Air-Fryer Broccoli: Soft, Tender, And Delicious

Air fryer broccoli is a quick, healthy, and tasty side dish. It is easy to make and packed with flavour and texture. You can make soft broccoli in an air fryer by adding a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer to create a steaming effect. This will help to tenderise the broccoli. You can also try lowering the temperature and reducing the cooking time.

Choosing the right broccoli

Look for fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli is recommended over frozen broccoli when using an air fryer. Fresh broccoli will have a higher moisture content, which is essential for achieving the desired tenderness. It will also result in crispier florets. When buying fresh broccoli, look for bright green heads with tightly packed florets. Avoid broccoli with yellow or brown spots, as this indicates that it is past its prime.

Select the right size: Choose broccoli heads with medium to large-sized florets. Smaller florets tend to cook unevenly, with the tips burning before the stalks are tender. Larger florets will give you more time to achieve the perfect crispness without burning.

Check the stalks: The stalks of the broccoli should be firm and crisp, not limp or rubbery. Avoid broccoli with dried-out or shrivelled stalks, as this is a sign of age and dehydration.

Cut uniform pieces: Before placing the broccoli in the air fryer, cut the florets into equal-sized pieces. This promotes even cooking and ensures that all the florets are cooked to perfection. You can also find pre-cut florets in the refrigerated aisle of the produce section if you want to save some time.

Experiment with different varieties: There are several varieties of broccoli available, such as Calabrese, Sprouting, Purple Sprouting, and Romanesco. Each variety has a slightly different taste and texture, so feel free to experiment to find the one that suits your taste.

By choosing the right broccoli and following the simple cooking instructions, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, soft, and crispy air-fried broccoli as a side dish or a tasty addition to your meals.

Preparing the broccoli

Next, place the broccoli florets into a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You'll need enough oil to coat the broccoli evenly—around two to three tablespoons should be sufficient. Use your hands to work the oil into the broccoli, ensuring all florets are well-coated. Then, add your desired seasonings. A simple combination of salt and pepper works well, but you can also add garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or any other dry seasoning you like. Give the broccoli a good toss to ensure it's evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

If you want to add some extra flavour, you can include a couple of secret ingredients. Tamari and garlic powder will fill the broccoli florets with a savory, umami flavour. A drizzle of lemon juice will add a pop of citrusy freshness, while a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese in the last few minutes of cooking will give you a cheesy crust.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer broccoli vary depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer being used. However, here is a comprehensive guide to help you achieve the perfect cooking time and temperature for soft broccoli:

Firstly, it is important to note that the size of the broccoli florets will impact the cooking time. Bigger florets will need more time to cook compared to smaller ones. Therefore, it is recommended to cut the florets into equal-sized pieces to promote even cooking.

Now, let's dive into the specific cooking instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 390°F (180°C to 200°C). The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer, so feel free to adjust accordingly.
• While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the broccoli by tossing the florets with a light coating of olive oil and your desired seasonings. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, thyme, red chilli flakes, or parmesan cheese. Ensure that the broccoli is evenly coated for the best results.
• Once the air fryer is preheated, place the broccoli florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This is important because if the air fryer basket is too crowded, the broccoli will steam and soften instead of getting crispy.
• Set the air fryer temperature between 370°F and 390°F (190°C to 200°C) and cook the broccoli for 7 to 10 minutes. Keep in mind that the cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. For softer broccoli, aim for the longer end of the cooking time range.
• Halfway through the cooking time, shake the air fryer basket or toss the broccoli to ensure even cooking on all sides.
• Check the broccoli for doneness after the allotted cooking time. If you prefer it softer, you can continue cooking in one-minute intervals until your desired texture is achieved.

By following these instructions and adjusting the cooking time based on your preferences, you will be able to make soft and delicious broccoli in your air fryer.

Adding extra ingredients

While broccoli is tasty on its own, adding extra ingredients can take your air-fried broccoli to the next level.

A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is a great way to enhance the flavour of broccoli. You can also add garlic powder to the mix for an extra kick. If you're feeling adventurous, try experimenting with other dry seasonings like cumin, red chilli flakes, or Italian seasoning. A squeeze of lemon juice will add a burst of freshness to your dish.

For a more indulgent option, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top of your broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking. This will create a delicious, crispy cheese crust. You can also try adding a drizzle of thyme, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or grated parmesan cheese to your cooked broccoli.

If you're looking for a more savoury option, tamari (or soy sauce) is a great choice. It fills the broccoli florets with umami flavour and gives them a nice char. For an extra punch of savoury goodness, add a drizzle of fish sauce or chilli crisp.

For some crunch, top your broccoli with toasted sesame seeds. You can also try adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of sauce, such as gochujang, peanut sauce, or sesame ginger dressing.

If you're feeling creative, try combining your broccoli with other ingredients to make a complete meal. Add it to a grain bowl or noodle bowl, or toss it with quinoa, rice, protein like tofu or tempeh, and a punchy sauce.

With so many options to choose from, you can easily customise your air-fried broccoli to suit your taste preferences.

Storing and reheating

Air fryer broccoli is best served fresh, but it can be stored and reheated if needed. Here are some tips for storing and reheating your broccoli:

Storing:

• Store your cooked broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It is recommended to consume the broccoli within 3 to 4 days of cooking for the best quality and taste.
• Freezing cooked broccoli is not ideal, as it tends to become mushy when reheated.

Reheating:

• To reheat, you can use either the air fryer or a microwave.
• If using the air fryer, place the broccoli back into the air fryer basket and heat for 2-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
• If using a microwave, heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warmed through.
• Keep in mind that reheated broccoli may not be as crispy as when it was first cooked, especially if it has been stored in the refrigerator.

By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy your air fryer broccoli again while maintaining its flavour and texture as much as possible.

Frequently asked questions