Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Broccoli is crispy, garlicky and cheesy. An easy and healthy side dish that is done in minutes and will have the whole family begging for more.
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This post was originally posted on 9/17/2020 and updated on 7/19/2024.
Why We Love This Air Fryer Broccoli
- The fastest side dish that compliments any entree.
- A great side dish that is super simple to make with only a few ingredients.
- A healthy dish you can feel good about serving yourself and your family.
- The most delicious recipe that makes perfect crispy broccoli.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe Ingredients
- Fresh Broccoli Florets
- Minced Garlic
- Olive Oil
- Parmesan Cheese
- Salt
- Black Pepper
Substitution Suggestions
- Broccoli Florets: You can use cauliflower florets, but the garlic and parmesan are really great with broccoli.
- Minced Garlic: I like the fresh garlic, but you can use minced garlic in water or 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Olive Oil: olive oil has the best flavor but canola oil, vegetable oil or avocado oil works well too.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated and shredded parmesan cheese is what makes the broccoli so flavorful. The grated parmesan gets into all the nooks and crannies of the broccoli florets and the shredded parmesan is the perfect crunchy topping. Most often I grate my own cheese, but you can use the pre grated and shredded cheese if you like. It's just as good in this recipe. If you need to use another cheese, asiago cheese or pecorino cheese are good options.
- Salt and Pepper: Don't skip this! This balances all the flavors. If you like a little spice you can add some red pepper flakes.
This air fryer broccoli recipe is the perfect side dish to accompany any easy weeknight meal.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Broccoli in the Air Fryer
- First, preheat the air fryer 375°F.
- Then wash and cut the raw broccoli into similar sizes so it all cooks evenly.
- If needed, mince the garlic, grate and shred the Parmesan cheese. Having all the ingredients prepped and ready to use makes cooking a lot easier and less likely to forget any ingredients.
- In a mixing bowl combine olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt and black pepper. Mix it together well.
- Now add the broccoli florets to the bowl and mix it all together so the garlic and cheese get all up in the broccoli's business. You don't want any of it to slip off when you add it to the air fryer.
- Gently place broccoli in preheated air fryer basket or tray trying to place them in a single layer as much as possible. Sprinkle the top of the broccoli with shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Air fry broccoli for 5-7 minutes. If you like it even crispier you can add another 2-3 minutes but watch it carefully so it doesn't burn.
- Carefully remove the broccoli from the air fryer and enjoy!
What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Broccoli
This garlic parmesan broccoli goes well with any main entree or protein. Here are some of our favorites!
Looking for more easy broccoli recipes? Try one or all of these delicious recipes!
Storing Air Fryer Broccoli
Store any leftover broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat the broccoli you can use the microwave or for best results you can reheat in the air fryer. It will help maintain its crispiness.
Our Favorite Air Fryer Recipes
Tips for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Broccoli
- Use uniform pieces of broccoli so they all cook evenly.
- Really smoosh the oil, cheese and garlic mix into the broccoli.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F so its hot and ready.
- Keep an eye on the broccoli after 7 minutes, it can burn quickly as cooking times will vary.
FAQs
Yes you can, however the cook time will vary and the oil, garlic and cheese will have a hard time adhering to the broccoli. Also, the texture of the broccoli will be a bit more soft and the edges wont be as brown and crisp, since frozen broccoli is blanched and partially cooked. For best results, I recommend fresh broccoli. To make the dish easier, you can buy already cut and washed broccoli florets in bags in the produce section of the grocery store. Makes prep time a lot quicker.
To prevent burning, check the broccoli after it has been in the air fryer for 5 minutes. If it's at your liking, take it out. If it needs more time cook for 2 more minutes and check again. To create more tender broccoli you can add a couple tablespoons of water before you preheat the air fryer. The steam will help make the broccoli tender.
Absolutely! The minced garlic in this garlic parmesan broccoli recipes turns out roasted and delicious.
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 heads broccoli, about 4 cups florets
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Wash and cut broccoli into small florets trying to make them all similar in size.
- In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
- Add the broccoli to the bowl and mix it all together really well.
- Place the broccoli into the fryer basket or tray trying to keep them in a single layer as much as possible.
- Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the top of the broccoli.
- Air fry the broccoli for 5-7 minutes. For crispier broccoli add 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully so it don't burn.
- Remove broccoli from fryer and enjoy!
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