Ninja Air Fryer Broccoli with Lemon and Parmesan Recipe
This Ninja Air Fryer Broccoli recipe delivers perfectly tender and flavorful broccoli florets with a slightly crispy outside and a tender inside. Coated in olive oil and seasoned with garlic and onion powder, this easy air fryer side dish comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a healthy and quick addition to any meal. The addition of water in the air fryer basket ensures the broccoli stays moist and avoids charring, making it an ideal method for delicious, restaurant-quality air-fried vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 12 oz. fresh broccoli florets, cut into small roughly even pieces
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (3g)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
For Serving
- Fresh lemon slices
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F to ensure it is hot and ready for cooking the broccoli evenly.
- Toss broccoli with seasonings: In a large bowl, add the broccoli florets and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the broccoli. Toss well to coat all the pieces evenly with oil and spices.
- Add water to air fryer basket: Pour 2 tablespoons of water into the bottom of the air fryer basket. This step helps maintain moisture inside the basket and prevents the broccoli from drying out or charring excessively.
- Air fry the broccoli: Arrange the seasoned broccoli florets in a single layer in the air fryer tray. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes at 370°F, shaking or tossing the broccoli halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping on all sides.
- Serve: Once cooked to tender crispness, serve the broccoli immediately with fresh lemon slices and grated parmesan cheese, if desired, for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- To make this recipe dairy-free, omit the parmesan cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Ensure broccoli florets are cut into small, even pieces to promote uniform cooking and avoid overcooking larger pieces.
- Adding water to the air fryer basket helps keep broccoli tender and reduces charring during cooking.
- Using olive oil is important to lock in moisture, prevent dryness, and promote a nice crispy texture.
- Remember to toss the broccoli at least once during cooking to ensure even browning and cooking.
