Crispy Air-Fried Broccoli is a quick, healthy, and flavorful snack or side dish. These broccoli florets are lightly coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and air-fried to perfection, giving them a satisfying crunch while keeping the inside tender. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, they pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauce for a guilt-free treat.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Olive oil spray
- Dipping sauce (optional, e.g., ranch or spicy aioli)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Broccoli:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli florets. Trim them into bite-sized pieces.
- Set Up the Breading Stations:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow bowl, place the flour.
- In a third shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- Coat the Broccoli:
- Lightly coat each broccoli floret in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Broccoli:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the coated broccoli in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
- Lightly spray the tops of the broccoli with olive oil.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the broccoli is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove the broccoli from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Time:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings:
- Serves 4 people as a side dish or appetizer.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: ~120
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: ~250mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Key Notes:
- Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh broccoli works best for this recipe to achieve a crispy texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before breading.
- Cheese Substitution: Swap Parmesan for a vegan alternative if preferred.
- Crispiness Tip: Lightly spray the broccoli with olive oil before air frying to enhance the golden crust.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Customization: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
Enjoy these Crispy Air-Fried Broccoli florets as a healthy, crunchy snack or side dish that’s full of flavor! 😊