Air-Fryer Broccoli Bites: Quick, Easy, And Healthy!

Air fryers are a great way to cook food that is both delicious and healthier than deep-fried alternatives. If you're looking for a tasty snack or side dish, air fryer broccoli bites are an excellent option. They are simple to prepare, and you can even make them with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, garlic, and bread crumbs, to make them more flavourful. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make crispy and tasty broccoli bites in an air fryer.

Choosing fresh vs frozen broccoli

When making broccoli bites in an air fryer, you can use either fresh or frozen broccoli. Here are some things to consider when choosing between the two:

Fresh Broccoli

Fresh broccoli is easy to find all year long and can be bought pre-washed. It is also a good option if you want to maximize the nutritional value of your broccoli, as frozen broccoli is partially cooked before freezing, which can result in some nutrient loss.

When using fresh broccoli, be sure to wash it ahead of time and dry it thoroughly before cooking to avoid steaming in the air fryer. You can also cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Frozen Broccoli

Frozen broccoli is a convenient option to have on hand for a quick and easy side dish. It is also affordable and can save you time on cutting and preparing fresh broccoli.

When using frozen broccoli in an air fryer, it is best not to thaw it before cooking. Simply add your desired seasonings and oil, and cook directly from frozen. This will result in crispy broccoli florets that make a great side dish or snack.

Both fresh and frozen broccoli can be used to make delicious and crispy broccoli bites in an air fryer. Consider your personal preferences, convenience, and nutritional goals when choosing between the two.

Preparing the broccoli

Fresh Broccoli:

Start by washing the broccoli and cutting it into bite-sized pieces or florets. It is important to ensure that the broccoli is completely dry before cooking, as any moisture will cause it to steam instead of roast. You can either let it air dry or use paper towels to remove excess water.

Frozen Broccoli:

If you are using frozen broccoli, it is best to let it thaw first. Drain the thawed broccoli in a colander and then dry it thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess water. Using thawed frozen broccoli may result in a less crispy texture due to the higher moisture content.

Seasoning:

Once the broccoli is prepared, it's time to season it. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, and garlic powder, or add additional ingredients like parmesan cheese, olive oil, or breadcrumbs for extra flavor and crispiness. For a more intense garlic flavor, use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder.

Mixing and Shaping:

After seasoning, you can choose to mix the broccoli with other ingredients, such as eggs, cheese, and/or breadcrumbs, depending on your recipe. Combine the ingredients thoroughly, and then shape the mixture into bite-sized balls or patties.

Freezing:

Some recipes recommend freezing the shaped broccoli bites for about 30 minutes before air frying. This step helps the bites hold their shape and ensures they cook evenly.

Pre-cooking:

Depending on the recipe, you may need to pre-cook the broccoli before shaping or seasoning it. For example, boiling the broccoli florets for a few minutes until they are crisp-tender, and then chopping and mixing them with other ingredients.

Remember to refer to your specific recipe for ingredient quantities and additional instructions, as different recipes may vary.

Making the broccoli mixture

Ingredients

• Fresh broccoli
• Olive oil
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Panko or bread crumbs
• Eggs
• Cheddar cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper
• Flour
• Dipping sauce

Method

Start by washing your broccoli and cutting it into bite-sized pieces. You can also use frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw it and drain out any excess water. You can also boil the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes and then finely chop them.

In a mixing bowl, whisk two eggs. Drain the broccoli and add it to the bowl, along with the cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some flour and an extra egg to the mixture. Combine all the ingredients well.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the broccoli mixture for about an hour. You can also place it in the freezer for 30 minutes. After that, remove the mixture and shape it into 1-inch balls.

Shaping the bites

Start by preparing the broccoli mixture, which typically includes ingredients like broccoli, cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. The specific ingredients and quantities may vary depending on the recipe you are following. Once you have prepared the mixture, it's time to shape it into bite-sized portions.

For broccoli cheese bites, you can use a scoop to portion out the mixture into 1.5-2 tablespoon amounts. Then, gently roll each portion into a ball shape using your hands. If the mixture sticks to your hands, try wetting them slightly before rolling. This technique will help you form neat and tidy balls that will cook evenly. Place the shaped bites on a tray or plate as you work to create a single layer in your air fryer basket.

If you are making breaded broccoli bites, there is an additional step after shaping the bites. Dip each bite into a flour or breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess coating, and then place them on a separate tray or plate. This step ensures a crispy exterior and can help bind the bite together.

Once all your bites are shaped and coated (if applicable), they are ready to be placed in the air fryer. Remember to leave space between each bite and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

By following these steps, you will achieve consistently shaped broccoli bites that cook evenly and result in a delicious and crispy treat!

Cooking the bites

Now that you've prepared your broccoli bites, it's time to cook them in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to achieve the best results. Set your air fryer to around 360°F to 390°F for about 5 to 10 minutes. Preheating helps ensure your bites get crispy.
• Prepare the air fryer basket: Spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will prevent sticking and help achieve an even crispiness.
• Arrange the bites in the basket: Place the broccoli bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each bite. This arrangement ensures even cooking and browning.
• Air fry the bites: Depending on the recipe, cook your bites at the preheated temperature for about 10 to 20 minutes. For smaller bites, shorter cooking times are recommended. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as they can burst if cooked too long.
• Flip halfway through: For even cooking and browning, it's a good idea to flip the bites halfway through the cooking process. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully turn them over.
• Check for doneness: Your bites are ready when they are golden brown and crispy. Depending on your air fryer and the size of the bites, the cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Serve warm: Remove the bites from the air fryer and serve them warm with your favourite dipping sauce. They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also store them in the refrigerator for a few days and reheat when needed.

Remember, cooking times may vary based on the specific model of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your bites during the cooking process to ensure they don't overcook or burn. Enjoy your delicious, crispy broccoli bites!

Frequently asked questions