Perfect Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli

Make crispy yet tender broccoli in the air fryer with one little trick! They are crunchy on the out side and tender on the inside. A quick and healthy side dish the whole family will love!

Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli

I’ve been in love with my air fryer ever since I bought it. It’s easy to make healthy dishes like this crispy roasted broccoli in the air fryer.

I used my oven to roast broccoli before I got my air fryer. But depending on how much time I have to put dinner on the table- that roasted broccoli never made it to the table, or worst yet was completely burnt or at times undercooked.

The air fryer is a god send to us busy moms. It takes 10 minutes to get perfect air fried crispy broccoli. I have a secret trick that I use the make broccoli tender but crispy. So read on!

If you’ve come looking to make a broccoli side dish, you’re already off to a healthy start. Kids will love this dish. Do you know broccoli is known for many of its health benefits?

• Broccoli is relatively high in protein, which makes up 29% of its dry weight, compared to most vegetables.
• It has fiber which promotes gut health ,prevent various diseases and aid inj weight loss. One cup (91 grams) of raw broccoli provides 2.3 grams of fiber, which is about 5–10% of the Daily Value (DV).
• Broccoli has many vitamins invluding Vitamin C, Bitamin K, Folate and many other nutrients.

How to roast broccoli in the air fryer

First, you need to separate the broccoli into florets. Cut them into similar size to roast evenly.

Toss the florets, with oil, salt, black pepper and parmesan. This could also be called air fryer broccoli parmesan. Get in with your hands and massage the florets so the seasonings will get into every nook and cranny.

Lay the florets in a single layer on the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed. I used one large head of broccoli and roasted in two batches in my 5.8 qtr. air fryer.

The trick to crispy yet tender roasted broccoli is to add water – about 2 tablespoon to the air fryer basket. The steam from the water helps cook the broccoli while still being crispy. Or the broccoli will have roast edges while still being raw on the inside as the air fryer cooks faster.

Set the temperature to 375 Degree Fahrenheit and roast for 8 to 9 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through.

Once the cooking time ends, you can flip them and roast the other side too if it’s not roasted enough.

Based on your air fryer model you need to roast 1 or 2 minute more for crisp edges.

How to roast broccoli in the oven

Even though this recipe is for air fryer, we understand not everyone has an air fryer. Here’s how to roast broccoli in the oven.

Preheat your oven to 420 degree Fahrenheit. Place the broccoli florets tossed in oil and seasoning on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Or until crispy on the edges.

Frozen air fryer broccoli

You can also roast broccoli from frozen in the air fryer. No need to thaw. Just add oil and seasonings to broccoli and roast in the air fryer for 9 to 10 minutes at 380 Fahrenheit. No need to add water to the air fryer basket.

How to add flavors to the roasted broccoli

I like to keep mine simple with a salt, pepper, parmesan cheese and finish with some chili flakes. There are so many other flavors you can add to broccoli before it goes to the air fryer. Here are few suggestions:

• Toss the broccoli in olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning and a touch of lemon juice for a Mediterranean flavor.
• Add cumin powder, coriander powder and red chili powder for a spicy Indian version.
• Use taco seasoning and a touch of lime for a Mexican version.

Tips for success

Here are a few tips to make perfect roasted broccoli every time:

• Cut the broccoli florets into similar bite sized pieces so they roast evenly.
• Add a tablespoon or two of water to the air fryer basket to get crispy but tender broccoli.
• Spread the broccoli in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed. After cooking, place all the broccoli in the air fryer and heat up for one miunte.

I hope you’ll love this dish as much we do!

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