Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe: A Healthy and Delicious Side Dish
Cooking broccoli in an air fryer is a simple and healthy way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. This Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe transforms basic broccoli florets into a deliciously crispy and flavorful side dish. Start by cutting fresh broccoli into bite-sized pieces and tossing them with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For extra zest, you can add a sprinkle of paprika or lemon juice. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, then spread the broccoli in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The result is tender broccoli with perfectly crisp edges, making it a tasty addition to any meal. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or part of a larger recipe, air-fried broccoli is a quick, low-calorie option packed with flavor and nutrients, ideal for busy weeknights or healthy meal planning.
Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe: A Healthy and Delicious Side Dish
Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable, but steaming or boiling it can sometimes strip away its flavor and crunch. Enter the air fryer: a modern kitchen marvel that transforms broccoli into crispy, tender bites in just minutes! In this detailed recipe, we’ll walk you through how to make the best air fryer broccoli, complete with tips, nutritional benefits, and serving ideas.
Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets.
- Season the Broccoli: In a mixing bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the Broccoli: Place the seasoned broccoli florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: The broccoli should be crispy on the edges and tender in the center. If you prefer it crispier, add an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Optional Garnishes: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes before serving, if desired.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked broccoli to a serving dish and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Recipe Notes for Air Fryer Broccoli
- Broccoli Florets Size: Ensure the broccoli florets are cut to similar sizes to promote even cooking. Smaller pieces will cook faster and become crispier.
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Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. Some options include:
- Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Asian-Inspired: Soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Spicy: Cayenne pepper or chili powder for a bit of heat.
- Preheating: Always preheat the air fryer for better cooking results and a crispy texture.
- Oil Alternatives: While olive oil is a healthy choice, you can also use avocado oil or coconut oil for different flavor profiles.
- Overcrowding: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If cooking a larger quantity, do it in batches to ensure the broccoli cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
- Garnishing: Adding a squeeze of lemon juice or zest just before serving enhances the flavor with a fresh, tangy note. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also be a great addition.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Nutritional Information: The provided nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on the exact amounts and brands of ingredients used.
- Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer. Keep an eye on the broccoli towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning.
- Serving Suggestions: Air Fryer Broccoli pairs well with a variety of main dishes like grilled chicken, steak, fish, or as part of a vegetarian meal with quinoa or rice. It also makes a great addition to salads and grain bowls.
Air frying has become a popular cooking method because it uses hot air circulation to create crispy textures without the need for excessive oil. Broccoli, when cooked in an air fryer, retains its vibrant green color and develops a slightly charred, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with any meal. It’s a quick, hassle-free, and healthy side dish that the whole family will love. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, air-fried broccoli will quickly become your go-to veggie recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes.
- Healthy: Uses minimal oil while preserving nutrients.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, snack, or salad topping.
- Flavorful: Crispy edges and tender insides with a smoky, roasted flavor.
Nutrition Profile
Broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrients, making this recipe both delicious and health-conscious. Here’s the breakdown for a serving size of approximately 1 cup of air-fried broccoli:
- Calories: 60
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 3g (from added oil)
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Vitamin C: 135% of the Daily Value
- Vitamin K: 116% of the Daily Value
- Potassium: 288mg
Ingredients
- 3 cups broccoli florets (washed and dried thoroughly)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
- Cut the broccoli into evenly-sized florets to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Excess moisture can prevent the broccoli from crisping up in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season the Broccoli
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed across all florets.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. This helps the broccoli cook more evenly and develop a crispy texture.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
- Place the seasoned broccoli florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow air to circulate around each piece.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
- Check for doneness: The edges should be crispy and slightly charred, while the inside remains tender.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the broccoli from the air fryer and serve immediately.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for added brightness, or sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli
- Dry the Broccoli Completely: Any moisture will prevent the broccoli from crisping.
- Don’t Overcrowd: If you’re cooking a larger batch, cook in batches to ensure each floret gets crispy.
- Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat or Italian seasoning for an herby twist.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on your broccoli to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair air-fried broccoli with grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu for a complete meal.
- Toss it into salads or Buddha bowls for added texture.
- Serve as a healthy snack with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or spicy sriracha mayo.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.