If you’re on the hunt for a quick, healthy, and low-calorie snack that’s also incredibly tasty, look no further than crispy broccoli in the air-fryer. This recipe is a game-changer, taking the humble broccoli and transforming it into a crunchy, flavorful treat that you can whip up in just minutes.
Whether you’re trying to sneak more veggies into your diet or need a simple broccoli dish that everyone will love, this air-fryer broccoli recipe has got you covered!
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Why Should You Make Crispy Broccoli in the Air-Fryer?
Let's be honest—broccoli doesn’t always get the love it deserves. It’s often overshadowed by flashier veggies, but this crispy broccoli in the air-fryer will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about this green powerhouse. The air-fryer works magic by giving the broccoli florets a perfect crunch on the outside while keeping them tender on the inside. Plus, it’s a guilt-free snack that's packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. If you’re looking for a low-calorie broccoli recipe, this one’s a winner.
The best part? This recipe is super easy, quick, and requires minimal ingredients. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to pull this off; just toss your broccoli in a few simple seasonings, pop it into the air-fryer, and voila! In less than 15 minutes, you’ll have a bowl of crispy, delicious broccoli that’s perfect for snacking or serving as a side dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Broccoli florets. Both, fresh or frozen works well but fresh gives the best results
- Olive oil for a rich flavor
- Salt to taste
- Chilli powder to make it a little spicy
- Black pepper powder for an added aroma to the broccoli
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Peanut sauce. Store bought is great but you can also make it at home, just like me!
That’s it! Simple, right?
See the Recipe Card for the quantity of the ingredients used.
How to Make Crispy Broccoli in the Air-Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prep the Broccoli
Start by breaking the broccoli into florets. Wash them thoroughly under cold water. If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s completely thawed and pat it dry with a paper towel. Any excess moisture can prevent the broccoli from crisping up properly.
Step 2: Season the Broccoli
In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil until they’re well coated. The oil helps the broccoli crisp up in the air-fryer. Next, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt over the florets. Mix everything well so that each piece of broccoli is evenly seasoned.
Step 3: Air-Fry the Broccoli
Preheat your air-fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Add a few tablespoons of water to the air-fryer basket, place the mesh rack inside, and then spread the seasoned broccoli florets on top of the rack in a single layer.
Air-fry the broccoli for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time; you want them to be slightly golden brown and crispy, but not burnt.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the broccoli is done, remove it from the air-fryer and let it cool for a minute or two. Drizzle with your prepared peanut sauce for an extra burst of flavor. And that’s it! Quick, easy, and delicious—your perfect snack is ready to enjoy.
Hint- Be attentive when the Broccoli is in the air-fryer. A burnt taste might develop if cooked for longer than needed!
Variations to Try
If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few tasty variations to try:
- Spicy Broccoli: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix for some heat.
- Cheesy Broccoli: Toss the broccoli with a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or grated Parmesan before air-frying for a cheesy flavor.
- Asian-Inspired Broccoli: Mix in a teaspoon of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an umami-rich twist.
Broccoli with Peanut Sauce: Serve your crispy broccoli with a side of peanut sauce for dipping. The creamy, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the crunchy broccoli.
Storing and Reheating
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely because this broccoli is that good), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them back in the air-fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to bring back their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Add a few tablespoons of water in the air-fryer before cooking, this will create steam and prevent the broccoli from getting burnt.
This recipe ensures that the broccoli remains crispy. But also make sure to cook in small batches to prevent overcrowding of the basket.
You should keep the Broccoli in the preheated air-fryer for about 15 minutes, and don't forget to shake the basket halfway through!
It is! Air frying is a delicious way to end up with the best broccoli without compromising nutritional value!
Preheating helps ensure even cooking, so it’s a good idea to preheat your air-fryer for 3 minutes before adding the broccoli.
Absolutely! Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or even carrots would work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to pair with this Crispy Broccoli:
More Such Recipes
- Malai Broccoli Tikka
- Air Fryer Broccoli Nuggets
- Paneer & Broccoli Cutlets
- Crispy Potato Chips in Air-Fryer
- Veg Nuggets in Air-Fryer
- Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower in Air-Fryer
- Broccoli and Beans Salad with Tahini
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📖 Recipe
Crispy Mushroom in Air-Fryer
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 cups Broccoli florets fresh or frozen, but fresh gives the best results
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- Salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon Chili powder
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- Peanut Sauce
Instructions
- Break the broccoli into florets and wash thoroughly.
- Pat the broccoli dry to remove excess moisture.
- Toss the florets in olive oil until evenly coated.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Preheat the air-fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Add a few tablespoons of water to the air-fryer basket and place the mesh rack inside.
- Spread the seasoned broccoli on the rack in a single layer.
- Air-fry for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Remove the broccoli when it’s golden and crispy.
- Drizzle with peanut sauce and serve immediately.
Nutrition
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