Air Fryer Broccoli Parmesan
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Crispy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, this air fryer broccoli parmesan makes a quick and flavorful side dish. Tender florets coated in olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan come out golden and irresistible.
I’ve always loved finding ways to make veggies more exciting, and this air fryer broccoli parmesan quickly became one of my favorite side dishes. It’s crispy, cheesy, and ready in just minutes. The best part? No oven required. I used to roast broccoli all the time, but the air fryer gives it that same golden edge and tender bite without heating up the whole kitchen.
What I really love about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are. A drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of seasoning, and a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan make such a difference. The air fryer locks in the flavor while keeping the broccoli crisp, and the melted cheese gives every bite a savory, salty finish that even picky eaters enjoy.
I make this recipe on busy weeknights or whenever I need something quick to serve alongside grilled chicken or fish. It’s also a great way to use up that extra bag of broccoli sitting in the fridge. Once you try air fryer broccoli parmesan, you’ll see just how easy it is to turn a simple vegetable into something special.
Items Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make air fryer broccoli parmesan:
- Broccoli florets – Provide a tender yet crisp base packed with nutrients and natural flavor.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a rich, salty, and nutty flavor that enhances the roasted taste of the broccoli.
- Fresh garlic – Infuses the broccoli with aromatic flavor and a subtle kick.
- Kosher salt – Enhances the overall flavor and helps season the broccoli evenly.
- Ground black pepper – Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to balance the dish.
- Smoked paprika – Brings a touch of smokiness and color for extra flavor appeal.
- Olive oil – Helps the seasonings stick to the broccoli and promotes crisp, golden edges during air frying.
- Water for boiling – Used to blanch the broccoli, helping it cook evenly and retain its vibrant color.
- Ice cold water – Stops the cooking process after blanching to keep the broccoli crisp and bright.
- Kosher salt (for blanching) – Seasons the water to enhance the broccoli’s natural flavor during blanching.
Tools you’ll need
Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:
Ways To Customize
Here are some easy ways to customize this Air Fryer Broccoli Parmesan recipe:
- Add a spice kick: Sprinkle a bit of red pepper flakes, cayenne, or chili powder for heat.
- Try different cheeses: Swap Parmesan for cheddar, mozzarella, or Asiago for a new flavor twist.
- Make it extra garlicky: Add garlic powder or roasted garlic for a stronger, deeper flavor.
- Add lemon zest or juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the dish and balances the richness of the cheese.
- Toss in nuts: Add toasted almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts for crunch and added nutrition.
- Use seasoning blends: Try Italian seasoning, Everything Bagel mix, or ranch seasoning for variety.
- Make it a meal: Combine with cooked pasta, quinoa, or rice for a quick and hearty bowl.
- Add breadcrumbs: Sprinkle panko or crushed pork rinds for extra crispiness before air frying.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
How To Make It
Thoroughly wash broccoli florets and blanch. Add the broccoli florets for 2 minutes in a pot of boiling water and immediately strain with a slotted spoon. Transfer to a bowl of ice-cold water for 2 minutes.
Pat dry blanched broccoli florets and transfer to a paper-lined plate.
Combine salt, ground black pepper, and smoked paprika in a saucer.
Pre-heat Air Fryer at 375°F (191°C). Set at 7 minutes.
Place the blanched broccoli florets in a bowl, drizzle oil, and sprinkle the salt mixture.
Toss until the broccoli florets are well-coated, then transfer to a well-greased Air Fryer tray and add the crushed garlic.
Insert the Air Fryer tray with the seasoned broccoli florets into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch, if using an Air Fryer Oven.
If the Air Fryer uses a basket, add the crisper plate, then insert the basket into the Air Fryer unit, and follow accordingly.
Air Fry for 5 minutes or until broccoli florets are fork-tender, crisp, and slightly golden. Add freshly grated cheese on each broccoli floret and continue to Air Fry for 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Immediately transfer to a serving plate and add more grated cheese.
Note
Keep an eye on the broccoli during the last few minutes of air frying. Smaller florets can cook (and burn) faster, so shaking the basket or checking halfway through helps ensure even crisping.
Storage
Store any leftover air fryer broccoli parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it from getting soggy, let it cool completely before sealing. When you’re ready to reheat, pop the broccoli back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–4 minutes until warm and crisp again. You can also reheat it in the oven for a few minutes, but avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the broccoli soft instead of crunchy.
Helpful Hints
Pro tip: Dry for Crispiness!
For the best texture, make sure your broccoli is completely dry before tossing it with oil and seasonings—any leftover moisture can cause it to steam instead of crisp in the air fryer.
More Cooking Tips:
- Cut the broccoli florets into even sizes so they cook evenly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer, meltier finish.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—air needs to circulate for that perfect crisp.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Add the cheese in the last couple of minutes to keep it from burning.
- Line the air fryer tray with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Serve immediately after cooking for the crispiest texture.
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer broccoli parmesan pairs perfectly with a wide variety of main dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a balanced and flavorful meal. It’s also a great way to add a nutritious side to your weeknight dinners without spending too much time in the kitchen.
For a more filling option, mix the broccoli into cooked pasta or rice and top it with a little extra cheese for a quick, veggie-packed bowl. You can also serve it as part of a roasted veggie platter for gatherings or meal prep. It reheats beautifully in the air fryer. Its crispy texture and cheesy flavor make it a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal.
If you love easy air fryer sides like this one, try my Teriyaki Edamame for a savory, protein-packed bite or my Air Fryer Green Beans for another quick and delicious veggie favorite. Together, these make a fantastic trio of simple, healthy recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
FAQs
Recipe
Air Fryer Parmesan Broccoli
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves lightly crushed fresh garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
BLANCH:
- water for boiling
- ice cold water
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash broccoli florets and blanch. Add the broccoli florets for 2 minutes in a pot of boiling water and immediately strain with a slotted spoon. Transfer to a bowl of ice cold water for 2 minutes.
- Pat dry blanched broccoli florets and transfer to a paper-lined plate.
- Combine salt, ground black pepper, and smoked paprika in a saucer.
- Pre-heat Air Fryer at 375°F (191°C). Set at 7 minutes.
- Place the blanched broccoli florets in a bowl, drizzle oil and sprinkle the salt mixture. Toss until the broccoli florets are well-coated, then transfer to a well-greased Air Fryer tray and add the crushed garlic.
- Insert the Air Fryer tray with the seasoned broccoli florets into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch, if using an Air Fryer Oven.
- If the Air Fryer uses a basket, add the crisper plate, then insert the basket into the Air Fryer unit and follow accordingly.
- Air Fry for 5 minutes or until broccoli florets are fork tender, crisp, and slightly golden. Add freshly grated cheese on each broccoli floret and continue to Air Fry for 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Immediately transfer to a serving plate and add more grated cheese.
Notes
- Choose quality fresh, odorless, and firm broccoli. Remove any yellow or brown spots and choose only those with a deep green broccoli head.
- Blanching helps to brighten the color of the broccoli florets and decreases the Air Frying time to prevent the broccoli florets from burning.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Keep watch while Air Frying the broccoli as the smaller florets can easily burn after a few minutes.
Nutrition
Equipment
- Measuring spoons
- Slotted spoon
- Cheese grater
- knife
- Wooden chopping board
- Stockpot or deep pan for boiling broccoli florets
- Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven
