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air fryer broccoli
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5 Best Air Fryer Broccoli Tricks For Crispy Bites

Crispy air fryer broccoli made with simple seasonings, optional parmesan or lemon, and a few easy tricks to keep the florets browned instead of steamed.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 90
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5 to 6 cups broccoli florets fresh
  • 1 to 1.5 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 to 3 tbsp parmesan optional
  • 1 tsp zest or 1 tbsp juice lemon optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 375°F to 400°F.
  2. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, and if using frozen broccoli, shake off any loose frost without thawing.
  3. Pat the broccoli dry well so excess moisture does not block browning.
  4. Toss the broccoli with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  5. Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed to avoid crowding.
  6. Air fry fresh broccoli at 380°F to 400°F for 8 to 11 minutes, shaking once around minute 5, or cook frozen broccoli for 12 to 16 minutes, shaking once moisture starts evaporating and again near minute 12 if needed.
  7. For extra crisp edges, raise the heat to 400°F for the final 1 to 2 minutes and watch closely.
  8. If using parmesan, add it during the last 1 to 2 minutes so it melts and lightly crisps.
  9. Finish with lemon zest or lemon juice after cooking, then serve right away.

Notes

  • Dry the broccoli well before oiling and seasoning, because moisture prevents crisp browning.
  • Do not crowd the basket, because packed florets steam instead of crisp.
  • Preheating for 2 to 3 minutes helps the broccoli brown faster and more evenly.
  • Shake once in the middle of cooking rather than constantly, so the broccoli keeps enough hot-air contact to brown.
  • Fresh garlic can burn at high heat, so garlic powder works better during cooking.
  • Add parmesan near the end, not at the beginning, so it melts and lightly crisps instead of burning.
  • Finish with lemon zest or juice after cooking for a brighter flavor and less bitterness.
  • For frozen broccoli, expect more moisture and a longer cook time, and do not thaw before air frying.
  • Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and reheat best in the air fryer at 360°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
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