Can You Steam Broccoli in a Ninja Air Fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely steam broccoli in a Ninja air fryer! The Ninja air fryers have a built-in crisper plate that allows you to steam vegetables using the steam from the food. This is a great way to cook broccoli so that it turns out crispy on the outside but tender on the inside.
Steaming broccoli in the Ninja air fryer gives you all the health benefits of eating steamed broccoli without having to use a separate steamer. It steams the broccoli using the natural moisture from the vegetable, resulting in perfect crisp-tender broccoli every time.
Benefits of Steaming Broccoli in a Ninja Air Fryer
Here are some of the benefits of using your Ninja air fryer to steam broccoli:
- Convenient – Steams the broccoli right in the air fryer, no need for extra pots or appliances.
- Quick – Steams in just 5-10 minutes, faster than steaming on the stove.
- Crisp exterior – The hot air gives you crispy, caramelized bits on the tops and edges.
- Tender interior – Steaming keeps the inside tender, not mushy.
- Retains nutrients – Steaming broccoli preserves more vitamins and minerals than boiling.
- Requires no oil – Steaming broccoli is a healthy, low-fat cooking method.
- Easy cleanup – The air fryer basket goes right into the dishwasher after use.
As you can see, using your Ninja air fryer to steam broccoli gives you the best of both worlds – perfectly tender broccoli with a nice caramelized crunch.
How to Steam Broccoli in a Ninja Air Fryer Step-By-Step
Steaming broccoli in the Ninja air fryer is simple to do. Just follow these steps:
- Prep the broccoli – Wash the broccoli, trim the stems, and cut into equal-sized florets so they cook evenly. Aim for 1-2 inch size florets.
- Toss broccoli with a teaspoon of oil – The small amount of oil helps promote even crisping and caramelization.
- Place broccoli in the air fryer basket – Make sure not to overcrowd the basket. Work in batches for larger amounts.
- Mist broccoli with water – Use a spray bottle to mist the broccoli with a few sprays of water. This provides moisture for steaming.
- Air fry at 400°F for 5-8 minutes – Cook time will vary based on amount. Shake basket halfway through.
- Check for doneness – Broccoli is done when fork tender with light charring on the tops.
- Season and serve – Toss with salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice or any seasonings you like!
And that’s it! In just 5-10 minutes you can have perfect steamed broccoli straight from your air fryer. The broccoli comes out tender on the inside with crispy, caramelized bits on the outside.
Tips for the Best Results
Use these tips for getting the best steamed broccoli using your Ninja air fryer:
- Don’t overcrowd – Leave space between the broccoli for steam to circulate.
- Mist with water – This adds the moisture needed to create steam.
- Toss with a little oil – The oil helps the broccoli get crispy edges.
- Cut in even sizes – So the florets cook evenly and no pieces end up mushy.
- Flip halfway – Flip or shake basket to expose all sides to steam.
- Avoid stacking – If needed, work in batches to prevent broccoli from stacking up.
- Test doneness – The broccoli should be fork tender but not mushy.
- Don’t overcook – Steaming takes just 5-10 minutes. Overcooking makes it mushy.
Following these simple tips will ensure your steamed broccoli turns out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying nice and tender inside.
How to Know When the Broccoli is Done
Determining when the broccoli is finished steaming in the air fryer is easy. Just check for these signs of doneness:
- Fork tender – A fork inserted into the thickest part of the stem goes in easily.
- Slight charring – The tops and edges have light caramelized, crispy bits.
- Bright green color – The broccoli retains its fresh, vibrant green hue.
- 5-8 minutes cooking time – Depending on amount, broccoli steams quickly.
- Crisp texture – The broccoli has a tender-crisp texture, not mushy.
- No water pooling – Water has evaporated and broccoli steams from its own moisture.
As long as you don’t overcook it, the broccoli will retain its beautiful bright color. Use a quick poke test with a fork to check for tenderness.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
It’s easy to steam broccoli perfectly in your air fryer when you know how. Avoid these common pitfalls:
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Overcrowding the basket | Work in smaller batches so steam can circulate |
| Not misting with water | Spray lightly with water to create steam |
| Cooking too long | Test doneness at 5 minutes to prevent mushiness |
| Leaving the stalks too long | Trim stems for even cooking |
| Using florets of varying sizes | Cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets |
| Forgetting to flip halfway | Shake basket or flip broccoli midway through cooking |
By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll get perfect steamed broccoli from your air fryer every time. With a small amount of prep and the right technique, it’s easy to harness the air fryer’s steam to cook broccoli to tender perfection.
How to Season Steamed Broccoli from the Air Fryer
One of the best parts of steaming broccoli in the air fryer is that you can quickly toss it with seasoning as soon as it comes out. Here are some delicious ways to flavor your air fried steamed broccoli:
- Lemon Juice and Parmesan: Toss broccoli with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garlic and Herbs: Toss with minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs like parsley, basil, dill, or oregano.
- Spicy Sriracha: Drizzle steamed broccoli with Sriracha hot sauce and sesame oil.
- Teriyaki: Toss broccoli with a homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce.
- Chipotle Ranch: Mix together Greek yogurt, chipotle powder, garlic powder, lime juice, and cilantro.
- Cheesy Sauce: Melt butter with cream cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan for a cheesy drizzle.
With your perfectly steamed broccoli hot out of the air fryer, all you have to do is toss it with your desired seasoning or sauce for instant flavor. Get creative with spices, herbs, citrus, cheese, chili sauce, or creamy drizzles.
Serving Suggestions for Steamed Broccoli from the Air Fryer
Once you’ve steamed crisp-tender broccoli in your air fryer, there are endless ways to serve and enjoy it:
- As a side dish – Seasoned simply with olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Over pasta – Chopped broccoli tossed with pasta, garlic, olive oil and Parmesan.
- In a salad or slaw – Thinly sliced and added to greens, quinoa or cabbage slaw.
- In a sandwich or wrap – Chopped broccoli with hummus, chicken salad or egg salad.
- As a pizza topping – Scatter steamed broccoli over homemade or store-bought pizza.
- In an omelet or frittata – Add chopped steamed broccoli to egg dishes.
- Blended into soup – Puree some of the steamed broccoli into vegetable soups.
- Over rice dishes – Sprinkle broccoli into fried rice, rice pilaf or risotto.
With its crisp-tender texture and bright flavor, steamed broccoli from the air fryer makes an easy and healthy addition to so many dishes. Get creative with how you incorporate it into meals!
Recipe Ideas for Steamed Broccoli from the Air Fryer
Here are some delicious recipe ideas that feature broccoli steamed right in the air fryer:
Broccoli Parmesan
Ingredients:
- Broccoli florets
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam broccoli in air fryer as directed.
- Toss hot broccoli with olive oil, lemon juice and Parmesan.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Teriyaki Broccoli Rice Bowl
Ingredients:
- Steamed broccoli florets
- Cooked rice
- Teriyaki sauce
- Sliced avocado
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sriracha (optional)
Instructions:
- Steam broccoli in the air fryer.
- Serve broccoli over rice and drizzle with teriyaki sauce.
- Top with avocado slices, sesame seeds and sriracha if desired.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients:
- Steamed broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam broccoli in the air fryer.
- Saute onion in butter until soft.
- Whisk in flour, then slowly whisk in broth.
- Add milk and chopped broccoli and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and stir in cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Air Fryer Steamed Broccoli FAQs
Still have some questions about making steamed broccoli in the air fryer? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What size Ninja air fryer do I need to steam broccoli?
Any size Ninja air fryer will work to steam broccoli. Choose a size based on how much broccoli you plan to make at once. The 3-quart or larger is best for families.
How does steaming broccoli in the air fryer work?
The hot, circulating air of the air fryer creates a steamy environment. Misting the broccoli with water before air frying provides additional moisture. This steam quickly cooks the broccoli until tender.
Do I need to flip or stir the broccoli while it steams?
It’s a good idea to shake the basket or flip the broccoli halfway during cooking. This ensures all sides get evenly steamed.
Can I steam broccoli from frozen in the air fryer?
Yes, you can steam frozen broccoli florets in the Ninja air fryer with excellent results. Just add 1-2 extra minutes to the cook time.
Do I need to add any oil when steaming broccoli in the air fryer?
You don’t need oil to steam broccoli, but brushing with a little oil helps promote browning and caramelization for better flavor.
Is air fried steamed broccoli healthy?
Yes, steamed broccoli is a very healthy way to cook it! Steaming retains nutrients better than boiling and requires no added fat.
Conclusion
Steaming broccoli in the Ninja air fryer is an easy, healthy way to cook it to tender perfection in just minutes. The circulating hot air steams the broccoli so it turns out crisp-tender with delicious caramelized bits.
Toss the freshly steamed broccoli with seasonings like lemon, garlic, herbs, or spices for instant flavor. Then enjoy it as a side, over rice or pasta, in soups and salads, or blended into endless recipes. With the right prep and cooking method, you can harness the Ninja air fryer to quickly steam fresh, flavorful broccoli any night of the week.