Air Fryer Broccoli

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Air fryer broccoli is a super easy side dish that goes perfectly well with your meat or chicken dishes. Learn how to make the best air fryer broccoli that will make you fall in love with this vegetable!

If you haven't had crispy broccoli before, you should definitely try this recipe. This easy air fryer broccoli recipe is so easy to make and tastes amazing!

This mega nutritious low-carb vegetable is delightful and delicious. It is versatile and can be boiled, roasted, steamed, sauteed, or air-fried. Air frying veggies is by far my favorite way to get in much-needed nutrients and vitamins.

Carbs in broccoli

Broccoli is healthy and nutritious and contains just a few calories and carbs. 1 cup of broccoli contains 11g of carbs and 5g of fiber, bringing the net carbs to 6g. This makes broccoli a great low carb side dish!

Also, due to the high fiber count, broccoli is excellent for digestive health and helps promote a healthy gut.

Equipment used

For this recipe, you would need an air fryer, a chopping board, a kitchen knife, and a large bowl. You can use any type of air fryer you have, or you can get one from Amazon or your nearby grocery store.

One great thing about using an air fryer to roast vegetables is that it turns ordinary, healthy vegetables into fried or roasted masterpieces! Also, an air fryer would evenly roast your veggies in a fraction of the time it will take you to cook in the oven. It definitely is a game-changer!

I personally like this Ninja air fryer as my dishes always turn out amazingly crispy. And the air fryer is super easy to use with minimal cleanup. Just preheat and pop your veggies in, set the timer to the appropriate time, and wait for it to be ready.

By circulating the hot air at high temperatures, the air fryer would create a delicious outer crust while leaving the inside of the veggies moist.

Ingredients Used

Fresh broccoli. Frozen broccoli will retain some water after being thawed, and you will be left with soggy broccoli.
Spices: garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper (optional). You don't need a lot of ingredients for this recipe. Cayenne pepper is optional and adds just a touch of heat, but you can leave it out if you want.
Olive oil: I prefer to use olive oil spray for convenience.

How To Make Air Fryer Broccoli

It is so easy to make crispy air fryer broccoli. Here are the steps:

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
Wash, dry, and chop the broccoli into florets. Spray them with olive oil.
Mix the spices in a bowl, sprinkle over the broccoli, and shake until evenly coated.
Arrange the florets in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking halfway through for even roasting. Let them cool before serving.

Make it in the oven

The steps are the same as above, but instead of using an air fryer, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spread the seasoned broccoli florets on a baking sheet.
Pop it into the oven and let it bake for about 18 minutes or when the broccoli is fork-tender and slightly browned.

Storing and Reheating

You can store leftover cooked broccoli in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two or three days. If you would like to store it longer, freeze it first on a tray and then put the frozen pieces into an airtight container. It would keep this way for about a month.

To reheat, spread the air fryer roasted broccoli on a baking sheet and bake it for five minutes in the oven at a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also choose to air fry it for a couple of minutes till it's slightly crisp again.

What can I eat this recipe with?

Air fryer roasted broccoli goes perfectly well with main dishes for a satisfying, nutritious dinner for the whole family. Here are some great options!

Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Grilled T-Bone Steak Recipe
Air Fryer Duck Breast
Cajun Turkey
Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Instant Pot Bone-In Pork Chops
Air Fryer Turkey Wings

Tips on Making Air Fryer Broccoli

The cooking time will vary based on the type of your air fryer and the size of broccoli you're air frying.
Mix and match your favorite spices like black pepper, onion powder, or cumin.
Top up with some lime juice or lemon juice for an irresistible flavor.
Always start with a little salt and add more if you need it.

Recipe variations

If you're feeling adventurous enough, you can turn this yummy side into a full-on savory main dish.

Throw in some parmesan cheese, chopped fresh garlic, red pepper flakes, or green beans to spice things up.
You can roast a medley of vegetables and include other vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, or asparagus.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my roasted broccoli soggy?

One reason that air-fried or baked broccoli might turn out soggy is moisture. Make sure the pat dry the broccoli before roasting. Also, ensure that you spread the broccoli on the air fryer basket or baking sheet with enough space between and on a single layer.
Failure to do this would cause sogginess because broccoli releases moisture while in an air fryer. If the florets are placed too close, the moisture released will steam them instead of successfully roasting them.

Is it better to roast or boil broccoli?

Both are great options, and it depends on what you're in the mood for. The key is to lightly season your broccoli and make sure you give them a quick shake when cooking them.

Check out these other delicious veggie recipes!

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Roasted Turmeric Cauliflower

Sautéed Green Beans and Mushrooms

Instant Pot Asparagus

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