I have often used my air fryer to make quick, easy veggie side dishes that the kids will love. Broccoli, carrots, green beans, and brussels sprouts have all been on rotation in our house. Before we had the air fryer, I used to roast broccoli in the oven, which works great too. It is just so much quicker in the air fryer. It takes less than 10 minutes! As we all know, broccoli comes packed with loads of nutrition and has so many health benefits:
They have fiber, vitamin C, K, iron, and potassium. Also, they have a higher protein content than most vegetables. They help in lowering your blood cholesterol. Boosts your eye health.
Making this Air Fryer Broccoli as a side dish is a win-win. Kids love it, and I can make it in less than 10 minutes!! If your family loves broccoli, check out the Tofu Broccoli Stir Fry recipe.
Watch How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli
How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli?
I have kept this recipe fairly simple so that it can be made with pantry ingredients. I use garlic powder, salt, and pepper to season the broccoli. We love to sprinkle freshly grated parmesan at the end. You can also call this recipe Garlic Parmesan broccoli.
Start with separating the broccoli florets. Cut into similar-sized florets, as that will help with even roasting. Rinse with water and let them dry well. If not, spread them evenly on a kitchen towel and let them dry. To make it easier, you can also use store-bought cut and pre-washed broccoli.
Place the cleaned florets in a large bowl and add avocado oil and seasonings. I used garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I usually use garlic powder when seasoning the broccoli, but if you want, you can also use 2-3 cloves of freshly minced garlic. Toss them all well so that the broccoli is nicely coated with the seasonings.
Transfer the tossed broccoli to the air-fryer and spread in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might have to cook in batches.
Extra Tip: If you like, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the air fryer basket before adding the broccoli florets. This will help steam the broccoli as it cooks, and will give with perfect tender on the inside and crisp on the outside texture.
Set the temperature at 380°F and air fry the broccoli for 6-9 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. There is no need to preheat the air-fryer as the cooking time also counts for the pre-heating time. If you want a crispier texture, increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
Roasted broccoli is ready. Transfer to a bowl and sprinkle some parmesan and lime juice. Enjoy!
How to make Roasted Broccoli in the Oven?
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Follow the same steps as above to prep the broccoli and transfer them to a large sheet pan. Alternatively, you can add the seasonings and the oil to the sheet pan and spread the broccoli. Spread the broccoli with enough space between them and ensure they don’t overlap. Cook for about 15-20 minutes. Stir halfway for even cooking.
Variations
You can also try multiple variations of this vegetable like:
Toss the broccoli in some balsamic vinegar along with the seasonings. Try other seasoning options like onion powder, cumin powder, paprika, or red chili flakes if you like a spicier taste. You can also try taco seasoning or Trader Joe’s chili lime seasoning. Give your roasted broccoli an Indian twist by adding cumin powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala as seasoning.
Tips to make the best air fryer roasted broccoli
Separate the florets or cut them into even-sized pieces, as this helps the broccoli to cook well. I prefer to use ground seasonings such as garlic powder for roasted vegetables. It is just easier to toss in the seasonings with the veggies. Also, toss it in a separate bowl before adding it to the air fryer basket or tray. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Preferably, spread the broccoli in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed. I cook the broccoli until it is done, with crisp edges and a tender texture (which also works great for kids). If you like crispier broccoli, add 1-2 minutes to the roasting time. Serve them right away after cooking for the best flavor!
How to Serve?
We love to serve this air fryer broccoli as a side dish with penne pasta or mac and cheese. It pairs well with any meat dishes as well. My kids love to dip the roasted broccoli in ranch or garlic yogurt dip and enjoy it as a snack.
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