Air Fryer Broccoli

Why Make This Recipe

Air Fryer Broccoli is a quick and easy way to enjoy a healthy vegetable. Cooking with an air fryer gives broccoli a delightful crispy texture without needing a lot of oil. This recipe is perfect as a side dish or a healthy snack, and it’s packed with nutrients. Plus, it takes just minutes to make, making it suitable for busy schedules.

How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli

Ingredients:

• 1 pound broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
• 2 tablespoons water
• Optional toppings: 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, pinch red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Place the broccoli florets in a mixing bowl and add olive oil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and sugar. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 3 minutes.
3. Add water to the bottom of the air fryer. Then, add the broccoli and cook for 4 minutes.
4. Remove the broccoli and toss it. Return it to the air fryer and cook for an additional 4 to 8 minutes until crispy.
5. If using toppings, mix the broccoli with lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes before serving.

How to Serve Air Fryer Broccoli

Serve Air Fryer Broccoli hot. It pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. You can also enjoy it on its own or mix it into salads for extra crunch. The optional toppings will make it even more flavorful and fun!

How to Store Air Fryer Broccoli

To store leftover Air Fryer Broccoli, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat it in the air fryer or microwave.

Tips to Make Air Fryer Broccoli

• Ensure the broccoli pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
• Adjust cooking time based on how crispy you like your broccoli.
• Add different spices or seasonings to change up the flavor.

Variation

You can customize your Air Fryer Broccoli by adding other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots. Feel free to experiment with different spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper for added heat.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just ensure to add extra cooking time since it’s usually thicker and may need a bit longer to get crispy.

2. Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps achieve a better texture, so it’s recommended but not strictly necessary.

3. Can I skip the oil?
While oil helps with crispiness and flavor, you can skip it if you prefer a lighter version. The broccoli will be softer without it.

Ellie

Air Fryer Broccoli

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, flavorful broccoli cooked in an air fryer, perfect as a side dish or healthy snack.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 100

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 pound broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
• 2 tablespoons water

Optional toppings

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Method

 

Preparation

1. Place the broccoli florets in a mixing bowl and add olive oil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and sugar. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 3 minutes.

Cooking

1. Add water to the bottom of the air fryer. Then, add the broccoli and cook for 4 minutes.
2. Remove the broccoli and toss it. Return it to the air fryer and cook for an additional 4 to 8 minutes until crispy.

Serving

1. If using toppings, mix the broccoli with lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes before serving.

Notes

Ensure the broccoli pieces are similar in size for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Adjust cooking time based on how crispy you like your broccoli. Add different spices or seasonings to change up the flavor. To store leftover Air Fryer Broccoli, let it cool completely, place it in an airtight container, and refrigerate for about 3 days.