Discover how to air fry broccoli with our Air Fryer Broccoli recipe. Perfectly crispy and tender florets, seasoned to perfection, ready in just 15 minutes. Ideal for healthy snacking or as a tasty addition to any meal. Easy, nutritious, and flavourful!
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Welcome to our vegan kitchen, where we are always exploring new ways to make healthy eating both delicious and convenient. Today, we're excited to share with you a quick and easy recipe for Air Fryer Broccoli.
This recipe is perfect for those who are looking to add more greens to their diet without compromising on taste. Using an air fryer not only reduces cooking time but also ensures that the broccoli comes out perfectly crispy on the edges and tender in the middle. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform a head of broccoli into a mouthwatering easy side dish or a nutritious snack.
Whether you're a seasoned air fryer enthusiast or just getting started, this recipe is sure to become a favourite in your repertoire. It's not only vegan-friendly but also packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to any meal. Let's dive into the recipe and discover how easy and delicious air-fried broccoli can be!
Ingredients
Broccoli, the star ingredient of this recipe, is a powerhouse of nutrition, rich in vitamin C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. It supports immune health, aids digestion, and promotes heart health. The avocado oil used adds healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Air frying the broccoli retains its essential nutrients better than traditional frying, as it uses less oil and minimizes nutrient loss due to excessive heat. This cooking method also enhances the texture and flavor of the broccoli, making it crispy on the outside while keeping it tender inside. Together, these ingredients make a delicious and nutrient-dense side dish that supports overall health and wellness.
You will need:
- broccoli
- avocado oil
- sea salt
- black pepper
For exact quantities see the recipe card below.
Equipment
You will need an air fryer to make this recipe. I use the Ninja Foodie but there are plenty of great air fryers out there that will do the job.
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
Cut the broccoli into florets, making sure they are similar in size for even cooking.
In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with avocado oil, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
Arrange the seasoned broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Place the basket into the air fryer and cook the broccoli for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the broccoli is tender.
Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or use tongs to toss the broccoli for even browning.
Once cooked, remove the broccoli from the air fryer and transfer to a serving dish.
Serve hot as a side dish or a healthy snack.
Notes
- Adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the broccoli florets. Thicker florets may require additional cook time whereas smaller ones will cook in a fraction of the time.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Add other spices like garlic powder, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or chili flakes for extra flavor.
- Be mindful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as it may lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
- You can use another oil if you prefer, olive oil and coconut oil both work well.
📖 Recipe
How To Air Fry Broccoli (Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Discover a quick and delicious vegan side dish with our Air Fryer Broccoli recipe. Perfectly crispy and tender florets, seasoned to perfection, ready in just 15 minutes. Ideal for healthy snacking or as a tasty addition to any meal. Easy, nutritious, and flavourful!
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut broccoli into florets.
- Toss with oil, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry for 8-10 mins, shaking halfway through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the size and thickness of the broccoli florets. Thicker florets may require additional cooking time.
- Customise seasoning to your taste preferences. Add spices like garlic powder or chili flakes for extra flavour.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as it may lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
What would I serve this air fryer broccoli with?
This air fryer broccoli pairs wonderfully with a variety of vegan dishes. Here are some ideas of mains that you can serve alongside this healthy side dish:
- Quinoa Salad: Serve the crispy broccoli alongside a vibrant quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a lemon-tahini dressing.
- Vegan Buddha Bowl: Create a nourishing bowl with brown rice, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, avocado, and a drizzle of tahini or a spicy peanut sauce.
- Lentil Stew: Pair the broccoli with a hearty lentil stew made with carrots, celery, tomatoes, and spices like cumin and coriander.
- Vegan Mac and Cheese: Enjoy the broccoli as a crunchy side to a creamy, dairy-free mac and cheese made with a cashew or butternut squash sauce.
- Grain-Free Tacos: Use the broccoli as a filling for grain-free tacos, along with black beans, corn, salsa, and avocado.
- Stir-Fried Noodles: Add the air fryer broccoli to a stir-fry with rice noodles, tofu, bell peppers, and a soy-ginger sauce.
- Vegan Burgers: Serve as a side to a delicious vegan burger made with black beans, chickpeas, or lentils, topped with avocado and vegan mayo.
- Hummus Plate: Include the broccoli in a mezze platter with hummus, pita bread, olives, and a variety of raw or roasted vegetables.
These ideas ensure a balanced and flavorful vegan meal that complements the air fryer broccoli beautifully.
FAQs
How do you keep broccoli from burning in an air fryer?
To prevent broccoli from burning in an air fryer, ensure that you preheat the air fryer, coat the broccoli evenly with oil, and shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning. Monitoring the cooking time and temperature is also crucial; typically, cooking at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes works well.
Can you use frozen broccoli in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in an air fryer. No need to thaw it first. Simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes and check for doneness. Ensure the florets are evenly coated with oil and seasoning before air frying. For best results however I would recommend using fresh broccoli.
Do you need to preheat the air fryer for broccoli?
Preheating the air fryer helps to cook the broccoli more evenly and achieve a crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes before adding the broccoli.
What temperature is best for air frying broccoli?
The optimal temperature for air frying broccoli is 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the broccoli to become tender while developing crispy edges without burning.
How long does it take to cook broccoli in an air fryer?
It typically takes 8-10 minutes to cook broccoli in an air fryer. Cooking time can vary slightly based on the size and thickness of the florets and the specific model of your air fryer.
Can you cook broccoli without oil in an air fryer?
While you can cook broccoli without oil in an air fryer, using a small amount of oil helps achieve a crispy texture and prevents the broccoli from drying out. If you prefer to avoid oil, you can try lightly spraying the florets with water or broth.
Why is my air fryer broccoli soggy?
Soggy broccoli can result from overcrowding the air fryer basket, which prevents proper air circulation. Make sure to cook in batches if needed and avoid using too much oil. Patting the broccoli dry before seasoning can also help achieve a crispier texture.
What seasonings go well with air fryer broccoli?
Besides salt and pepper, great seasonings for flavorful broccoli include garlic powder, red pepper flakes, onion powder, chili flakes, smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, lemon zest, and Italian herbs. You can also toss the cooked broccoli with a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for added flavor.
Can you reheat broccoli in an air fryer?
Yes, you can reheat broccoli in an air fryer and it's a great way to reheat this dish for an easy weeknight meal. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the broccoli for 2-3 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Is air-fried broccoli healthy?
Air-fried broccoli is a healthy option as it retains most of its nutrients while using minimal oil compared to traditional frying methods. Broccoli is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
How long will air fryer broccoli keep for?
It will keep well in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
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