I finally enjoy eating more veg thanks to this air fryer broccoli recipe

Eating more greens has never looked or tasted so good

If, like me, you're always looking for ways to get more veg into your diet, this air fryer broccoli recipe is a game-changer.

In all my years testing the best air fryers, I can count on one hand how many vegetable dishes have excited me. Yet, not only have I made this broccoli recipe multiple times, but my kids love it too.

I've even swapped the occasional bowl of chips in front of the TV for a bowl of these greens and anyone who knows me knows that I don't give up my chips lightly.

Below, I show how easy and cheap it is to make air fryer broccoli. Whether it's as a side dish or a healthy snack.

If you're yet to take the plunge and buy yourself an air fryer, or are looking to upgrade, check out our top-rated air fryers below, all available to buy now for the best prices.

The air fryer broccoli recipe I have followed is from @bearenger - aka Bearenger Petrella - via her TikTok channel. It's already been watched by 1.1 million people, and counting.

This recipe is so versatile you can add any seasoning you like. If you're vegan, swap out the parmesan for a vegan alternative, or try nutritional yeast.

To make air fryer broccoli you will need the following:

Step 1: Cut the broccoli florets off the stalk into equal-sized pieces.

Step 2: Add the florets to a bowl and add the oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. Mix gently using your hand or a spoon.

Step 3: Add the parmesan and mix again.

You can add all the seasoning in one go but I find it creates a more even coating when the parmesan is mixed in separately.

Step 4: Set the air fryer to 390°F / 200°C for 10 minutes.

After five minutes, remove the basket, shake the broccoli florets, and return to the air fryer.

Step 5: Check the florets are cooked. I like broccoli to have a bite to it but if you prefer it to be softer, put the florets back into the air fryer for another five minutes.

Step 6: You can eat the florets as they are, or squeeze lemon juice or chili flakes over the top. I also like dipping these florets in natural yoghurt.

There are a number of reasons why your vegetables aren't crisping up enough in the air fryer.

The key to preventing your broccoli from burning in the air fryer is to cut the florets into even-sized pieces and make sure you're coating them in a small amount of oil.

This makes sure your broccoli cooks evenly and the thin and delicate tips don't 'catch' – which means they don't cook too quickly and burn before the rest of the floret has had a chance to catch up.

I don't like to keep opening the air fryer basket to check on my food because it can interfere with cooking time and quality but, if you're worried, you can check the broccoli at regular intervals and give the basket a shake.

If this still doesn't help, try cooking your broccoli at a lower temperature for longer.

I try to make sure at least a third of the meals I make for me and my kids contain vegetables or salad, but this is easier said than done.

Mainly because my default cooking method is boiling and that soon gets boring.

This air fryer broccoli recipe has added a new string to my veg cooking bow and the results are so tasty, I'll happily make a bowl of florets to eat while watching TV or when I'm after a healthy snack.

Plus, it's so versatile you can add whatever flavors you like.

If you're still sitting on the fence and wondering whether to buy an air fryer, you may want to read our article to decide whether air fryers are worth it?

Sign up to receive daily breaking news, reviews, opinion, analysis, deals and more from the world of tech.

Victoria Woollaston is a freelance science and technology journalist with more than a decade's experience writing for Wired UK, Alphr, Expert Reviews, TechRadar, Shortlist and the Sunday Times. She has a keen interest in next-generation technology and its potential to revolutionise how we live and work.

Cosori Lite 4.0-Quart Smart Air Fryer review: cheap, cheerful and compact

Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA review: it purifies, heats and circulates air

Raspberry Pi shipments are rising, but prices aren't

By Allisa JamesJune 05, 2023

By Matt EvansJune 05, 2023

By Matt HansonJune 05, 2023

By Marc McLarenJune 05, 2023

By Alex Walker-ToddJune 05, 2023

By Timothy ColemanJune 05, 2023

By Elie GouldJune 05, 2023

By Jake TuckerJune 05, 2023

By Lloyd CoombesJune 05, 2023

By Lance UlanoffJune 04, 2023

By Matt HansonJune 04, 2023