15-Minute Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower Made Easy

ByMichelle
air fryer broccoli and cauliflower

Did you know that air frying vegetables can retain up to 90% of their nutritional value compared to boiling?

Gone are the days of mushy, overcooked vegetables. Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, with ownership skyrocketing 78% since 2019.

I’ve spent countless hours perfecting the art of air frying vegetables, and I’m excited to share my secrets for creating irresistibly crispy air fryer broccoli and cauliflower that even picky eaters will love!

Find out more simple vegetable air fryer recipes: Air Fryer Spinach and Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms.

Recipe Summary

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 95
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Sodium: 320mg

Essential Ingredients

Ingredients you’ll need for Broccoli and Cauliflower in Air Fryer:

  • 1 medium head broccoli (about 2 cups florets)
  • 1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 cups florets)
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (add after cooking)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Selecting and Preparing Your Vegetables

When choosing broccoli, look for tight, dark green florets with no yellowing. For cauliflower, seek out heads that are creamy white with no brown spots.

The florets should be firmly packed together – if they’re loose or spreading apart, the vegetable is past its prime.

For meal prep convenience, you can cut your vegetables up to three days in advance.

Store them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. This simple step can save precious minutes during busy weeknight dinner preparations.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

broccoli and cauliflower in air fryer
  1. Preparation
  • Cut broccoli and cauliflower into uniform 1.5-inch florets for even cooking
  • Remove any discolored spots or tough stems
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
  • Ensure all tools and ingredients are ready and within reach
  1. Pre-treatment
  • Wash florets thoroughly under cold water
  • Dry completely using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels
  • Allow vegetables to reach room temperature if time permits
  • Remove any remaining moisture with an additional pat-down
  1. Seasoning
  • Place dried florets in a large mixing bowl
  • Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil
  • Sprinkle with chosen seasonings (garlic powder, pepper, etc.)
  • Toss thoroughly to ensure even coating on all surfaces
  • Reserve salt for after cooking
  1. Air Frying Process
  1. Basket preparation: Arrange seasoned florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Remember to leave small gaps between pieces for proper air circulation. Acceptable if florets touch slightly, but avoid stacking.
  2. Time management: The timer starts once the basket is inserted. There is no need to open the air fryer in the first 5 minutes. Look for slight color changes through the window if available.
  3. At the 5-minute mark, remove basket and shake thoroughly. Check for initial browning on the edges and rearrange any pieces that appear to be cooking unevenly. Spray with additional oil if needed.
  4. At 10-minute mark, shake basket again and monitor closely for desired brownness.
  5. Check doneness at 12 minutes (should be golden brown with crispy edges). Continue cooking in 1-minute intervals if needed.
  6. Season with salt immediately after removing from air fryer.

    Check for Doneness: Check tenderness with a fork. Stems should be tender when pierced, and florets should have a golden-brown appearance but not burnt.

Seasoning Variations and Flavor Combinations

While simple salt and pepper create a delicious result, let’s explore some exciting flavor variations that I’ve tested and loved:

Classic Garlic Parmesan:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan
  • Salt and black pepper to taste Add the parmesan during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking for perfect melting.

Asian-Inspired:

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
  • Optional: sprinkle with sesame seeds after cooking

Spicy Mediterranean:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • Squeeze of lemon juice after cooking

Common Issues with Air Fry Cauliflower and Broccoli & How to Fix

If your air fried broccoli and cauliflower are coming out soggy:

  • Dry them thoroughly after washing
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket
  • Increase temperature by 10 degrees
  • Use enough oil

If Browning Too Quickly:

  • Reduce temperature by 25°F
  • Shake basket more frequently
  • Move basket to lower position if available

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Storage:

  • Cool cooked vegetables completely before storing.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Vegetables will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

  • Use an air fryer for the best results.
  • Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
  • Avoid microwaving, as it can make vegetables soggy.

Freezing for Meal Prep:

  • Freeze air-fried broccoli and cauliflower in a freezer-safe container.
  • Can be stored for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Final Tips for Success

  1. Preheat air fryer for 3 minutes before adding vegetables
  2. Let vegetables reach room temperature (30 minutes) before cooking for even browning
  3. Cut florets with flat edges where possible to maximize crispy surfaces
  4. Season while hot for better flavor absorption
  5. For extra crispiness, spray lightly with oil halfway through cooking
  6. Allow steam to escape immediately after cooking to maintain crispiness

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