Description
Crispy air fryer broccoli delivers a crunchy, golden-green delight that elevates ordinary vegetables into a spectacular side dish. Garlic-infused and perfectly seasoned, this quick recipe promises a delectable experience that will make broccoli lovers rejoice with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 head of broccoli)
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1.5 tablespoons (22 ml) olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
Finishing and Serving:
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Ranch or yogurt dip for serving
Instructions
- Trim and cleanse the broccoli crowns, separating them into uniform, bite-sized clusters that will crisp evenly during cooking.
- Ensure the florets are thoroughly patted dry using clean kitchen towels, eliminating excess surface moisture to guarantee maximum crunchiness.
- Drizzle the broccoli pieces with premium olive oil, creating a light, even coating that will help seasonings adhere and promote caramelization.
- Sprinkle a balanced blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper across the florets, massaging the spices gently to distribute thoroughly.
- Dust the seasoned broccoli with finely grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt and create delectable crispy edges during air frying.
- Activate the air fryer and preheat to 375°F, allowing the machine to reach optimal temperature for rapid, even cooking.
- Carefully arrange the seasoned broccoli in a single, uncrowded layer within the air fryer basket, ensuring each floret has sufficient space to crisp independently.
- Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, pausing midway to gently shake the basket and promote uniform browning and crispiness.
- Monitor the broccoli’s transformation, looking for deep golden edges and a slightly charred appearance indicating perfect caramelization.
- Remove the crispy broccoli immediately, transferring to a serving plate to prevent continued cooking and preserve the ideal texture.
Notes
- Pat the broccoli completely dry to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent steaming instead of roasting in the air fryer.
- Use high-quality olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan for richer, more intense flavor that enhances the broccoli’s natural taste.
- Experiment with different seasoning blends like za’atar, curry powder, or chili flakes to create unique flavor profiles that suit your taste preferences.
- If following a dairy-free diet, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a similar umami and cheesy flavor without compromising the crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg