If you’re craving a vegetable side dish that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in a flash, the Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe is here to delight you. This dish takes humble broccoli florets and transforms them into crispy, garlicky bites topped with salty Parmesan, making it a perfect combination of health and indulgence. Whether you’re a broccoli lover or usually shy away from greens, this easy recipe will have you reaching for seconds in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, crisp texture, and visual appeal without overwhelming the natural goodness of the broccoli.
- 1 head broccoli: Choose a firm, vibrant head with tightly closed florets for the best texture and taste.
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil: Use enough to lightly coat the florets, which helps create that irresistible crispiness in the air fryer.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the broccoli and balances the garlic and cheese.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives a punch of savory aroma that complements the earthiness of the broccoli.
- 1-2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a rich, nutty finish that melts slightly over the hot broccoli.
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste): A pinch adds a lively kick for those who like a bit of spice on their veggies.
How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Broccoli
Begin by cutting the broccoli into even-sized florets. This step isn’t just about aesthetics; uniform pieces ensure that each floret cooks evenly, achieving that perfect balance between tender and crispy. Once chopped, transfer them to a large bowl for seasoning.
Step 2: Season to Perfection
Drizzle your olive oil over the broccoli florets and toss them gently but thoroughly. Then add the kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and minced garlic. Toss everything again, making sure each floret is coated with this flavorful mixture. This step amps up the garlic’s punch and tempers it with salt and pepper for a harmonious flavor base.
Step 3: Air Fry for Crispy Magic
Place the well-seasoned florets in your air fryer basket. Be mindful not to overcrowd the basket; giving the broccoli room to breathe is key to getting that delightful crispy char rather than steaming the vegetables. If needed, cook in batches. Set your air fryer to 360°F and cook for 5 minutes, then flip the florets and air fry for another 5 to 7 minutes until they reach your desired crunch level.
Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Spice
Remove the broccoli from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan on top. The residual heat slightly melts the cheese, adding a luscious layer of flavor. If you like a little heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes for that added zing. Now, your Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe is ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a handful of freshly chopped parsley can brighten the dish and add a fresh touch. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving also complements the garlicky, cheesy notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a hearty pasta dish. Its crispy texture and bold flavor balance rich or mild mains perfectly, bringing a vibrant pop to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, toss the cooked broccoli into a warm grain bowl with quinoa or farro, roasted nuts, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Alternatively, use it as a flavorful topping for flatbreads or pizzas for an unexpected but delicious veggie boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep its flavor and texture best for up to 3 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or easy dinner sides later in the week.
Freezing
While freezing can affect the broccoli’s crispiness, you can freeze it for up to a month if needed. Spread the florets on a baking sheet and freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer to restore some crunch when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-air-fryer texture, reheat your broccoli in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the broccoli soggy and less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry the frozen broccoli thoroughly before cooking. This ensures they crisp up instead of steaming in the air fryer.
How do I know when the broccoli is done?
The florets should be tender when pierced with a fork yet still have a slight crunch, with crispy, caramelized edges. Cooking times can slightly vary based on your air fryer model.
Can I substitute Parmesan with another cheese?
Absolutely! Pecorino Romano or Asiago work beautifully as they offer a similar salty, nutty flavor. Just be sure to use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and taste.
Is it necessary to flip the broccoli during air frying?
Flipping halfway through cooking promotes even crisping on all sides. Skipping this step could result in unevenly cooked broccoli with some florets softer than others.
Can I add other seasonings to the recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with smoked paprika, lemon zest, or even a pinch of cumin. Herbal additions like thyme or rosemary also pair nicely with the garlic and Parmesan.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe is a go-to whenever you want a side that feels freshly made, satisfying, and a little bit special without any fuss. The combination of crispy edges, garlicky punch, and cheesy finish makes broccoli shine in the best way possible. Give it a try—you might just find yourself counting down to your next batch!
Print
Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Air Fryer Broccoli recipe offers a quick, healthy, and flavorful way to enjoy perfectly cooked broccoli with a crispy texture. Tossed with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, it’s an easy side dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes and great for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Broccoli
- 1 head broccoli
Seasonings
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (depending on size of head of broccoli)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1–2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into even-sized florets to ensure even cooking. Transfer the florets to a large bowl.
- Season the Broccoli: Add olive oil to the florets and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and minced garlic over the broccoli, then toss again to distribute the seasonings thoroughly.
- Air Fry the Broccoli: Place the seasoned broccoli florets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to avoid steaming. If necessary, cook in batches. Set the air fryer to 360°F and cook for 5 minutes. Flip the broccoli and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the desired tenderness and crispness are achieved.
- Serve: Remove the broccoli from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Add red pepper flakes if desired for a bit of heat. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Cutting the broccoli into uniform-sized florets helps them cook evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the broccoli crisps instead of steaming.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of florets for preferred doneness.
- Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish, but it can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Optional red pepper flakes give a spicy kick and can be adjusted to taste.
