Air fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower is a simple yet elegant recipe to enjoy these amazing veggies. Smothered with cheddar cheese, olive oil, and black pepper, this air fryer version of broccoli is a perfect healthy side dish for any occasion!
I am always looking for curating recipes that need minimum prep time and are inherently easy to gather. With simple ingredients from the pantry, this Air Fryer Cauliflower and Broccoli recipe is packed with flavor and nutrition. Crispy from the outside and soft within, this blend of florets with olive oil and black pepper makes it a delicious side dish. Crispy broccoli and cauliflower roasted to perfection with this fuss-free recipe that helps you include green goodness in your meal without elaborate processes or ingredients. While one may use an oven too, this air fryer method is an easy way to make crispy veggies in less cooking time.
If you are looking for a simple side dish that gathers quickly, you must try this easy recipe. Team it with toasted bread or a warm soup for a lazy weekend!
More Air Fryer Recipes: Air Fryer Broccoli and Potatoes, Crispy Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls, Air Fryer Cucumber Chips, Air Fryer Paneer.
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Why Would You Love This Recipe?
- Easy Air Fryer Side Dish.
- Low Carb Quick Side Dish
- Kids Friendly
- Gluten Free
- Can be made Vegan.
- The Best Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower Recipe!
Ingredients
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Broccoli and Cauliflower: The main ingredients are fresh broccoli florets and cauliflower florets. The same recipe can be made with other vegetables like Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to coat the broccoli and cauliflower before air frying, helping to crisp them up. Any other cooking oil like sesame oil, canola oil or avocado oil can be used as a swap.
- Fresh Garlic: I love the flavor that comes from fresh garlic cloves. You may use garlic powder too.
- Salt: Normal Salt works well. You may use Kosher salt too.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle spicy kick and enhances the overall taste of the dish. You may use White pepper or red pepper flakes
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is sprinkled over the cooked broccoli and cauliflower to add a creamy and savory element to the dish. Feel free to use Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.
How To Make Air-Fried Broccoli Cauliflower
Step 1. Prepare the Broccoli and Cauliflower
Wash the broccoli and cauliflower thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel. Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets. You can also include some of the stems if you prefer. Make sure to preheat the air fryer to 190°C for about 10 minutes.
Step 2. Seasoning
Place the broccoli and cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the florets, making sure they are evenly coated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with chopped cheddar cheese. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Step 3. Air Frying
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned broccoli and cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
They are done if they are fork-tender and lightly browned around the edges.
If they're not cooked to your desired level of crispiness, you can cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 4. Serve It.
Once cooked, remove the air-fried broccoli and cauliflower from the air fryer basket and transfer them to a serving dish.
Serve immediately as a side dish or snack. They're delicious on their own or with a dipping sauce like soy sauce, ranch dressing, or hummus. You may top them with fresh lemon juice.
Variations
- Add another flavor- Try flavor variations- maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, Kalamata Olives, lemon zest, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add another ingredient- You may add more fresh veggies to this recipe- carrots, green beans, or zucchini.
Expert Tips
- Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into uniform-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- If broccoli and cauliflower are not thoroughly dried, the moisture will lead to steaming and won't have a crispy texture.
- If you are air frying in batches, the first batch will have more cooking time as compared to the rest.
- For Frozen Broccoli-Thawing frozen broccoli before air-frying is optional but recommended for better texture. Thaw it by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave. However, if time is limited, you can skip the thawing step and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Storage Suggestions
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid freezing as it can affect the texture.
Recipe FAQs
To prevent broccoli from burning in the air fryer, ensure it's evenly coated with oil, avoid overcrowding the basket.
Cauliflower and broccoli generally have similar cooking times when steaming, with cauliflower taking a bit more time. However, when air frying broccoli and cauliflower can be cooked together.
Air-frying broccoli can be a healthier alternative to deep-frying as it requires less oil, resulting in fewer calories and less unhealthy fats
You May Also Like:
More Air Fryer Recipes:
- 11 Easy Vegan Air Fryer Recipes
- Easy Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
- Healthy Air Fryer Eggplant Fries-No Breadcrumbs
- Air Fryer Paneer Tikka Recipe
- Air Fryer Crispy Rice Paper Dumplings Recipe
- 40 Best Air Fryer Vegetarian Recipes- Easy Healthy Collection
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Easy Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Chopping board
- 1 Air Fryer same recipe can be made in an oven
Ingredients
- 3 cups Broccoli florets
- 3 cups Cauliflower florets
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- salt as per taste
Instructions
- Wash the broccoli and cauliflower thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel. Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets. You can also include some of the stems if you prefer. Make sure to preheat the air fryer to 190°C for about 10 minutes.
- Place the broccoli and cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the florets, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste. Top with chopped cheddar cheese. You can also add other seasonings like onion powder, paprika, or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned broccoli and cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.They are done if they are fork-tender and lightly browned around the edges.If they're not cooked to your desired level of crispiness, you can cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the air-fried broccoli and cauliflower from the air fryer basket and transfer them to a serving dish.Serve immediately as a side dish or snack. They're delicious on their own or with a dipping sauce like soy sauce, ranch dressing, or hummus. You may top them with fresh lemon juice.
Notes
- Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into uniform-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- If broccoli and cauliflower are not thoroughly dried, the moisture will lead to steaming and won't have a crispy texture.
- If you are air frying in batches, the first batch will have more cooking time as compared to the rest.
- For Frozen Broccoli-Thawing frozen broccoli before air-frying is optional but recommended for better texture. Thaw it by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave. However, if time is limited, you can skip the thawing step and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving size: 1 bowl | |
| Servings: 3 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 86 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 2.8g | 4% |
| Saturated Fat 0.4g | 2% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 64mg | 3% |
| Total Carbohydrate 13.5g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber 5.6g | 20% |
| Total Sugars 4.3g | |
| Protein 5.1g | |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium 76mg | 6% |
| Iron 2mg | 9% |
| Potassium 647mg | 14% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
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