Looking for a delicious and healthy snack that will make even the pickiest eaters fall in love with broccoli? Say hello to Air Fryer Broccoli Bites! These crispy, golden morsels are not only packed with flavor but also incredibly easy to make. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for snacking or as a delightful side dish. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just craving something tasty, these broccoli bites are sure to impress. Dive into this recipe and discover how to transform ordinary broccoli into an irresistible treat that everyone will want to devour!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil spray
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets with the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the broccoli is evenly coated with the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, crack the large egg and beat it lightly. Pour the beaten egg over the broccoli mixture and stir until all the ingredients are well combined and the broccoli is coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the broccoli bites will cook evenly and become crispy.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil spray to prevent sticking. You can also spray the tops of the broccoli bites with a bit of oil for extra crispiness.
- Carefully place the broccoli mixture into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the broccoli bites in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. The bites should be golden brown and crispy when done.
- Once cooked, remove the broccoli bites from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed as a snack or a side dish.
- Serve the air fryer broccoli bites warm, optionally with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as ranch or garlic aioli.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Broccoli: For the best flavor and texture, select vibrant green broccoli florets that are firm and fresh. Avoid any yellowing or wilting.
- Cut Evenly: Ensure your broccoli florets are cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly in the air fryer.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Don’t skip preheating your air fryer! This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispiness on your broccoli bites.
- Don’t Overcrowd: When placing the broccoli mixture in the air fryer, make sure to arrange it in a single layer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy bites.
- Shake It Up: Halfway through the cooking time, give the basket a good shake to ensure all sides of the broccoli bites get that golden-brown finish.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the flavor! Add spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra zing.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Enhance the experience by serving your broccoli bites with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 89kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 54mg
