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

Air fryer broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook broccoli. It is a great side dish that can be whipped up in a fraction of the time it takes to roast broccoli in the oven. With just a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and a few simple seasonings, you can have a delicious and nutritious dish on the table in under 10 minutes.

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

How to Make Crispy Broccoli in the Air Fryer: Seasoning Guide for Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, and Olive Oil

Air fryer broccoli is a quick and easy way to cook broccoli, resulting in a crispy and tender dish in under 10 minutes. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare and season your broccoli with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil for the perfect air-fried side.

Ingredients:

• Broccoli Florets: Use fresh broccoli florets for the best results. You can also include some stems for added fibre.
• Olive Oil: A couple of tablespoons of olive oil are enough; you don't need much oil when cooking in an air fryer.
• Garlic Powder: Gives a nice garlicky flavour and coats the broccoli florets well.
• Salt: Use kosher or regular salt to taste; seasoning enhances the flavour of the broccoli.
• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice kick.

Instructions:

• Toss the Ingredients Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss or mix well to ensure that each floret is evenly coated. You can also use a zip lock bag or a plastic container to shake and coat the broccoli evenly.
• Add to the Air Fryer: Transfer the seasoned broccoli to the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer with a little space around each floret. Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow proper air circulation.
• Air Fry: Set the air fryer temperature to between 375°F and 390°F. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or flip the florets to ensure even cooking on all sides.
• Serve: Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can also sprinkle on some freshly grated Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra cheesy touch.

Tips:

• Bigger Florets: Opt for larger florets over smaller ones to ensure even cooking. Smaller florets tend to burn before the stalks become tender.
• Coat Well: Make sure the broccoli is well-coated with oil and seasonings. Use your hands to work them into the tops of the florets to prevent burning.
• Batches: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the broccoli in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Storage: Air-fried broccoli is best served fresh. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Timing: 7-10 minutes at 375-400°F

To make crispy broccoli in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. While it's heating up, toss your broccoli florets with a drizzle of olive oil and your choice of seasonings in a large mixing bowl. You can use garlic powder, salt, pepper, thyme, grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, or tamari. Make sure the broccoli is well-coated.

Once your air fryer is preheated, add the broccoli to the basket in a single layer, ensuring the basket isn't crowded. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes at 375-400°F, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. If you like your broccoli softer, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking.

Preparation: toss broccoli in a bowl with seasoning and oil

To make crispy broccoli in an air fryer, you'll need to first prepare the broccoli by coating it in a mixture of oil and seasoning. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you'll need broccoli florets, olive oil, and seasonings of your choice. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, or even grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 2: Cut the Broccoli into Florets

If you haven't already, cut your broccoli into bite-sized florets. Try to make the florets relatively uniform in size to ensure even cooking. You can also leave some stems intact for added fibre.

Step 3: Combine Broccoli, Oil, and Seasonings in a Bowl

Place the broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the broccoli and add your desired seasonings. The amount of oil and seasoning can vary according to your taste preferences, but generally, a couple of tablespoons of oil and a light coating of seasoning will suffice.

Step 4: Toss the Broccoli to Coat Evenly

Using your hands or a spoon, gently toss the broccoli florets in the bowl until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning mixture. Ensure that the mixture reaches all the nooks and crannies of each floret. You can also use a zip lock bag or a plastic container to shake the broccoli for an even coating.

Placement: arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket

When you're ready to cook your broccoli, it's important to place it correctly in the air fryer basket. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, ensure you have cut your broccoli into florets. You can leave some of the stems attached, but the florets are key to achieving that crispy texture. If you're using frozen broccoli, there's no need to thaw it first. Just make sure it's not stuck together in clumps.

Now, take your prepared broccoli and arrange it in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's important not to overcrowd the basket. Space the florets out so that there is a little room around each one. This is crucial because it allows the hot air to circulate and crisps up the broccoli. If your air fryer basket is too small to fit all the broccoli in a single layer, you'll need to cook it in batches.

If you're using fresh broccoli, make sure you've coated it well with oil and seasonings before placing it in the air fryer. This will ensure that your broccoli cooks evenly and doesn't burn.

Once you've arranged the broccoli in the air fryer basket, you're ready to set the temperature and timer for cooking. Depending on your desired level of crispness, you might want to give the basket a shake halfway through cooking to ensure all sides of the broccoli cook evenly.

By following these steps, you'll achieve perfectly crispy broccoli that's cooked just right!

Frozen broccoli: no need to thaw, but it won't get as crispy

Frozen broccoli is a convenient option for an easy and healthy side dish. While it is best to avoid thawing frozen broccoli before air frying, as this can result in super soft florets that won't crisp up easily, it is still possible to achieve crispy, golden brown broccoli florets with a slight crisp using this cooking method.

To cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F for about 5 minutes. Then, in a bowl, add your favourite seasonings and oil to the frozen broccoli. Make sure to stir well so that the oil and seasoning are evenly distributed. For the best results, separate any smaller florets and set them aside, adding them to the air fryer halfway through cooking to prevent burning.

Next, spray the air fryer basket with avocado or olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the broccoli in the air fryer in a single layer and cook for 6 minutes. Then, remove the basket, add in the small florets, and shake the basket well before returning it to the air fryer for another 5-6 minutes, or until the broccoli is lightly browned with crispy edges.

While it may take some experimentation to get the timing right, cooking frozen broccoli in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve crispy, tasty results.

Frequently asked questions