Fitness / March 27, 2024

Air-Fryer Broccoli

It’s a super-healthy food cooked in a super-healthy way! Follow this recipe for Air-Fryer Broccoli and get lightly roasted, crisp, and tender broccoli every time without ever turning on your oven.

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Broccoli is one of those vegetables (and foods, in general) whose taste goes through the roof when you roast it. I don’t understand the science of it all; but I do understand my taste buds do a somersault of joy whenever I take a bite into a floret.

My kids were easily convinced of the “science” too, which came as a huge relief for me. As any parent can attest, getting your kids to eat well sometimes requires a herculean effort. Luckily, this recipe does all the heavy lifting.

Sure, some of the credit goes to the broccoli, but MOST of it goes to the air fryer. It manages to roast the vegetable perfectly, eliciting its natural earthy taste without burning it. This is why I no longer use my traditional oven to roast my vegetables. Broccoli that retains its nutrients, tastes great, and is done in a fraction of the time? Never mind just my taste buds—that has my entire body doing somersaults!

Is Air Fryer Broccoli Healthy?

You better believe it’s healthy. Broccoli alone is great for you, providing your body with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This recipe calls for a minimal amount of olive oil, which contains healthy fats. In fact, the only thing you may want to keep an eye on is your sodium intake, as the powders, salt, and cheese can send your daily intake soaring. Of course, none of them are required for this recipe, so make changes if you feel they’re necessary. It’s suitable for vegetarian, vegan (omit the Parmesan and verify the ingredients in the powders), gluten-free (omit the Parmesan or confirm it is gluten-free), low-carb/keto, and paleo (Parmesan is at your discretion) diets.

Which Other Vegetables Can I Do In My Air Fryer?

Chances are, if it’s located in the produce section of your local grocery store, you can cook it in your air fryer. Broccoli is perhaps the most popular one to cook, but you should also consider brussels sprouts, cauliflower, asparagus, green beans, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms. What’s so great about the air fryer is that it doesn’t require a bunch of oil, it mitigates the risk of burning your veggies, it retains the veggies’ nutrients, AND it does its thing in a fraction of the time it takes, say, your conventional oven. With so many things going for it, the air fryer will quickly become your favorite appliance.

INGREDIENTS

12 oz. fresh broccoli florets, cut into small, even pieces
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
fresh lemon slices, freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

Season

Toss broccoli with olive oil and spices to coat evenly.

Prepare

Add water to air fryer to minimize smoke.

Cook

Air-fry broccoli at 400°F for 6 minutes for perfect tenderness.

Enjoy

Serve hot with optional garnishes.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How do I store the broccoli?

Let the broccoli cool completely then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can reheat in the air fryer, microwave, or the oven.

Why does my broccoli turn out mushy?

You’re probably overcrowding the basket. Doing so prevents the hot air from accessing all sides of the broccoli. It also means you end up steaming the florets instead of roasting them. Also, don’t use too much oil. Just a bit is needed to crisp them up; too much and the liquid ends up turning them to mush.

How have I burnt my broccoli?

Did you remember to add that tablespoon of water to the air fryer? If you’re still burning it, add another tablespoon and doublecheck the temperature settings.

Do I need to blanch my broccoli first?

Blanching, which involves boiling the broccoli for a minute or two then submerging it in ice-cold water, helps the veggies retain their color and soften them up a bit. If you prefer more tender broccoli then blanching could help you get them. I prefer crunchy, firm broccoli, so I skip the blanching.

Do I need to use parchment paper?

Some people set the broccoli on parchment paper to make cleanup a snap and prevent burning on the broccoli’s underside. It also prevents the broccoli from sticking to the grill. The paper still allows for heat circulation so there’s no real harm in using it; it’s up to you.

Serving Suggestions

A healthy side deserves a healthy entree, so look to such recipes as this Lemon-Pepper Chicken or Asian Salmon with Soy and Ginger. If you just want toppings to bring out the flavor of your broccoli, you have lots to choose from. I mention Parmesan cheese here but you can crumble some feta over the broccoli or pour melted cheddar. You can also serve a dip alongside it. Garlic-Parmesan, lemon-herb, ranch, or spicy sriracha will taste great. Want a change in texture? Add some crunchiness in the form of bacon bits, roasted almonds or pecans, or toasted breadcrumbs.

Air Fryer Broccoli

It’s a super-healthy food cooked in a super-healthy way! Follow this recipe for Air-Fryer Broccoli and get lightly roasted, crisp, and tender broccoli every time without ever turning on your oven.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 6

Total Time 11

Servings

Calories 92kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

12 oz. fresh broccoli florets cut into small, even pieces
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
fresh lemon slices (optional garnish)
freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until the florets are evenly coated with the seasonings.
Pour 1 tablespoon of water into the bottom of the air fryer pan to prevent smoking during cooking.
Place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket, spreading it out evenly. Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes. Once done, promptly remove the basket from the air fryer.
Serve the air fryer broccoli immediately, with optional garnishes of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. DEVOUR!