evenly sized florets. This helps ensure that the broccoli cooks evenly and has a consistent texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut broccoli for the air fryer:

• Start with a fresh head of broccoli and a sharp knife.
• Remove any leaves and trim the stem, leaving only the florets and a small portion of the stem attached.
• Cut the broccoli into small florets, aiming for a similar size. The florets should be bite-sized to allow for even cooking and tender insides.
• Rinse the florets with water to remove any dirt or residue.
• Let the florets air dry or gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
• If you want to speed up the drying process, you can also use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
• Once the florets are dry, they are ready to be seasoned and placed in the air fryer.

By following these steps, you'll have broccoli that is cut to the ideal size for air frying. This will help ensure that your broccoli cooks evenly and has the desired texture of being tender on the inside with crispy edges. Now you're ready to move on to the next steps of seasoning and cooking your broccoli in the air fryer!

The best temperature to cook broccoli in an air fryer

Cooking Broccoli in an Air Fryer

Air-fried broccoli is a quick and easy side dish that can be made in under 15 minutes. The air fryer's high-powered convection fan cooks food faster than traditional roasting, and you don't need to wait for the oven to preheat.

To cook broccoli in an air fryer, cut the broccoli florets into small, evenly sized pieces. Add the broccoli to a mixing bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like thyme, red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan cheese.

Once the broccoli is coated in the oil and seasonings, add it to the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the basket. Set the temperature between 350°F and 400°F and cook for 7 to 12 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to ensure even cooking.

If you prefer softer, steamed broccoli, add 1 tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking. You can also par-cook the broccoli before air frying for a softer texture.

Tips for Cooking Broccoli in an Air Fryer

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches is recommended to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Cut the broccoli florets into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Toss the broccoli well with the oil and seasonings to prevent burning.
• Add toppings like Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or balsamic vinegar after cooking for extra flavor.
• If using frozen broccoli, cook at 400°F for 5 minutes to thaw, then toss with oil and seasonings and cook for an additional 6 to 10 minutes.

Serving Air Fryer Broccoli

Air fryer broccoli can be served as a side dish or added to grain bowls, noodle bowls, or salads. It pairs well with proteins like salmon, chicken, or tofu.

How to get the broccoli crispy

To get your broccoli crispy, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, cut the broccoli into florets of roughly similar sizes. This ensures that the broccoli cooks evenly. Next, toss the florets with a small amount of olive oil or avocado oil, along with your desired seasonings. You can use a simple combination of salt and black pepper, or add other seasonings like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan cheese. Once the broccoli is well-coated, place it in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that the basket is not overcrowded. Overcrowding will cause the broccoli to steam instead of crisp. Set the air fryer temperature between 375-400°F and cook for 7 to 12 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness. For a crispier texture, increase the cooking time by a minute or two. Finally, serve immediately for the best flavour and texture!

Tips for Crispier Broccoli:

• Cut the broccoli florets into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This allows the insides to tenderize while the outsides char.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring a single layer of broccoli with space around each floret.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• If using frozen broccoli, do not thaw it first. Frozen broccoli may need a few extra minutes to cook through.

How to avoid soggy broccoli

Cut Broccoli into Small Florets

Before placing the broccoli in the air fryer, cut the broccoli into small, evenly-sized florets. This will help the insides to tenderize before the outsides burn.

Don't Crowd the Air Fryer Basket

If you crowd the air fryer basket with broccoli, it is more likely to steam and become soggy. Make sure the florets are in a single layer with some space around each one. If they don't all fit in one layer, cook in batches.

Add Water to the Air Fryer Basket

Adding a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket will help to steam the broccoli and prevent it from drying out and becoming soggy.

Shake the Basket Halfway Through

Shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process will ensure that the broccoli cooks evenly and doesn't burn.

Use Fresh Broccoli

Fresh broccoli is best for air frying as frozen broccoli has a higher moisture content and won't get as crispy.

Don't Overcook

Keep an eye on the broccoli while it's cooking and check it regularly to ensure it doesn't overcook and become soggy. The ideal cook time will depend on your air fryer, but around 8 minutes is a good starting point.

How to reheat cooked broccoli

To reheat cooked broccoli in an air fryer, place the broccoli into the air fryer basket and cook for 2-4 minutes at 380°F until heated through. You can also reheat the broccoli in a regular oven at 350°F.

If you are reheating frozen broccoli that has already been cooked, add it to the air fryer and cook for 6-10 minutes, tossing a few times throughout, until it is crisped to your liking.

Frequently asked questions