Air-Fryer Broccoli: Quick, Easy, And Healthy

Air fryer broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. In just 6 to 10 minutes, you can have a delicious, crispy and tender broccoli that tastes like it has been oven-roasted. The key to getting the perfect air-fried broccoli is to cut the florets into small, evenly-sized pieces and coat them with a simple seasoning and olive oil before arranging them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Seasoning: garlic powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, and olive oil

How to Make Broccoli in the Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• Broccoli florets
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Onion powder

Method:

• Wash and dry the broccoli florets, then cut them into even sizes so they cook evenly. You can leave some of the stems intact for added fibre.
• Place the broccoli florets in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Use a spoon or your hands to distribute the oil and seasonings evenly.
• Place the broccoli in the air fryer tray in a single layer, ensuring the broccoli isn't overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry at 370°F-400°F for 8-10 minutes, tossing halfway through to promote even cooking.
• Serve immediately.

Tips:

• You can add freshly grated parmesan cheese in the last 4 minutes of air frying for a cheesy crust.
• If you like your broccoli more tender, add a tablespoon of water to the air fryer to create a steaming effect.
• If you're using frozen broccoli, there's no need to thaw it first. Simply season with oil and spices and air fry for 10-12 minutes at 375°F, flipping each floret halfway.

Timing: 6-10 minutes at 350-400°F

The cooking time and temperature depend on the size of the broccoli florets and your desired texture. Smaller florets will cook faster and brown more evenly. If you like softer broccoli, you can add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to create a steaming effect.

• Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
• Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other desired seasonings. Toss to coat evenly.
• Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between the florets to allow for even cooking.
• Air fry at 350-400°F for 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For softer broccoli, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking.
• For crispy broccoli, avoid adding water and ensure that the florets are not overcrowded in the basket.
• Depending on your desired doneness, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Check the broccoli halfway through and determine how much longer it needs to cook.

Preparation: cut into small, equal-sized florets

To make broccoli in an air fryer, it's important to cut the florets into small, evenly sized pieces. This is key to ensuring the broccoli cooks evenly and gets those crispy edges. If the florets are cut too small, they will burn, and if they are too big, they will be undercooked. A good rule of thumb is to cut the florets to about the same width as the tines of a standard dinner fork.

To cut the broccoli, start by slicing the head and removing the core. Then, cut the florets into small to medium-sized pieces. You can also tear the florets into mini florets with your hands. The goal is to get them as close in size as possible, but they don't have to be exact.

Once you have your small, evenly sized florets, it's time to season and cook your broccoli!

Don't overcrowd the air fryer

Air fryers are small, efficient convection ovens that cook food by circulating hot air around it. This means that if you fill the air fryer basket to the brim, the air won't be able to move around the food properly. This will result in steamed, tender broccoli instead of crispy, "fried" broccoli.

To avoid this, it's important to work in batches and ensure each piece of broccoli has a bit of space around it for airflow. This will allow the hot air to circulate freely and cook the broccoli evenly. While it may be tempting to overcrowd the air fryer to cook all your broccoli at once, cooking in batches will result in faster and better-quality cooking.

Additionally, overcrowding the air fryer basket can impede airflow and hold onto steam, which is the enemy of crispy food. By cooking in batches, you can ensure that each piece of broccoli gets direct exposure to the hot air and has a chance to crisp up properly.

Another benefit of cooking in batches is that it allows you to arrange the broccoli in a single layer, which is recommended for even cooking. This way, you can also easily shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping and browning.

In summary, don't overcrowd your air fryer when making broccoli. Work in batches, ensure proper airflow, and arrange the broccoli in a single layer for the best results.

Add water: for a steaming effect, preventing burning, and making broccoli more tender

Add Water to Your Air Fryer Broccoli for a Steaming Effect, Preventing Burning, and Making Broccoli More Tender

Air fryer broccoli is a quick, healthy, and tasty side dish. In just 10 minutes, you can have ultra-crispy broccoli with savory, salty seasoning. However, if you prefer your broccoli to be more tender, there's a simple solution—add water to your air fryer!

Simply add one tablespoon of water to the bottom of your air fryer basket before cooking. This small amount of water will create a steaming effect, ensuring your broccoli is tender and preventing it from burning.

Benefits of Adding Water

• Tender Broccoli: The steam created by the water will help soften your broccoli, making it more tender and easier to eat.
• Prevents Burning: By creating a steaming environment, the water adds moisture and prevents your broccoli from burning. This is especially useful if you're cooking at high temperatures or for longer periods.
• Even Cooking: Adding water can help ensure that your broccoli cooks evenly. Without water, the air fryer primarily uses hot air circulation to cook the food, which can sometimes lead to uneven cooking, with some parts crisping up faster than others.

Tips for Using Water in Your Air Fryer:

• Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Even with the addition of water, it's important not to overcrowd your air fryer basket. Allow some space between the florets so that the steam can circulate effectively.
• Experiment with Timing: The amount of water and timing can vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your broccoli florets. Experiment with adding a little more or less water and adjusting the cooking time to get the desired level of tenderness.
• Avoid Using with Frozen Broccoli: While it's possible to air fry frozen broccoli, adding water is not recommended. Frozen broccoli already has a higher moisture content, and adding water may lead to sogginess rather than the desired crispiness.

By following these tips and adding a small amount of water, you can easily achieve tender, perfectly cooked broccoli in your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions