Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Broccoli
Crispy florets with a rich garlic parmesan crust, cooked in the air fryer in just 12 minutes.
Instructions
1
Prep the Broccoli
Wash and dry broccoli florets thoroughly. Excess water prevents them from getting crispy. Toss in a bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2
Arrange in Basket
Place broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even heat circulation.
3
Air Fry
Cook at 190Β°C (375Β°F) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until edges are charred and stems are tender.
4
Parmesan Crust
Toss cooked broccoli with grated parmesan and return to the air fryer for 1 final minute to melt and crisp the cheese.
The Secret to Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli
Broccoli cooked in an air fryer is a game-changer. The intense circulating heat mimics deep-frying, giving the delicate florets a charred, crispy texture while keeping the stalks tender. The key chemical reaction here is the Maillard reaction, which is enhanced by the dry heat of the air fryer.
Always make sure your broccoli is completely dry after washing. If you put wet broccoli into the basket, it will steam rather than roast, leaving you with mushy results. Adding garlic towards the end or using minced garlic ensures it cooks beautifully without burning and turning bitter.