Air fryer Broccoli
Air fryer Broccoli gets you perfectly roasted Broccoli in just 10 minutes. Broccolis turn out to be tender yet are crispy with charred edges. It is very easy to make and a delicious side dish to serve.
One of the easiest and fastest ways to make Roasted Broccoli is to make in an airfryer. Roasts perfectly with a crunch in every bite and those charred ends are to die for.
Broccoli is tossed in a simple seasoning of oil, garlic powder, a dash of lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
But roasted broccoli is not limited to this seasoning, it’s really versatile. Add your own favorite seasoning to it. Serve it as a side dish or toss it in pasta, salads, etc.
Would you believe me, If I tell you I used to hate broccoli? Yes, Broccoli never used to be a part of my weekly vegetable shopping.
But over a period of time, I developed a taste for it.
My favorite way of roasting broccoli is to blanch it and then use a cast iron pan to roast it in high heat. Once you see charred marks on it and the broccoli is just cooked. Overcooked mushy broccoli is not that appetizing.
But after I tried this Air Fryer version, I am impressed. I mean it just takes 10-15 minutes, half the time you need to make in an oven. Now there is no looking back. While I cook dinner, pop some florets into the air fryer basket. Another of our favorite side dishes where broccoli is the start is this Broccoli with Garlic Sauce.
How To Cut (Prep) Broccoli?
Cutting and prepping Broccoli is not a big deal. But I thought of sharing a few helpful tips.
- Picking up good broccoli – Always look for bright green florets. It should be firm and fresh. The base of the stem should be firm and green(not soft and yellow).
- Always use Broccoli when it is still fresh, basically within 2-3 days. After a couple of days, it starts to develop a strange smell, which at least I don’t like.
- Using a knife cut the stem part and then cut it into medium florets. Make sure the florets are of the same size, so they get cooked evenly.
- Clean florets well to get rid of any dust. I usually dip the florets in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes.
- Drain the florets really well in a colander, for crispy broccoli.
Ingredients You Need For Air Fryer Broccoli
While this is the simplest seasoning that I like to add to my broccoli, you can jazz it up with it. Here are a few variations –
- Curried Roasted Broccoli: Toss it with oil, 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt to taste.
- Asian: A teaspoon of low sodium Soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Garlic Parmesan: Toss with 1 tablespoon of melted butter, Garlic Powder, 4 tablespoons grated parmesan, and pepper.
Possible Variation of Roasted Broccoli
While this is the simplest seasoning that I like to add to my broccoli, you can jazz it up with it. Here are a few variations –
- Curried Roasted Broccoli: Toss it with oil, 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt to taste.
- Asian: A teaspoon of low sodium Soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Garlic Parmesan: Toss with 1 tablespoon of melted butter, Garlic Powder, 4 tablespoons grated parmesan, and pepper.
Can we cook Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli?
Frozen Broccoli florets will have a lot of water content. You might have to adjust the time for the right amount of doneness. But using frozen broccoli directly in the Airfryer is a convenience for sure.
Making it ahead
You can roast broccoli in Airfryer and refrigerate it for a couple of days in an airtight container. But the florets might lose their crispiness when stored, nonetheless, the taste remains intact.
I have more Airfryer recipes for you…
Airfryer Roasted Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 head Broccoli About 2-3 cups of florets.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon lemon Juice
- salt and pepper as per taste
Instructions
- Cut broccoli into medium-sized florets, preferably of the same size. Clean well under running water. Drain well.
- In a bowl add florets and all the seasoning. Toss everything well.
- Put the florets in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 350 F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket in between.
Video
Notes
- 10-12 minutes of air frying yielded perfectly tender and charred broccoli. Adjust the timing for your preferred amount of doneness.
- Garlic powder is preferred over fresh because fresh garlic tends to burn easily while air frying.
- For the best results don’t crowd the basket. If all the florets don’t fit in one go, then do it in multiple batches.
