Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower: The Ultimate Easy & Healthy Side Dish
Discover the magic of your air fryer with this incredibly simple yet utterly delicious recipe for crispy air fryer broccoli and cauliflower. These flavorful vegetables emerge from the air fryer with perfectly golden, crispy edges and tender centers, making them an irresistible side dish that complements virtually any meal. Forget soggy, bland veggies; this method transforms humble broccoli and cauliflower into a culinary delight your whole family will love.
This air fryer recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering a healthy and flavorful side dish in under 15 minutes. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have perfectly roasted vegetables ready to grace your dinner table. The air fryer’s circulating hot air creates an incredible texture that’s difficult to achieve with traditional oven roasting, giving you that desirable crispness without excessive oil.
Why Air Fry Broccoli and Cauliflower?
There are countless reasons to fall in love with air-fried broccoli and cauliflower. These cruciferous vegetables are already nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. The air fryer amplifies their natural goodness by cooking them quickly and efficiently, preserving nutrients and enhancing their flavor profile. You’ll achieve a delightful crunch on the outside while keeping the inside perfectly tender.
This dish isn’t just a healthy option; it’s incredibly versatile. Take these vibrant, crunchy vegetables to a fall potluck, pack them as a wholesome addition to school lunches, or enjoy them as a satisfying, low-carb afternoon snack. Roasted vegetables, especially with their beautiful golden-brown edges, are universally loved and pair wonderfully with almost any main course, from a flaky fish fillet to a juicy steak. Their amazing flavor makes them a frequent addition to many family favorite meals.
If you’re already a fan of Air Fryer Broccoli, you’ll find that adding cauliflower creates an even more dynamic and visually appealing side. This recipe truly transforms simple vegetables into an exciting component of any meal, making healthy eating both easy and enjoyable.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings
The beauty of crispy air fryer broccoli and cauliflower lies in their versatility. They can elevate a simple meal or complement a more elaborate spread. Here are some delicious ideas for what goes well with this dish:
- Hearty Mains: Serve these flavorful veggies alongside a perfectly cooked Air Fryer T-bone steak, crispy halibut, or juicy air-fried chicken thighs for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Comfort Food: Spoon them over a fluffy, shredded cheddar cheese baked potato or mix them into a creamy risotto for added texture and nutrition.
- Creative Additions: Toss them into pasta dishes, stir-fries, or grain bowls. They also make an excellent topping for homemade pizzas or a healthy addition to a lunchtime salad.
- Standalone Snack: Enjoy them on their own with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of your favorite cheese for a quick, healthy snack.
Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
You’ll be amazed at how few ingredients are needed to create such a flavorful side dish. The key is to start with fresh, high-quality vegetables and season them thoughtfully.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh is best for that ultimate crispness. Aim for florets that are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Cauliflower Florets: Similar to broccoli, uniform sizing is key.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This helps the seasonings stick and contributes to the golden, crispy exterior. You can also use avocado oil or a light vegetable oil.
- Garlic Powder: A staple for adding a savory depth without the risk of fresh garlic burning too quickly at high temperatures.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the vegetables. Adjust to your taste.
Optional Additional Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with other seasonings to customize your dish! Enhance the flavor with a teaspoon of black pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or a dash of onion powder. For an herbal note, try Italian seasoning. A splash of lemon juice after cooking brightens the flavors beautifully. You can also add fresh minced garlic (toss well to avoid burning), creole seasoning for a kick, nutritional yeast for a cheesy umami, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese right after cooking.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower: Step-by-Step
Achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful broccoli and cauliflower in your air fryer is incredibly easy. Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed delicious result every time.
-
Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine your fresh broccoli and fresh cauliflower florets. Ensure they are washed and thoroughly dried. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness in the air fryer! Cut them into roughly bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Season the Vegetables: Drizzle the olive oil over the broccoli and cauliflower florets in the large bowl. Sprinkle with garlic powder and kosher salt. Toss everything together thoroughly with your hands or a spatula until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: For best results and to prevent sticking, lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or your preferred cooking spray. This also helps achieve those desirable extra crispy edges.
-
Load the Air Fryer: Pour the seasoned vegetables into the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket; air circulation is essential for crisping. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure a single layer.
-
Air Fry to Perfection: Air fry the vegetables at 380 degrees F (195°C) for 8-10 minutes. During the cooking process, make sure to toss or shake the basket halfway through. This ensures even cooking and promotes that coveted golden brown crispness on all sides. Cook until the vegetables have crisp edges and are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve Immediately: Once cooked to your desired crispness, transfer the air-fried broccoli and cauliflower to a serving dish and serve while hot. Enjoy!
I typically make this recipe in my Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer. Keep in mind that air fryer models can vary significantly in size, wattage, and heating element efficiency. Therefore, cooking times may need to be adjusted by 1-2 minutes depending on your specific appliance. Always check for doneness and adjust as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Allow any leftover vegetables to cool completely to room temperature before storing them. Transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable storage bag and place them in your refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, the best method for maintaining crispness is to place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, shaking halfway through, until heated through and re-crisped.
Absolutely! These versatile vegetables can be used in countless ways beyond a simple side dish. Consider making savory broccoli patties with black beans, a refreshing chopped broccoli apple salad, or an Asian-inspired broccoli salad. Cauliflower is fantastic as cauliflower rice, a creamy cauliflower gratin, or hearty cauliflower steaks seasoned to your liking. They are also excellent additions to soups, stews, frittatas, and casseroles.
Yes, you can certainly use frozen broccoli or cauliflower, but there’s a crucial step to ensure they get crispy: make sure to thaw them out completely first. Once thawed, place them in a colander and gently press out as much excess moisture as possible. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. If you skip this step, the vegetables will release too much water during air frying, resulting in a steamed rather than crispy texture. Expect the cooking time might be slightly longer (an extra 2-3 minutes) compared to fresh vegetables.
The most common reasons for non-crispy air-fried vegetables are overcrowding the basket and insufficient drying. Ensure you cook in a single layer, giving the hot air enough space to circulate around each piece. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches. Also, thoroughly patting the fresh or thawed frozen vegetables dry before adding oil and seasoning is vital. Moisture creates steam, which prevents crisping.
You can certainly do some meal prep! Wash and cut your broccoli and cauliflower florets in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. You can even mix them with the oil and seasonings a few hours before cooking; just give them another good toss before placing them in the air fryer. This makes getting dinner on the table even quicker!
MORE DELICIOUS AIR FRYER RECIPES:
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Easy Air Fryer Zucchini
- Simple Air Fryer Squash
- Flavorful Air Fryer Butternut Squash
- Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes
4
Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
Becky
5 minutes
8 minutes
Rate
Equipment
-
1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
-
2
cups
broccoli florets,
cut into bite size pieces -
2
cups
cauliflower florets,
cut into bite size pieces -
2
tablespoons
extra virgin olive oil -
1
teaspoon
garlic powder -
1/2
teaspoon
kosher salt
Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, add fresh broccoli and fresh cauliflower. Ensure they are washed and completely dry before proceeding.
-
Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle in the garlic powder and salt. Toss thoroughly until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
-
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and encourage extra crispiness.
-
Pour the seasoned vegetables into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 380 degrees F (195°C) for 8-10 minutes.
-
Halfway through the cooking process (around 4-5 minutes), open the air fryer and toss or shake the basket to ensure even cooking and crisping. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender-crisp and golden brown.
-
Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your perfectly crispy air-fried vegetables!
Notes
Optional Additional Toppings: Elevate your dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and zest, some sautéed bell peppers, a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, or even a drizzle of creamy cheese sauce for an indulgent touch.
Cooking Tips: For even easier meal prep, you can cut and season the florets in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to air fry. Pre-cut florets are available in most grocery stores, but always ensure to cut any larger pieces into uniform, bite-sized florets for consistent cooking.
Substitutions: Feel free to substitute extra virgin olive oil with other healthy oils like refined coconut oil, avocado oil, or your preferred vegetable oil.
Nutrition
Calories:
92
kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
6
g
,
Protein:
2
g
,
Fat:
7
g
,
Saturated Fat:
1
g
,
Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g
,
Monounsaturated Fat:
5
g
,
Sodium:
321
mg
,
Potassium:
302
mg
,
Fiber:
2
g
,
Sugar:
2
g
,
Vitamin A:
283
IU
,
Vitamin C:
65
mg
,
Calcium:
33
mg
,
Iron:
1
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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