The Best Damn Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli

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.

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.

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.

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.