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For this dish, you need 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Look for bright green, firm pieces. Fresh broccoli gives the best taste and texture. Avoid yellowing or wilting florets. You will use 3 cloves of garlic, minced, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. The garlic adds a strong flavor that pairs well with broccoli. The olive oil helps the broccoli cook evenly and adds richness. You can add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a kick. Adjust these to your taste. Salt and pepper are key for flavor. If you like cheese, add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese after cooking. It melts nicely and adds a savory note. To start, you need to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C). Let it heat for about 5 minutes. This step helps the broccoli cook evenly and get crispy. Next, grab a large bowl. Add 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Then, mince 3 cloves of garlic and add them to the bowl. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. If you like some heat, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Now, mix everything well. You want the broccoli to be coated evenly. After that, season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix again to make sure the flavors combine. Once your broccoli mixture is ready, place it in the air fryer basket. Make sure to lay it in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; this helps the broccoli cook better. Cook the broccoli for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. This helps achieve even cooking and browning. The broccoli is done when it is tender and crispy with golden edges. When it’s cooked, take the broccoli out and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese if you want. Toss gently to mix. Serve hot and enjoy your tasty air fryer garlic broccoli! To get your broccoli crispy, use fresh florets. Fresh broccoli cooks better than frozen. Make sure to coat each piece well with olive oil. This oil helps the broccoli crisp up. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you pile the broccoli too high, it won’t cook evenly. Shake the basket halfway through to allow hot air to circulate. Cook until the edges turn golden brown. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Feel free to change up the seasonings! You can add spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika. For a zesty kick, try adding lemon juice or zest. If you like heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can even mix in some soy sauce for an Asian twist. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. These little changes can really make a big difference. Air fryer garlic broccoli pairs well with many dishes. It works great as a side for chicken or fish. You can serve it with pasta for a light meal. Toss it into a grain bowl with quinoa or rice for extra crunch. If you're hosting, it makes a perfect appetizer with dips. Try it with hummus or a yogurt sauce for a tasty snack. The options are endless! {{image_2}} You can mix in other veggies with your broccoli. Carrots, bell peppers, and cauliflower work well. Just chop them into similar sizes. This way, they cook evenly. Toss them in the same garlic and olive oil mix. The air fryer will give your mix a crispy finish. You can change the taste by using different seasonings. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. If you like it spicy, use more red pepper flakes. You can also add some Italian herbs like oregano or basil. Lemon juice can brighten the taste too. Experiment with what you like best! If you're vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese. You can use nutritional yeast instead. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Another option is to use chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds. They give a nice crunch. Just sprinkle them on top after cooking. Enjoy a tasty and plant-based twist! To store your leftover air fryer garlic broccoli, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Reheating is quick and easy. You can use the air fryer to keep it crispy. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5 minutes. Check it often to avoid overcooking. You can also use a microwave if you prefer. Just heat it for 1-2 minutes. Freezing is a great way to save extra broccoli. First, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Then, cool it in ice water. Drain it well. After that, place it in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, just thaw and reheat. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Frozen broccoli works well, but it may cook faster. Adjust the cooking time to about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid mushiness. Thawing the broccoli first can help with even cooking. The broccoli is done when it is tender and crispy. Look for golden edges and a bright green color. You can test a piece with a fork. If it goes in easily, your broccoli is ready. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. This dish is versatile and pairs well with many foods. Serve it with grilled chicken or fish for a healthy meal. You can also add it to pasta or grains for a tasty side. Try it with rice or quinoa for a complete dish. This blog post covered how to make delicious air fryer garlic broccoli. We discussed key ingredients like fresh broccoli, garlic, and seasoning. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking it perfectly. I also provided tips for crispiness and fun variations. Remember, you can store leftovers for later enjoyment. Try different veggies and blend your favorite flavors to keep it exciting. Cooking can be fun and tasty, so enjoy every bite!

Air Fryer Garlic Broccoli

Delight in the crunch of crispy air fryer garlic broccoli with this easy recipe! Perfect as a healthy side dish, this dish combines fresh broccoli, minced garlic, and a touch of lemon for vibrant flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's a quick and delicious way to enjoy your veggies. Click through to discover how to make this tasty treat and elevate your meals with a guilt-free twist!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

    In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Toss the ingredients together until the broccoli is well coated.

      Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing again to incorporate.

        Place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.

          Air fry the broccoli for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. Cook until the broccoli is tender and crispy with golden edges.

            Once cooked, remove the broccoli from the air fryer and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Toss gently to combine.

              Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this deliciously crispy treat!

                Prep Time: 5 min | Total Time: 20 min | Servings: 4