Air Fryer Parmesan Broccoli
Made it? Rate this recipeBroccoli florets air fried with olive oil and garlic until the edges are crisp and charred, then finished with melted parmesan and fresh lemon zest. A quick side served in a bowl.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Cut and dry the broccoli
Cut the broccoli into florets about 1 1/2 inches (4cm) across, keeping a flat cut side on as many as you can. Peel and slice the stem into coins if you want to use it. Rinse and dry the florets thoroughly with a towel or salad spinner.
Chef's Tips
- ›Flat cut sides make more contact with the hot air and brown better.
- ›Wet broccoli steams instead of charring, so dry it well.
Season
In a large bowl, toss the florets with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes until evenly coated.
Chef's Tips
- ›Massage the oil into the florets so it gets into the tops.
- ›Use garlic powder rather than fresh garlic, which burns at this heat.
Air fry
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spread the broccoli in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the stems are just tender and the floret tips are browned and crisp.
Chef's Tips
- ›Cook in two batches if the florets are piled up.
- ›The dark, crisp tips are where the flavor is; let them char a little.
Add the parmesan
Sprinkle the parmesan over the broccoli in the basket and air fry for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese melts and turns lightly golden in places.
Chef's Tips
- ›Watch closely; parmesan goes from golden to burnt quickly.
- ›Finely grated cheese melts more evenly than shredded.
Finish with lemon and serve
Transfer the broccoli to a bowl, scraping up any crisp bits of cheese from the basket. Grate the lemon zest over the top, add a squeeze of lemon juice if you like, and serve hot.
Chef's Tips
- ›Zest the lemon right over the bowl so the oils land on the broccoli.
- ›Taste and add a pinch more salt if needed.
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About This Recipe
What is this dish?
Air fryer parmesan broccoli is fresh broccoli tossed in olive oil and garlic, air fried until the edges are crisp and charred, and finished with melted parmesan and bright lemon zest.
Why you'll love it
It takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, and the air fryer browns the florets more than steaming or boiling ever will, which brings out a nutty, savory flavor.
When to serve
Serve as a side with chicken, salmon, steak, pork chops or pasta. It also makes a quick snack.
Quick tips
Dry the florets, cook in a single layer, add parmesan at the end, and finish with lemon zest.
Ingredient Highlights
Fresh broccoli
Choose firm, tightly closed, deep green heads. The tips of the florets char and crisp in the air fryer while the stems stay tender.
Parmesan
Finely grated parmesan melts and crisps into a savory coating over the hot broccoli.
Lemon zest
Zest adds fresh citrus aroma without making the broccoli soggy, balancing the rich cheese.
Substitution Options
Pecorino Romano or a vegetarian hard cheese can replace parmesan. Leave out the cheese, or use nutritional yeast, for a vegan, dairy-free version. Cauliflower florets can be cooked the same way, allowing 2 to 4 minutes more. Avocado oil can be used instead of olive oil.
Chef's Tips
Techniques that separate good from great
Keep some crunch
If you prefer broccoli with more bite, pull it at 5 to 6 minutes before adding the cheese. For softer stems, add 2 minutes before the parmesan stage.
Add toasted breadcrumbs
Mix 2 tablespoons panko into the parmesan before sprinkling it over the broccoli for extra crunch. Use gluten-free crumbs to keep the dish gluten-free.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · Estimated values
* Estimated per serving based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Chef's knife and cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Microplane or fine grater
Kitchen tools for this recipe
The equipment this recipe is cooked with.
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Quick Tips
- Dry the florets completely after washing.
- Cook in a single layer; crowded broccoli steams and turns soft.
- Add the parmesan only in the last 1 to 2 minutes so it melts without burning.
- Broccoli cooks fast in an air fryer. Check it at 6 minutes.
Recipe Variations
Different ways to make this dish your own
Garlic Chili Broccoli
Skip the parmesan. Toss the cooked broccoli with a teaspoon of chili crisp or chili oil and a squeeze of lime.
Sesame Soy Broccoli
Season with oil and garlic powder only, then toss the cooked broccoli with 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari, 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds.
Broccoli and Cauliflower Mix
Use half broccoli and half cauliflower florets. Start the cauliflower 2 minutes before adding the broccoli so both finish together.
What to Serve With
Perfect pairings to complete the meal
With Salmon
Serve alongside air fryer salmon and rice for a quick dinner where both cook in the same appliance.
Tossed with Pasta
Toss with cooked short pasta, olive oil, extra parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a simple meatless dinner.
With Chicken Breast
Pair with sliced air fryer chicken breast and roasted potatoes for a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Keep it fresh and plan ahead
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Not recommended for cooked broccoli; it turns soft and watery after thawing.
Make-Ahead
Cut and dry the florets up to 3 days ahead and store them in a container lined with a paper towel in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 2 to 3 minutes to bring back some crispness.
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