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.

3.93 from 27 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 does my broccoli always burn in the air fryer? ›

Always cook broccoli in a single, even layer inside the air fryer basket; cook in batches, if needed. If broccoli is over-crowded, it won't roast evenly. Add just a bit (one tablespoon) of water to the bottom of the air fryer; this helps keep air fryer broccoli tender and prevents burning.

Is air fried broccoli still nutritious? ›

If you can cook it in the oven, give it a try in the air fryer! Is air fried broccoli still good for you? It is! Air frying is a delicious way to end up with the best broccoli without compromising nutritional value!

How to cook broccoli healthiest? ›

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.

What do you season broccoli with? ›

Broccoli: Use fresh broccoli for best results, but you can also use frozen broccoli. I recommend decreasing the cooking time by 30 to 60 seconds if using frozen broccoli. Seasonings: These could include melted butter, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and/or zest, salt, pepper, garlic, or shredded cheese.

How do you keep broccoli crispy when cooking? ›

“To keep broccoli beautifully green and slightly crunchy it's best to boil or steam for just a few minutes. ”

What are the disadvantages of an air fryer? ›

Cons of Air Fryer

These include stews, rice and pasta, batter and more. This means that Air Fryers are not completely versatile and cannot cook as many things as a traditional oven. If you're feeding a large family, you may find that the Air Fryer's capacity just won't do.

Why is air-fried food unhealthy? ›

Air fryer health risks

COPs are linked to an increase in heart disease, cancer and other medical conditions. You may have also heard about polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogens that are produced as fumes when foods are cooked at a high temperature.

How unhealthy is air-fried food? ›

Air frying is often considered to be a healthier alternative to traditional frying. In one study, deep-fried French fries retained 10 times more oil than air-fried French fries cooked for the same amount of time. Air-fried foods also have a lower fat and calorie content than traditional fried foods.

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.

Is broccoli healthy to eat everyday? ›

Incorporating broccoli into your daily diet can have a positive impact on your health. Its fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants offer a range of benefits, ranging from improved digestion and bone health to reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Why are my vegetables not crispy from the air fryer? ›

Air Fryer Vegetables Tips

If these pieces are too large, they won't cook through by the time the zucchini and peppers are tender. Don't crowd the air fryer basket. The #1 rule of air frying! In order for the vegetables to become caramelized and crisp, the hot air must be able to contact them on all sides.

Is it better to air fry or steam vegetables? ›

Among the methods tested, air-frying at 160 °C for 10 min showed the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity of the Brassica vegetables, while sautéing showed the lowest. The steam treatments were preferred over the freeze-drying treatments.

Can you put foil in an air fryer? ›

The great news about air fryers is that you can use foil along with parchment paper to cook your food in an air fryer. Just remember that if it's safe and effective to use in a conventional oven, it will work just fine in an air fryer.

How do you keep vegetables from burning in an air fryer? ›

To air fry crucifers like broccoli or cauliflower, toss them with a bit of oil to keep those florets from burning, and pop them in a 375°F (190°C) air fryer for about 10 minutes.

Why do my vegetables burn in the air fryer? ›

That's because these mini convection ovens rely on a constant flow of air to move the high-temp heat around the food for all-over crispness. To minimise the chance of food burning, make sure there are at least five inches of space on all sides.

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

The food is too small

The pieces will burn quickly, which could fill your food—and your kitchen—with fumes and smoke. The Kitchn recommends keeping everything larger than one quarter inch, or about the size of a regular French fry.

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