If you’re a fan of broccoli and want to add a crispy and flavorful touch to this nutritious vegetable, look no further than air fryer broccoli. This easy-to-make recipe combines the goodness of broccoli with the irresistible flavors of Parmesan cheese, all cooked to perfection in 10 minutes by the air fryer.
1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Wash the broccoli florets and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful coating.
Place the coated broccoli florets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer without overcrowding.
Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the edges are golden and crispy. Shake the basket or flip the broccoli halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
Add grated Parmesan cheese in the last 2-3 minutes of air frying, just before the broccoli is fully done.
Carefully remove the air fryer basket and transfer the broccoli to a serving dish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the broccoli for a tangy and refreshing touch.
Serve the air fryer broccoli immediately as a side dish or a healthy snack.
2. Tips to Make Air Fryer Broccoli Perfect
Using fresh, high-quality broccoli
Fresh broccoli has vibrant green florets and firm stems, ensuring a crisp texture and natural sweetness when roasted.
Avoid broccoli with yellowing florets or soft spots, as these indicate it’s past its prime and may not roast well.
Properly Prepare the Broccoli
Cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets and rinse thoroughly to remove dirt. Drain and dry completely before cooking.
Uniformly sized florets cook evenly in the air fryer, while drying the broccoli prevents steaming and promotes crisping. Proper prep ensures your broccoli is clean, evenly roasted, and delicious.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating ensures the broccoli starts cooking immediately when placed in the air fryer. This helps develop a crispy exterior and prevents the broccoli from becoming soggy or unevenly cooked.
Arrange Broccoli in a Single Layer
Air circulation is essential for even cooking and crispness. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of roasting, leading to softer broccoli. If needed, cook in batches to ensure each piece gets enough space for maximum crispiness.
Add Parmesan at the Right Time
Adding parmesan too early can cause it to burn, resulting in a bitter flavor. Adding it near the end allows the cheese to melt and form a golden, savory crust without overcooking, enhancing the dish’s flavor and texture.
3. What To Eat With Air Fryer Broccoli?
Baked Chicken Breast
Baked chicken is light yet flavorful, making it a great protein to balance the crisp texture and slightly smoky flavor of air fryer broccoli. The simplicity of chicken lets the broccoli’s roasted flavor shine, while the combination creates a healthy, satisfying meal.
Pan-Seared Salmon
Salmon’s rich, buttery texture complements the air-fried broccoli’s slight crunch. Adding a lemon wedge to both dishes enhances their flavors, creating a fresh and zesty meal.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
The savory, garlicky notes of shrimp pair wonderfully with the earthy flavors of air fryer broccoli. Together, they form a quick, flavorful, and protein-packed meal that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Loaded Baked Potato
A baked potato’s creamy, comforting texture contrasts nicely with the crisp-tender broccoli. Topping the potato with sour cream, cheese, or bacon ties the two together for a hearty, flavorful dish.
Quinoa Bowl with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
Adding air-fried broccoli to a quinoa bowl boosts the dish’s texture and nutrients. The nutty quinoa complements the broccoli’s charred edges, while the creamy, tangy dressing ties everything together beautifully.
This 10 minutes air fryer broccoli recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy the goodness of broccoli in a crispy and flavorful form. The air fryer method delivers perfectly cooked broccoli with a satisfying crunch, while the Parmesan cheese adds a savory and nutty dimension.
