Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Bites – Easy & Delicious Snack

Are you looking for a delicious way to get more vegetables into your diet? These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Bites are the perfect solution.

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with savory garlic and parmesan flavors. This easy-to-make appetizer or side dish will have even the pickiest eaters reaching for seconds.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Servings: 4 people
• Calories: 165 per serving

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Tongs
• Plate lined with paper towels
• Optional: food thermometer

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Cooking spray (preferably olive oil)
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat
• Optional: fresh chopped parsley for garnish
• Optional: marinara or ranch dipping sauce

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Nutrition Information (per serving)

Instructions

Preparing the Broccoli

1. Begin by washing your broccoli thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to remove any dirt that might be hiding in the florets.
2. Pat the broccoli dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. It’s essential to remove as much moisture as possible to ensure your broccoli bites turn out crispy rather than soggy.
3. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, aiming for pieces that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. The ideal size is about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
4. If your broccoli stems are tender, you can include them as well. Simply peel the outer layer and cut them into bite-sized pieces similar to the florets.

Creating the Coating

1. In a medium bowl, beat the two eggs until they’re well combined. Set aside.
2. In a separate large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add the optional red pepper flakes.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture and use your fingers to mix it in thoroughly. This will help the coating crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

Coating the Broccoli

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. This step ensures that your broccoli bites start cooking immediately when placed in the air fryer.
2. Take a broccoli floret, dip it into the beaten egg mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated.
3. Transfer the egg-coated floret to the breadcrumb mixture and roll it around until it’s fully covered with the seasoned breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the coating adhere better.
4. Place the coated broccoli on a plate and repeat the process with the remaining florets.

Air Frying

1. Once all your broccoli florets are coated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the coated broccoli bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches.
3. Lightly spray the tops of the broccoli bites with cooking spray. This will help them brown evenly and become extra crispy.
4. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6 minutes, then carefully flip the broccoli bites using tongs.
5. Continue air frying for another 4-6 minutes until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the broccoli is tender when pierced with a fork.

Serving

1. Once done, remove the broccoli bites from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate.
2. While still hot, sprinkle with a little extra grated parmesan cheese and optional fresh chopped parsley for garnish.
3. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch dressing, on the side.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Bites

Selecting the Best Broccoli

Choose fresh broccoli with tight, green florets and firm stalks. Fresh broccoli works much better than frozen for this recipe, as frozen broccoli tends to release too much moisture during cooking, resulting in a less crispy coating.

Storage and Reheating

These broccoli bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer when they’re at their crispiest. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat, place the broccoli bites back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid using the microwave as it will make them soggy.

Make-Ahead Options

You can prepare the broccoli bites up to the coating stage and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before cooking. This makes them a great option for entertaining or when you want to get some prep work done earlier in the day.

Variations

• Cheese Varieties: While parmesan cheese gives these bites a delicious savory flavor, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Romano or Asiago. You could even try a combination of cheeses for more complex flavors.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of black pepper or red pepper flakes. For a spicier version, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Herb Infusions: Try adding different herbs to the breadcrumb mixture, such as fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil, to create new flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for those with gluten sensitivities.

Why Air Fryer Broccoli Bites Are a Perfect Addition to Your Menu

These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Bites are not just delicious; they’re also a nutritious addition to any meal. Broccoli is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making these bites a guilt-free indulgence.

The air fryer cooking method uses significantly less oil than traditional deep frying, resulting in a healthier version of this crispy treat. You get all the satisfying crunch without the excess calories and fat.

These versatile bites work wonderfully as an appetizer for parties, a side dish for dinner, or even as a nutritious afternoon snack. Their kid-friendly nature makes them an excellent way to encourage children to eat more vegetables.

The combination of garlic and parmesan creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The garlic adds a warm, aromatic quality, while the parmesan brings a salty, umami richness that complements the natural earthiness of the broccoli.

Pairing Suggestions

These Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Bites pair well with a variety of main dishes. Try serving them alongside:

• Grilled chicken or fish for a complete, balanced meal
• Pasta dishes, particularly those with tomato-based sauces
• Sandwiches or wraps for a more substantial lunch
• Soups as a crispy, dippable accompaniment

They also make a fantastic addition to a game day spread or party appetizer selection. Serve them with an assortment of dipping sauces to please every palate.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Bites are a game-changer when it comes to vegetable side dishes. They transform ordinary broccoli into an extraordinary treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The crispy exterior gives way to tender broccoli inside, while the garlic and parmesan flavors create a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist.

With minimal prep time and quick cooking in the air fryer, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Give these broccoli bites a try, and you might just find they become a regular feature in your meal rotation!

Whether you’re trying to incorporate more vegetables into your diet or simply looking for a tasty new side dish, these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Bites are sure to impress. Happy cooking!