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These air fryer garlic Parmesan broccoli bites are proof that vegetables can totally steal the show. They’re crispy, cheesy, and downright snackable—perfect as a holiday appetizer or a weeknight side with some serious flavor. Honestly, even the veggie skeptics in my family love these.
It started as a way to use up leftover broccoli, and now it’s one of my go-to air fryer snacks. The combo of garlicky seasoning and toasty Parmesan makes each little floret taste like a crispy, salty bite of magic.
And the best part? No breading or extra steps. Just toss, air fry, and serve! You get that crave-worthy crunch in under 10 minutes. They’re festive enough for a party but simple enough to whip up any time.
Let’s make a batch—you might never see broccoli the same way again!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Broccoli Florets – Use fresh broccoli, cut into small bite-sized pieces. The smaller size helps them crisp up faster and more evenly.
Olive Oil – Just a little is needed to coat the broccoli and help the seasonings stick.
Garlic Powder – Adds that savory punch without overpowering the broccoli.
Parmesan Cheese – Grated or shredded Parmesan gives the bites their signature salty, cheesy crunch.
Salt & Pepper – Optional, depending on your Parmesan’s saltiness.
Pro Tip: Dry the broccoli really well before tossing with oil. Extra moisture = steaming instead of crisping.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Broccoli: Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli. Cut into small, even florets.
- Season the Florets: In a large bowl, toss broccoli with olive oil, garlic powder, and Parmesan. Add salt and pepper if needed.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 355°F. Lightly spray the basket with oil.
- Air Fry the Broccoli: Place florets in the basket in a single layer. Air fry at 355°F for 7–9 minutes, shaking halfway through.Pro Tip: Don’t overload the basket—you want airflow for crispiness!
- Serve Hot: Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with extra Parmesan if desired. Serve right away for the best texture.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using wet broccoli: leads to steaming, not crisping.
- Overcrowding the basket: airflow is key.
- Skipping the shake: shaking ensures even browning.
- Too much oil: can make them soggy instead of crispy.
- Overcooking: watch closely at the 7-minute mark.
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick.
- Dairy-Free – Use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
- Lemon Zest – Add a pop of citrus after cooking.
- Dip-Friendly – Serve with ranch, garlic aioli, or a spicy yogurt dip.
- Low-Sodium – Use less cheese and skip added salt if needed.
📆 Make Ahead & Storage
These are best fresh, but you can prep ahead! Cut and dry broccoli up to a day in advance and store in a sealed container in the fridge.
Leftovers? Store cooled broccoli bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to bring the crisp back.
Not ideal for freezing—the texture gets too soft after thawing.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
Low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with fiber. A great way to get more veggies in!
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and dry broccoli thoroughly.
- Toss florets with olive oil, garlic powder, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat air fryer to 355°F.
- Air fry in a single layer for 7–9 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Serve hot with extra cheese or a dipping sauce.
Notes
(An automated tool is used to calculate nutritional information. Accuracy not guaranteed.)
If you try these garlic Parmesan broccoli bites, let me know what you dip them in! They’re a crispy, cheesy way to eat more greens—and they’re always a hit. Want more veggie-forward snacks? Check out my air fryer zucchini chips for another crunchy, low-carb favorite!
