Air-Fryer Broccoli: Quick, Easy, And Healthy Way

Air fryer broccoli is a quick, healthy, and tasty side dish that can be whipped up in a fraction of the time. In just 6 to 10 minutes, you can have juicy and crispy broccoli that is just as good as oven-roasted broccoli. With a simple seasoning and a drizzle of olive oil, you can have a perfectly cooked vegetable side dish in minutes.

Seasoning: use garlic powder, salt, and pepper, or switch it up with cumin, red chili flakes, or Italian seasoning

Seasoning is a key step in making delicious air-fried broccoli. A simple and classic combination of garlic powder, salt, and pepper can take your broccoli to the next level. However, if you're feeling adventurous, there are endless possibilities to switch up the flavours. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cumin

A sprinkle of cumin can add an earthy and warm flavour to your broccoli. It pairs well with other spices such as coriander and paprika, so feel free to experiment with combinations.

Red Chilli Flakes

For those who like it hot, red chilli flakes will bring the heat to your broccoli. You can control the spice level by adding more or less, and it also adds a nice touch of colour to your dish.

Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs that can instantly transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy. It typically includes basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, giving your broccoli a flavour boost.

Creative Combinations

Don't be afraid to get creative and combine different seasonings. For example, a squeeze of lemon juice with Italian seasoning can create a bright and fresh flavour profile. You can also finish off your air-fried broccoli with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra indulgent touch.

Tips for Perfect Seasoning

When seasoning your broccoli, it's important to ensure that the florets are evenly coated. Using a bowl to toss the broccoli with the seasoning allows for better distribution. Additionally, if you're using fresh garlic, it's better to use garlic powder as it coats the florets more evenly and has a lower risk of burning.

Oil: toss the broccoli in olive oil to ensure it gets tender as it cooks

How to Make Broccoli in an Air Fryer: Oil Tips

Air fryer broccoli is a quick, healthy, and delicious side dish. In just 10 minutes, you can have tender broccoli with crispy edges. The key to achieving this is by tossing the broccoli florets in olive oil before placing them in the air fryer. This ensures that the broccoli cooks evenly and doesn't burn.

Choosing the Right Oil

When making broccoli in an air fryer, it is important to use a good quality olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the best option, as it has a stronger flavor and will give your broccoli a delicious, full-bodied taste. Regular cooking olive oil or light olive oil has very little flavor and will result in bland-tasting broccoli.

Preparing the Broccoli

Before tossing the broccoli in olive oil, it is important to prepare the broccoli florets. Start by washing the fresh broccoli and cutting it into medium-sized heads. You can also use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw it before adding it to the air fryer. Pat the broccoli dry to remove any excess water, which can cause splattering when it hits the hot oil.

Tossing the Broccoli in Oil

To toss the broccoli in olive oil, you will need a large mixing bowl. Add the broccoli florets to the bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Use your hands or a spoon to coat the broccoli evenly, making sure that all the florets are well-coated. You don't want any dry spots, as this can cause the broccoli to burn in the air fryer.

Seasoning the Broccoli

In addition to olive oil, you can also add various seasonings to the broccoli to enhance its flavor. A simple combination of garlic, salt, and black pepper works well. You can use fresh garlic or garlic powder, depending on your preference. Other seasoning options include thyme, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Cooking the Broccoli

Once the broccoli is tossed in olive oil and seasoned, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the basket. Set the temperature to between 350°F and 390°F and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh, high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
• Don't skimp on the oil, as it helps the broccoli cook evenly and prevents burning.
• Cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets to promote even cooking.
• Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor combinations.
• If you like your broccoli on the tender side, add a tablespoon of water to the air fryer basket before cooking.

Timing: air fry for 6-10 minutes at 350°F-400°F, flipping halfway through

The timing and temperature you use to cook broccoli in an air fryer will depend on the size of the florets and your desired level of crispiness. Smaller florets will cook faster and brown more evenly, while larger florets will need more time to crisp up on top. If you like your broccoli on the softer side, you can add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer to create a steaming effect.

Most recipes recommend cooking broccoli in an air fryer at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F for 6-10 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through. However, some recipes suggest cooking at a lower temperature of 370°F or even as low as 300°F, while others recommend a higher temperature of 390°F.

It's important to keep an eye on your broccoli while it's cooking, as air fryers can vary and you don't want your broccoli to burn. Depending on the size of your florets and your desired level of doneness, you may need to adjust the cooking time.

• Cut your florets into equal-sized pieces to promote even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Toss the broccoli with oil and seasonings before placing it in the air fryer to ensure even distribution.
• Use powdered garlic and onion instead of fresh to prevent burning.

Don't crowd the basket: arrange the broccoli in a single layer to ensure even cooking

When cooking broccoli in an air fryer, it's important not to crowd the basket. This is because the air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food, and if the basket is overcrowded, the air won't be able to flow freely. This will result in uneven cooking, with some parts of the broccoli getting crispy while others remain soft or steamed.

To avoid this, arrange the broccoli florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space around each one. If your air fryer basket is too small to fit all the broccoli in a single layer, it's better to cook the broccoli in batches. This will take a little longer, but it's worth it to ensure that all your broccoli is cooked evenly and has a nice crispy texture.

Another tip to ensure even cooking is to cut your broccoli florets into similar-sized pieces before placing them in the air fryer. This will help them cook at the same rate, so you don't end up with some pieces burning while others are still raw.

By following these simple tips, you'll be able to make perfectly crispy and tasty broccoli in your air fryer every time!

Fresh vs frozen: fresh broccoli is best as frozen broccoli won't get as crispy

Fresh vs Frozen Broccoli in the Air Fryer

While it is possible to cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer, it is best to use fresh broccoli if you want crispier results. Frozen broccoli has a higher moisture content, so it won't crisp up as well as fresh broccoli.

How to Cook Frozen Broccoli in an Air Fryer

If you are using frozen broccoli, it is important to not thaw it before air frying. Place the frozen broccoli florets straight into the air fryer basket and cook for 10-20 minutes, stirring at least once, until the desired level of crispiness is achieved. You can also add olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for extra flavour.

How to Cook Fresh Broccoli in an Air Fryer

To cook fresh broccoli in an air fryer, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Transfer the broccoli to the air fryer basket, ensuring it is arranged in a flat single layer. Set the temperature to 350-390°F and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Broccoli

• Use fresh broccoli for crispier results.
• Cut your florets into equal-sized pieces to promote even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the broccoli in a single layer to allow the air to flow around the florets.
• If you like your broccoli on the tender side, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to create a steaming effect.
• Serve the broccoli fresh – if left too long, it will lose its crispiness and turn soggy.
• For extra flavour, add a sprinkle of thyme, grated parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Frequently asked questions