Crispy Garlic Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe

Ever find yourself staring at a bag of broccoli, wondering how to transform it into something divinely delicious in just a few minutes? Well, grab your air fryer and let’s turn those florets into a crispy garlic and Parmesan masterpiece that might just steal the spotlight at dinner tonight!

I adore turning basic ingredients into something wonderful. My Air Fryer Crispy Garlic Broccoli takes the trick of making tasty broccoli to a whole new level.

Tossing it with olive oil and minced garlic gives it the flavor of a low-calorie dish that’s really good for you. (Having a side of broccoli that’s good for you isn’t that big of a deal, but since when does good for you equal tasty, right?) Add a squeeze of lemon, and this makes for a bright, fresh-tasting dish.

Crispy Garlic Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe Ingredients

• Broccoli florets: Rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants; a healthy green vegetable.
• Olive oil: Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats; helps crisp and flavor the broccoli.
• Garlic: Adds a robust flavor, contains beneficial compounds like allicin, offers potential immune support.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor, essential electrolyte for bodily functions.
• Black pepper: Adds a mild heat, aids digestion, and enhances nutrient absorption.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Optional rich, umami flavor; adds calcium and protein.

Crispy Garlic Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

How to Make this Crispy Garlic Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe

1. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.

2. Thoroughly rinse and dry the broccoli florets.

3. In a giant bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

4. Add the florets of broccoli to the bowl, and toss them until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

5. Distribute the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.

6. Prepare for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket during cooking to make sure everything gets cooked evenly.

7. Assess for doneness—broccoli needs to be juicy, yet crispy and tender when pierced with a fork.

8. Cook the broccoli, then transfer it to a serving dish.

9. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt over the hot broccoli.

10. Immediately serve with wedges of lemon on the side to squeeze, if you prefer. Delight in the experience!

Crispy Garlic Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Measuring spoons
4. Garlic press or knife (for mincing garlic)
5. Cutting board
6. Knife
7. Kitchen towels or paper towels (for drying broccoli)
8. Serving dish
9. Fork (for testing doneness)
10. Small spoon or grater (if using Parmesan cheese)

FAQ

• Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?Certainly. Frozen broccoli can be used; just be sure to thaw it and pat it dry before air frying. That is a recommended step for the best results.
• Do I need to preheat the air fryer?For more even cooking, it is better to preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes at the desired cooking temperature.
• How long should I cook the broccoli in the air fryer?Prepare the broccoli by roasting it in the oven set to a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 200 degrees Celsius, for a duration of 10 to 12 minutes. When it has cooked for about half that time, remove the basket from the oven and give it a vigorous shake to ensure even crispiness. Then, return it to the oven for the remaining half of the cooking time.
• What if I don’t have olive oil?In case you need to, you can use another oil—like canola or avocado oil—in place of olive oil.
• Is the Parmesan cheese necessary?The Parmesan cheese is not necessary, but it does contribute a pleasing umami flavor to the dish.
• Can I add other seasonings?Of course! You can play around with different seasonings, like onion powder or smoked paprika, to see how they amp up the flavor
• How should I serve the broccoli?Serve heated with the choice of optional lemon wedges to finish with a bright, fresh citrus note.

Crispy Garlic Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Swap out olive oil for avocado oil or melted coconut oil, and you’ll have an entirely different flavor profile in whatever dish you’re using it in.
If fresh garlic is unavailable, substitute minced garlic with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
Replace table salt with sea salt or kosher salt for a slight variation in texture and flavor.
Substitute white pepper for black pepper when milder spice is desired.
To obtain a cheesy, non-dairy substitute, use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips

1. Dry the Broccoli Thoroughly After rinsing the broccoli, make sure to dry it completely with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent the broccoli from roasting properly, leading to a steamed texture instead of a crispy one.

2. Ensure Even Coating When tossing the broccoli with the olive oil and seasonings, take your time to ensure each floret is evenly coated. This helps in achieving uniform flavor and crispiness across all pieces.

3. Do Not Overcrowd Arrange the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will trap steam and prevent the broccoli from becoming crispy. If needed, cook in batches for the best results.

4. Shake the Basket Make sure to shake the air fryer basket at least once or twice during cooking. This helps the broccoli cook evenly on all sides and enhances overall crispiness.

5. Use Fresh Lemon Juice If serving with lemon wedges, use fresh lemons instead of bottled lemon juice. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the broccoli just before serving adds a bright, zesty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.