I invested in an air fryer for the sole purpose of serving restaurant-style tater tots and french fries from the comfort of my kitchen. But as I quickly learned, the true value in the trendy countertop appliance is in cooking vegetables of all kinds.
The air fryer is actually better than the oven for turning slender stalks of broccoli into a tender, crispy side, requiring just five ingredients and 15 minutes on the clock. Here’s how to do it.
The Best Way to Season Air Fryer Broccoli
While steaming and boiling broccoli can dilute its bold flavor, air frying concentrates the natural sweetness of the stalks and gives the frilly tips caramelized flavor. For that reason, the best way to season broccoli for the air fryer is to do it simply. Here are a few tips.
1. Lightly coat the broccoli with oil. This will help the seasonings stick.
2. Season simply. For a versatile side that can pair well with any main, keep it simple with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Don’t forget the garnish. Add Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for the finishing touch.
