Delicious! Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe - Daily Yum. (2024)

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Air Fryer Broccoli is a game-changing way of cooking broccoli quickly and deliciously. I love how broccoli in the air fryer turns out with caramelized gorgeously charred edges and crispy florets. The texture is like popping candy. The only way my family enjoys broccoli lately.

Delicious! Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe - Daily Yum. (1)

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With just a tablespoon of oil, some seasoning, and your trusted kitchen gadget, you can transform broccoli and other ordinary veggies into crispy delights. Whether it's Brussels sprouts, Carrots, or Crispy cauliflower, I feel that an air fryer is a vegetable's secret weapon to make them taste so good, you'll forget you're eating healthy.

Trust me, once you've tasted this air-fried broccoli recipe, you'll never go back to boring steamed veggies again.

Is Broccoli healthy?

Are you conscious about your diet? Do you want to eat a healthy version of veggies, that can fill your stomach and give energy and nutrients? Try this Air fried broccoli recipe today because in just under 10 minutes you will have a healthy, nutritious, and yummy dish that will stand alone at the lunch or dinner table or can serve as a side dish.

Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables out there. It is loaded with nutrients that promote good health. Broccoli is loaded with fiber, which aids in digestion and reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer.

My favorite part is when Air frying broccoli, retains more of its vitamins and minerals than traditional boiling or steaming methods.

Ingredients

It only requires a few basic ingredients - Broccoli florets, a tablespoon of oil, and seasoning of choice.

  • A medium Broccoli head cut into florets
  • Oil. I like to use Olive oil or Avocado oil because it has a mild, versatile flavor profile.
  • Seasoning salt. I used Vegeta All-purpose seasoning mix.
  • Dash of pepper. Add a dash of freshly ground black pepper.
  • Dash of garlic and onion powder. Something about the way broccoli and garlic taste irresistible.
  • A sprinkle of Parmesan Cheese. The addition of parmesan cheese at the end gives broccoli an amazingly appetizing aroma.
Delicious! Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe - Daily Yum. (2)

How to make Broccoli in the Air Fryer

Prepare your broccoli properly for the air fryer. Wash and dry your broccoli florets, then cut them into even sizes for even cooking. You can also leave some stems intact for added fiber. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook it in batches, so be mindful of that.

Season. Toss the broccoli florets in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. I love to include garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. The key is not to overdo it- a little goes a long way, and you do not want to overwhelm the natural broccoli flavor.

Cook. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, then add the seasoned broccoli to the basket and spread it into a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking. The broccoli should be crispy and slightly charred around the edges.

Serve

My favorite classic pairing is to serve broccoli with a juicy air fryer steak, marinated in garlic butter sauce.

For a lighter option, pair it with Air Fryer grilled salmon and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

As an appetizer, you can serve a crispy broccoli dish on its own or pair it with Homemade Chick-Fil-A dipping sauce or Chipotle mayo.

Delicious! Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe - Daily Yum. (3)

Variations

Another option for cooking broccoli in the air fryer is to parboil it first. Boil the broccoli for 2-3 minutes until it just starts to turn tender, then put it in ice water immediately to stop the cooking process. Pat the florets dry, then season with oil and seasoning and add them to the air fryer basket. This method results in perfectly cooked and tender broccoli with a crispy exterior.

For a crunchy air fryer broccoli twist, add breadcrumbs or parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.

Another fun option that my kids loved is to toss the broccoli in a buffalo or honey mustard sauce for a spicy or sweet twist.

In a bowl, mix melted butter, hot sauce, and garlic powder. Dip the broccoli florets in the sauce and put them in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes at 375°F, shaking the basket halfway through. Serve with ranch dressing.

Can I use Frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli from the freezer section of the supermarket. This type of frozen broccoli is partially cooked, or blanched.

You don’t need to thaw the frozen broccoli to air fry it. Season with oil and seasoning and air fry for 10-12 minutes at 375°F, flipping each floret halfway.

Leftovers

Store leftover air-fried broccoli in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Or freeze it for up to 2 months. Re-crisp in the air fryer at 350°F 1-2 minutes per side to bring back the inner warmth and crispy exterior.

More Crispy Veggies You'll Love

  • Turmeric Cumin Roasted Cauliflower bites:Juicy tender on the inside; crisp golden on the outside.
  • Air Fryer Roasted Carrots:I love how carrots turn out with crispy outer and gorgeous caramelized edges.
  • Air Fryer Roasted Beet chips:Love how they turn out DELISH! With crispy edges and caramelized crust. My kids eat them like candy.

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Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli

DailyYum.com

Air Fryer Broccoli is a game-changing way of cooking broccoli quickly and deliciously. I love how broccoli in the air fryer turns out with caramelized gorgeously charred edges and crispy florets. The texture is like popping candy. The only way my family enjoys broccoli lately.

3.97 from 28 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Side Dish, Vegetables

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 90 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 Medium Broccoli head cut into florets
  • 1 Tablespoon Oil Olive oil or avocado oil
  • ½ Teaspoon salt and pepper or to taste
  • ½ Teaspoon Garlic powder
  • ¼ Teaspoon Onion Powder
  • ½ Teaspoon Seasoning I used Vegeta All-purpose seasoning
  • 1 Tablespoon Grated Parmesan Cheese optional

Instructions

  • Season. Toss the broccoli florets in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. I love to include garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. The key is not to overdo it- a little goes a long way, and you do not want to overwhelm the natural broccoli flavor.

    Use your hands to coat broccoli evenly. (You can use a zip lock bag or a plastic container to shake it for an even coating)

  • Cook. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, then add the seasoned broccoli to the basket and spread it into a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking. The broccoli should be crispy and slightly charred around the edges.

  • Sprinkle with a choice of Parmesan cheese, Minced Onion, minced garlic or Everything bagel seasoning blend.

Notes

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli from the freezer section of the supermarket. This type of frozen broccoli is partially cooked, or blanched.

You don’t need to thaw the frozen broccoli to air fry it. Season with oil and seasoning and air fry for 10-12 minutes at 375°F, flipping each floret halfway.

Leftovers

Store leftover air-fried broccoli in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Or freeze it for up to 2 months. Re-crisp in the air fryer at 350°F 1-2 minutes per side to bring back the inner warmth and crispy exterior.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 90kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 5gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 367mgPotassium: 493mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1032IUVitamin C: 136mgCalcium: 84mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition Disclaimer Nutritional information is an estimate and may change based on products used.

Keyword air fryer broccoli

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Delicious! Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe - Daily Yum. (2024)

FAQs

Why did my broccoli burn in the air fryer? ›

Extra-virgin olive oil – It helps the broccoli become tender as it cooks. Don't skimp on it – without enough oil, the broccoli will burn instead of browning.

How to make broccoli taste good without making it unhealthy? ›

Healthiest Way to Cook Broccoli

Lightly sauteed with garlic and a splash of water. It's that simple. Cooking broccoli in this way retains most of its colour, nutritional value along with that crunch that results in a delicious side dish that even my youngest and pickiest eater enjoys.

How to cook broccoli healthiest? ›

Stir-frying and stir-frying/boiling, the two most popular methods for most homemade dishes in China, cause great losses of chlorophyll, soluble protein, soluble sugar, vitamin C, and glucosinolates, but the steaming method appears the best in retention of the nutrients in cooking broccoli.

How long to cook broccoli without losing nutrients? ›

Blanching is a quick dip in boiling water, followed immediately by cooling. You can also preserve both nutrients and the enzyme needed to form protective isothiocyanates if you steam broccoli for three or four minutes (just until crisp-tender) or microwave for less than one minute.

Is it bad to air fry broccoli? ›

Some vegetables, such as brussels sprouts, are good at retaining moisture, so crisp up well in an air fryer. Broccoli, however, can dry out and become chewy and bitter. Roasting is usually a better way to get crunchy, crispy broccoli florets, which you can do in an oven or an air fryer that has an oven extension.

What to add to broccoli for flavor? ›

Most often, I enjoy steamed broccoli as a healthy side dish. Before I serve it, I toss it with salt, pepper, olive oil, and a big squeeze of lemon juice so that it's nice and bright. It also tastes fantastic dressed with lemon vinaigrette, vegan ranch, honey mustard dressing, or romesco sauce.

Is it OK to eat cooked broccoli everyday? ›

Regularly incorporating broccoli into your daily diet can contribute to stronger bones and potentially lower the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis. Broccoli can be a beneficial inclusion in the diet of those seeking to manage their weight.

Does air frying broccoli lose nutrients? ›

Does air frying vegetables remove nutrients? All vegetables lose some nutrients when cooked, but when compared with other methods of cooking, air fried vegetables loses less nutrients.

Is the top or bottom of broccoli better for you? ›

How to Prepare Broccoli. Some people prefer broccoli florets, but you can eat the leaves and stems, too. The stalk contains the most fiber, while broccoli leaves are highest in cell-protecting antioxidants, vitamins E and K, and calcium.

What to put on top of broccoli? ›

Top with a little parmesan or low fat mozzarella. Sesame oil gives a distinctive Asian flavor, so this can make broccoli an ideal side with any Chinese or Thai inspired dish. You can also toss in some green or red bell pepper if you like.

What is the best cooking method for broccoli? ›

Steaming broccoli is quick and easy, and it's considered one of the healthiest ways to prepare the vegetable. Instead of submerging the florets and stem into boiling water or roasting them in the oven, the broccoli is placed in a steamer basket over simmering water and covered with a lid.

Why do my vegetables burn in the air fryer? ›

Burning food

When using an air fryer, you need to know how long it will take for your food to cook. Leaving it in for just a bit too long can cause it to start to get a bit too crispy or even burn.

Why does my roasted broccoli burn? ›

The tender, fuzzy “tree” tips of roasted broccoli florets are the most delicious, but they are also quick to burn. Make sure the florets are well-coated with olive oil to keep this from happening. Don't Crowd the Pan. If the florets are too close, they will steam instead of roast.

How do I keep my air fryer from burning food? ›

Cooking time in an air fryer depends on the amount of food in the basket and the size of the air fryer. To ensure you don't burn anything, make sure to keep an eye on food as it cooks and adjust your recipe accordingly. As noted earlier, air fryers will cook most foods faster than a traditional oven.

Why is my broccoli burning? ›

Tip 1: If washing your broccoli, make sure to pat it dry first to remove any moisture. The less moisture the crispier the edges will be! Tip 2: Chopping the broccoli into equal sized florets helps it to all cook evenly and not burn. I aim for big florets as smaller ones can burn too easily.

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