If you’re craving a deliciously crisp, flavorful veggie dish that’s as quick as it is impressive, this Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe is the perfect go-to. Imagine tender yet crisp broccoli florets coated in fragrant olive oil, seasoned perfectly with kosher salt, then roasted to golden perfection in your air fryer. The finishing touch? A generous sprinkle of nutty Parmesan cheese and a bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice that elevates every bite. This dish is a delightful balance of textures and flavors that can easily transform your side dish game in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. These simple staples come together effortlessly, making the recipe both approachable and satisfying.
- Broccoli (2 small heads): Choose fresh, firm heads with vibrant green florets for that perfect crunch and flavor.
- Olive oil (2 teaspoons): Adds richness and helps the broccoli crisp beautifully in the air fryer.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering the broccoli’s freshness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 tablespoon): Introduces a nutty, savory layer that melts slightly on warm broccoli.
- Fresh lemon juice (a squeeze): Brings brightness and an uplifting tang that balances the richness of Parmesan.
How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375º F. This ensures your broccoli will cook evenly and get that lovely crisp exterior right from the first minute.
Step 2: Prepare the broccoli
Cut the broccoli into bite-size florets, aiming for uniformity so each piece cooks at the same pace. Place them into a bowl to make the tossing process easier later on.
Step 3: Season the florets
Drizzle the broccoli with olive oil and sprinkle kosher salt over the top. Toss everything thoroughly to make sure each floret is beautifully coated—this is what locks in flavor and helps achieve that irresistible crispy texture.
Step 4: Air fry the broccoli
Transfer the broccoli to your air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer for maximum crispness. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking or tossing the basket every 3 minutes so the broccoli cooks evenly. If you prefer a crunchier texture, feel free to extend the cooking time slightly. The aroma at this stage is simply amazing.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and lemon
Once the broccoli comes out golden and crispy, toss it immediately back into the bowl. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the warm broccoli and give it a good toss so the cheese melts slightly. Finish off by squeezing fresh lemon juice across the top and tossing once more to distribute the bright citrus flavor evenly. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle extra Parmesan or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil can add a lovely herbal note, making the dish even more vibrant and inviting at the table.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty grain bowl. It’s also a wonderful addition alongside pasta, rice dishes, or even as a nutritious snack on its own.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this broccoli in a rustic bowl garnished with lemon wedges on the side for extra zing. For a party, try arranging the florets on a platter with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a whipped feta dip—your guests will be amazed at how simple yet sophisticated this veggie can be!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It still tastes great cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, broccoli’s texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you decide to freeze, blanch the broccoli before air frying, freeze in a single layer, then reheat in the air fryer or oven later to restore some crispness.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover broccoli is in the air fryer at 350º F for about 3 to 4 minutes. This revives the crispiness and melts the Parmesan slightly again, refreshing the lemon’s brightness as you reheat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh broccoli for the Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe to achieve the perfect crisp texture and vibrant flavor. Frozen broccoli tends to release more moisture, which can affect crispness.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I roast the broccoli?
Absolutely! You can roast the broccoli in an oven at 425º F for about 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through. It won’t be exactly the same but will still be delicious with Parmesan and lemon.
Can I add other seasonings or spices?
Definitely. Garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of chili flakes can complement the flavors well and add an extra depth to the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
You can easily make it vegan by omitting the Parmesan or using a plant-based Parmesan substitute. The lemon and olive oil will still provide wonderful flavor.
How do I get the broccoli extra crispy?
Make sure the florets are dry before tossing them with oil, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, and feel free to leave the broccoli in a few minutes longer, tossing along the way for even crisping.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe is a game changer for anyone who loves easy, flavorful, and healthy cooking. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress guests. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself reaching for broccoli more often because it’s finally this exciting and delicious!
Print
Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and healthy recipe for perfectly crispy Air Fryer Broccoli florets seasoned with olive oil, kosher salt, and topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice. This method creates tender yet crisp broccoli with minimal effort and time.
Ingredients
Broccoli Preparation
- 2 small heads broccoli
Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375º F to ensure it reaches the right temperature for roasting the broccoli evenly and achieving a nice crispy texture.
- Prepare Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, aiming for uniform size to help them cook evenly. Place the florets into a mixing bowl for seasoning.
- Season Broccoli: Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt to the bowl with the broccoli florets. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with oil and salt, which will help with flavor and roasting.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned broccoli florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes at 375º F, shaking or tossing the broccoli every 3 minutes to promote even cooking and browning. For crispier broccoli, cook closer to 9 minutes.
- Add Finishing Touches: Once cooked, transfer the broccoli back into the mixing bowl. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese over the hot broccoli and toss well to coat evenly. Finally, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the broccoli and toss again to distribute the bright citrus flavor. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, increase cooking time by a couple of minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- You can substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- Make sure florets are evenly sized to ensure uniform cooking.
- Leftover broccoli can be refrigerated and reheated, but it is best served fresh.
- Add garlic powder or chili flakes before cooking for additional flavor.
