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

Air fryer broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook broccoli. It's a great side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses, and it's also a tasty snack on its own. The key to getting crispy broccoli in an air fryer is to ensure the florets are evenly coated in a small amount of oil and not overcrowded in the basket so that they steam. You can also add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer to help the broccoli soften on the inside before the outsides burn. The cooking time will depend on your air fryer, but generally, it should take around 8-12 minutes at a temperature of 350-400°F.

Choosing the right broccoli

First, look for broccoli with dark green, tightly packed florets. The florets should be firm and not limp, as this indicates freshness. Avoid broccoli with yellow or brown spots, as this is a sign of over-maturity or spoilage. You can use the stems if you want, but the florets will give you a much better result in terms of texture and even cooking.

Secondly, consider the size of the broccoli. For air-frying, it is best to choose broccoli with larger florets. This is because smaller florets can overcook and burn before the stalks are fully tender. By choosing bigger florets, you allow more time for the heat to penetrate the vegetable and cook it evenly.

Thirdly, opt for fresh broccoli over frozen. While you can certainly use frozen broccoli in an air fryer, fresh broccoli will give you a crispier result. If you do use frozen broccoli, be sure to pat it dry before adding it to the air fryer, as excess moisture can affect the final texture.

Finally, when preparing the broccoli, be sure to cut the florets into small, evenly sized pieces. This will ensure that the broccoli cooks evenly in the air fryer and gives it a chance to tenderize before the outsides char.

By following these tips, you'll be sure to choose the right broccoli for making crispy, delicious air-fried broccoli.

Preparing the broccoli

Firstly, you'll want to cut your broccoli into florets. Aim for bite-sized pieces, as this will ensure even cooking and a better chance for the broccoli to crisp up. If your broccoli has long stalks, you can save them for another use, such as making broccoli rice.

Next, you'll need to season your broccoli. Place the florets in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Don't skimp on the oil, as it helps the broccoli cook evenly and prevents burning. Use your hands or tongs to coat each floret well. You can also add other seasonings at this point, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for some extra flavour. Give the florets a good toss to ensure they are evenly coated.

Some people recommend letting the broccoli sit for about 30 minutes after seasoning to allow it to soak up the oil, but this is optional.

Once your broccoli is prepared, it's time to arrange it in the air fryer. Place the florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each floret. This step is important, as overcrowding the basket will cause the broccoli to steam instead of crisping up. If your basket is too small, you may need to cook the broccoli in batches.

Now you're ready to start cooking! Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 350°F to 400°F, depending on your preference and the level of crispness you desire. Cook times can vary from 6 to 15 minutes, so keep an eye on your broccoli to ensure it doesn't burn.

For best results, shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

And that's it! You're now ready to enjoy your delicious, crispy air fryer broccoli.

Adding flavour

The key to getting the best flavour out of your broccoli is to ensure that it is well-coated in oil and any other seasonings you choose to add. Use your hands to work them into the tops of the broccoli florets to prevent burning.

For a simple flavour profile, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, and/or paprika for a more complex flavour.

For a savoury, umami flavour, toss the broccoli with olive oil, tamari, and garlic powder. You can also add red pepper flakes and/or toasted sesame seeds for a crunchy texture and a kick of heat.

If you want to take your broccoli to the next level, add a sprinkle of thyme, grated parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. You can also try adding balsamic vinegar, toasted breadcrumbs, or a drizzle of a punchy sauce like gochujang, peanut sauce, or sesame ginger dressing.

For a cheesy flavour, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the broccoli after air frying, or add a few handfuls of a melty cheese like cheddar or gruyere.

You can also try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, grated lemon zest, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to give your broccoli a citrusy kick.

Experiment with different combinations of seasonings and flavours to find your favourite way to enjoy crispy air fryer broccoli!

Cooking the broccoli

The first step to cooking broccoli in an air fryer is to prepare the broccoli itself. For the best results, cut the broccoli into small, evenly-sized florets. This will help the broccoli cook evenly and ensure that the insides are tender before the outsides burn. You can also add the stalks to the air fryer, but the florets will give you a much better result.

Next, you'll want to season the broccoli. Place the florets in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You only need a couple of tablespoons of oil, as the air fryer doesn't require much. Toss the florets in the oil to ensure they are evenly coated.

Now it's time to add your seasonings. The simplest option is to season with salt and pepper, but you can also add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, either during or after cooking. If you want to get creative, you can try adding balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or soy sauce to the broccoli after it's cooked.

Once your broccoli is prepared and seasoned, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. If you're using frozen broccoli, you may want to add a couple of tablespoons of water to the bottom of the air fryer to help it steam and ensure even cooking.

Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each floret to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the broccoli in batches.

Cook the broccoli for 8 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The broccoli is done when it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy broccoli that can be served as a side dish or added to a grain bowl or salad. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

As a Side Dish

Air-fried broccoli is a great side dish to accompany a variety of main courses. Its crispiness and savoury flavour make it a tasty addition to any meal. You could even sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra indulgent touch.

In a Grain Bowl

Add some air-fried broccoli to a grain bowl for a nutritious and filling meal. Try pairing it with quinoa or brown rice, along with a protein source such as tofu or tempeh, and a punchy sauce like gochujang or peanut sauce.

With a Protein Source

Air-fried broccoli goes well with a variety of protein sources. For a classic pairing, serve it with salmon. You could also try it with chicken, such as grilled chicken breast or baked chicken thighs, or with air fryer tofu or meatballs for a vegetarian option.

With Other Air-Fried Vegetables

Mix and match your air-fried broccoli with other air-fried vegetables for a colourful and nutritious dish. Cauliflower, carrots, green beans, and Brussels sprouts are all great options to create a tasty vegetable medley.

With Toppings and Sauces

Get creative with toppings and sauces to elevate your air-fried broccoli. Try a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You could also add a crispy topping, such as toasted breadcrumbs, or a sprinkling of cheese—grated parmesan or shredded cheddar would be delicious.

With Noodles

Toss your air-fried broccoli into a noodle dish for a satisfying and flavourful meal. Cashew broccoli soba noodles or sesame soba noodles are sure to be a hit.

With its versatility and crisp, savoury flavour, air-fried broccoli is a great addition to any meal. Get creative and experiment with different serving suggestions to find your favourite combinations.

Frequently asked questions