Air Fryer Broccoli Chips: A Healthy, Tasty Snack

Broccoli is a healthy and delicious side dish, packed with nutrients. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook it, then look no further than your air fryer! Air-fried broccoli is a game-changing way to cook this vegetable, resulting in tender florets with caramelized, charred edges and a crispy texture. With just a few simple ingredients and seasonings, you can transform ordinary broccoli into a mouth-watering treat that your family will love. So, get your air fryer ready and let's make some broccoli chips!

Choosing the right broccoli

Look for Fresh Broccoli:

Select broccoli with tight, compact florets that are bright green in colour. Avoid broccoli with yellow or brown spots, as this indicates that it is past its prime. Fresh broccoli will have firm stalks and leaves, while older broccoli will have dry and wilted leaves.

Size of the Florets:

When cutting the broccoli into florets, aim for a uniform size. Larger florets will take longer to cook, but they tend to yield better results. Smaller florets may burn before the stalks become tender, so it's best to keep them on the larger side.

Stems and Stalks:

While you can use the stems and stalks in other recipes, such as broccoli rice, they are not ideal for air frying. For the best results, stick to using just the florets to ensure even cooking.

Amount of Broccoli:

Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to work in batches. It's important not to overcrowd the basket, as this will cause the broccoli to steam instead of crisping up. Make sure the florets are arranged in a single layer with a little space around each one.

Try to find broccoli that meets these criteria, and you'll be well on your way to making delicious and crispy air fryer broccoli!

Preparing the broccoli

Ingredients

To make broccoli chips in an air fryer, you will need:

• Broccoli florets
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Minced garlic (optional)

Wash and Cut the Broccoli

First, wash the broccoli florets and pat them dry. Cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets to ensure even cooking. You can also leave some stems intact for added fibre. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the broccoli in batches.

Season the Broccoli

Place the broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Use your hands to coat the broccoli evenly. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste, and toss to combine. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as onion powder or red pepper flakes. Be careful not to overwhelm the natural flavour of the broccoli.

Choosing the right oil

When making broccoli chips in an air fryer, the type of oil you use is important. You want an oil with a high smoke point that won't create smoke or odour. Oils with a high smoke point are better for high-heat cooking methods like stir-frying, searing, and air frying.

Extra virgin olive oil is a good choice for air fryer broccoli chips. It has a smoke point of around 410°F, which is higher than the temperatures used in most air fryer broccoli recipes (around 350-400°F). Olive oil is also a healthy option, as it is loaded with antioxidants and contains vitamins E and K.

Other oils with high smoke points that you could use include avocado oil, peanut oil, and canola oil. Avocado oil has a smoke point of around 520°F, making it a good choice for high-heat cooking. Peanut oil has a smoke point of 450°F, and canola oil is suitable for temperatures up to 400°F.

It's important to note that the smoke point of an oil can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the oil, how fresh it is, and how it has been stored. So, it's always a good idea to check the label or do some research to determine the smoke point of the specific oil you are using.

In addition to having a high smoke point, you also want an oil that complements the flavour of the broccoli. Olive oil, avocado oil, and nut oils like walnut or almond oil go well with broccoli and can enhance its flavour.

When choosing an oil for your air fryer broccoli chips, look for an oil with a high smoke point that is suitable for the temperature of your air fryer. Also, consider the flavour of the oil and how it will pair with the broccoli. With the right oil, your broccoli chips will turn out crispy and delicious!

Seasoning the broccoli

The seasoning is the secret to making your broccoli chips taste amazing. You can use a variety of seasonings, depending on your preference, but here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you season the broccoli perfectly.

Choosing the right seasonings

The most basic and essential seasonings for broccoli chips are olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can use extra-virgin or regular olive oil, depending on your preference. For the salt, it is recommended to use kosher salt or a similar variety. Freshly ground black pepper will add a nice bite to your broccoli chips.

In addition to these staples, you can include garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. These seasonings will enhance the flavour of the broccoli and give it a nice kick. You can also add some grated parmesan cheese, which pairs perfectly with broccoli. A sprinkle of thyme will also add a nice, subtle flavour to your chips.

If you want to get creative, you can experiment with different spices like cumin for an Indian-inspired dish or chipotle for a spicy version. You can also try adding some lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavour.

How much seasoning to use

When it comes to the amount of seasoning, it's important not to overwhelm the natural flavour of the broccoli. A little goes a long way, so use a light hand when seasoning. You can always add more later if needed, but it's easier to add than to remove. Start with a small amount of each seasoning and taste as you go, adjusting to your preference.

Coating the broccoli

To ensure your broccoli chips are packed with flavour, it's important to coat them evenly with the seasoning. The best way to do this is to toss the broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl with the olive oil and seasonings. Use your hands to mix everything together thoroughly, making sure the seasonings get into all the nooks and crannies of the florets. You can also use a zip lock bag or a plastic container to shake the broccoli and seasonings together for an even coating.

Customising your seasoning

If you want to customise your seasoning blend, you can experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices. For example, you could try an Italian-inspired blend with oregano, basil, and parsley. Or, for a smoky flavour, add some smoked paprika or ground cumin. You can also adjust the amount of heat in your seasoning by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes or ground chipotle.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to trust your taste buds and adjust the amounts to suit your preference. So, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment until you find the perfect blend for your broccoli chips!

Cooking the broccoli

Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it's time to cook the broccoli. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. This is the ideal temperature to cook broccoli, but you can go up to 400°F for a crispier texture.
• Prepare the broccoli florets by washing and drying them. Cut the florets into even sizes to ensure uniform cooking. You can also leave some stems intact for added fibre.
• In a large mixing bowl, toss the broccoli florets with the olive oil, salt, and pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice. Use your hands or a spoon to coat the broccoli evenly.
• If you are using frozen broccoli, there is no need to thaw it. Simply season the frozen florets with oil and seasonings before placing them in the air fryer.
• Place the seasoned broccoli into the air fryer basket, ensuring it is in a single layer. It is important not to overcrowd the basket to allow for even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook the broccoli for 8-10 minutes at 375°F, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking. If you are using frozen broccoli, cook for 10-12 minutes at 375°F, flipping each floret halfway through.
• For crispier broccoli, cook for a few minutes longer. You can also increase the temperature to 390°F for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• The broccoli is ready when it is crispy and slightly charred around the edges.
• For a crunchy twist, add breadcrumbs or parmesan cheese to the cooked broccoli for added flavour and texture.
• Serve the broccoli hot with your favourite main dish or as a side.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy air-fried broccoli!

Frequently asked questions