The Best Air Fryer Broccoli
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh broccoli florets
dried well
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- to tastefreshly cracked black pepper
- zest of 1 lemon
optional, for garnish
- freshly grated parmesan cheese
optional, for garnish
Directions
- 1
Preheat air fryer to 320° Fahrenheit. In large bowl or bag, combine broccoli florets, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat broccoli well, making sure to work oil into crowns of broccoli to ensure they crisp well.
- 2
Place seasoned broccoli florets in air fryer basket in one flat layer. Place in air fryer and cook at 320° for 6 minutes.
- 3
After 6 minutes, increase air fryer temperature to 400° Fahrenheit. Cook broccoli at 400° for 3 to 4 minutes or until florets are crispy on edges. Remove broccoli from air fryer, garnish with lemon zest and grated parmesan if desired, and serve warm.
The Best Air Fryer Broccoli
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About this Recipe
Tired of soggy or burnt air fryer broccoli? This recipe delivers perfectly tender, flavorful florets in a fraction of the time, just like your favorite oven-roasted version, making it the best air fryer broccoli you'll make.
This recipe works by employing a special, easy method specifically designed to achieve that ideal texture—crisp-tender without any charring, a common pitfall in other air fryer approaches. The key is allowing the florets to cook just right, ensuring they become beautifully tender throughout while maintaining their vibrant green color.
When you make this dish, you can expect beautifully cooked broccoli, vibrant green with a slight bite, infused with savory garlic and a hint of robust olive oil. Each bite will be tender through the stem, yet the florets will have a pleasing texture, making it a fantastic, effortless side dish for any meal. The simple seasoning of salt, garlic powder, and black pepper highlights the broccoli's natural sweetness. For an extra pop of brightness and savory depth, you have the option to finish it with fresh lemon zest and grated Parmesan cheese.
Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic powder to your liking, or experiment with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. For a dairy-free option, simply omit the Parmesan cheese. If you don't have fresh lemon on hand, the broccoli is still incredibly delicious without the zest, proving its versatility.
This versatile air fryer broccoli makes an excellent, quick weeknight side or a welcome addition to a more elaborate dinner spread. It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty vegetarian main.