If you think broccoli is just another boring veggie, think again—this garlic and smoked paprika Air Fried Broccoli is about to blow you away! Crispy, flavourful, and totally addictive, this is a perfect side dish to any meal that definitely steals the show.
It shouldn’t be any secret at this point or come as much of a surprise when I tell you how much I love my air fryer! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – ever since getting the thing at least about 4 years ago now, I’ve barely turned on my oven! If the oven can do it, the air fryer can do it better! Am I right?!
With recipes like the perfect air fryer chicken breasts, or the crispiest air fryer chicken wings, or even restaurant style garlic bread, it’s hard not to love it! I mean, I really don’t think I’ve ever cooked anything in the air fryer that hasn’t come out downright delicious. And hey, as you may have already guessed it, this air fried broccoli recipe is no different!
And let’s be honest, who knew broccoli could be this exciting? The air fryer really takes this green veggie to the next level, transforming it into a crispy, savory bite that’s anything but ordinary. It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget you’re eating something healthy because it feels like a treat. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you just need a quick side to round out a meal, this broccoli recipe proves that simple ingredients can deliver big on flavour.
Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer pro or using this as your excuse to finally get one, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. It’s quick, fuss-free, and guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters at the table. So why not give it a try and see how deliciously addictive air-fried broccoli can be? Your taste buds—and your weeknight dinners—will thank you!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS SMOKY AIR FRIED BROCCOLI RECIPE
Get ready to turn your broccoli game up a notch! We’re taking this green veggie from basic to bomb with just a few simple ingredients. Say hello to a side dish that’s crispy, smoky, and so full of flavour that you’ll forget it’s actually good for you. Let’s dive into the stars of this air-fried broccoli recipe in a little bit more detail down below:
- Broccoli: The hero of the dish! Broccoli florets are perfect for air frying because they get crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. Plus, they’re loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a superfood that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Olive Oil: Helps the broccoli crisp up nicely in the air fryer while adding a rich, smooth flavour. It’s a healthier fat that enhances the taste of the garlic and smoked paprika, making sure every bite is perfectly coated. You can use a different kind of oil instead, if you prefer. Avocado or coconut oil make great options.
- Garlic: Brings a punchy, aromatic flavour that complements the earthiness of the broccoli. As it cooks, the garlic gets slightly caramelized, adding a hint of sweetness and a whole lot of deliciousness to the dish. Therefore, fresh minced garlic works best in this recipe. However, if all you have on hand is garlic powder, use about 1/2 a teaspoon instead of the 3 fresh cloves.
- Smoked Paprika: The secret weapon in this air fried broccoli recipe! It infuses the broccoli with a smoky, slightly spicy flavour that makes this dish stand out. It’s made from peppers that are smoked before being ground, which gives it that distinctive, mouthwatering aroma. You can use regular ol’ paprika instead, if you prefer but you obviously won’t get that delicious smoky flavour.
- Onion Powder: A pinch of onion powder adds a subtle depth of flavour without overpowering the dish. It blends beautifully with the garlic and paprika, enhancing the overall savory profile.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you like a little kick, red pepper flakes are your friend. They add a spicy heat that livens up the broccoli, making each bite a little more exciting. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance or omit them completely for no heat at all.
- Salt and Pepper: The basics, but so essential. Salt amplifies all the other flavours, while freshly ground black pepper adds a bit of sharpness and spice. Don’t underestimate these two—they’re crucial for balancing the taste.
HOW TO MAKE BROCCOLI IN THE AIR FRYER (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this smoky air fryer broccoli recipe in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Dry the broccoli thoroughly. After washing, make sure to pat the broccoli dry with a kitchen towel. Excess moisture can cause the broccoli to steam rather than crisp up, so the drier, the better! EXTRA TIP: Try using a salad spinner for this! It works like a charm 😉
- Cut uniform florets. Try to cut the broccoli florets into similar sizes. This ensures even cooking, so all pieces get crispy and finish cooking at the same time.
- Toss the broccoli in the seasoning mix right before placing it in the air fryer. This helps the spices stick better and the flavours to meld as the broccoli cooks.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Give the broccoli room to breathe! If you overcrowd the basket, the broccoli will steam instead of fry. Cook in batches if needed to get that perfect crispiness. Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking. This helps the broccoli cook evenly and ensures that all sides get a nice, golden-brown finish.
- Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking. This helps the broccoli cook evenly and ensures that all sides get a nice, golden-brown finish.
- Watch the cooking time. Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on your broccoli in the last few minutes. You want it crispy but not burnt. Start checking around the 10-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
- Serve immediately. Air-fried broccoli is best served hot and fresh out of the fryer. It loses its crispiness as it cools, so dig in while it’s still piping hot!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Absolutely! Air-fried broccoli is still a nutritious and healthy option. The air frying process uses little to no oil, which means you get that delicious crispiness without adding extra calories or unhealthy fats. Broccoli itself is packed with vitamins like C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, which help support your immune system, improve digestion, and fight inflammation. Air frying helps retain these nutrients better than boiling or steaming, so you’re getting all the health benefits of broccoli with the added bonus of amazing flavour and texture.
If your broccoli always burns in the air fryer, it’s likely due to a combination of high heat and overcooking. Broccoli cooks quickly in an air fryer, so setting the temperature too high or leaving it in for too long can cause the delicate florets to char.
Additionally, if your broccoli isn’t coated with enough oil or seasoning, it can dry out and burn more easily. To prevent this, try lowering the temperature slightly, reducing the cooking time, and ensuring that the broccoli is evenly coated with oil before air frying. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking can also help it cook more evenly and avoid burning.
To store leftover cooked broccoli, first let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture, which helps prevent the broccoli from becoming soggy. Store the container in the refrigerator, where the broccoli will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the microwave, oven, or air fryer to restore some of its original crispiness.
MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES FOR THE BROCCOLI LOVER
EASY BROCCOLI AND CHICKEN ALFREDO
HEALTHY BROCCOLI AND CHEDDAR SOUP
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AIR FRIED BROCCOLI
Ingredients
- 1 large head Broccoli cut into florets
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the broccoli florets and pat them dry. Make sure they are thoroughly dry to help them crisp up in the air fryer.
- In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Ensure that the broccoli is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- If needed, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, add the seasoned broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry the broccoli for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. The broccoli should be tender on the inside with crispy, slightly charred edges.
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