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Recipe from Simpler Savory

The recipe

Diabetic Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Prep
5 min
Cook
12 min
Total
17 min
Servings
4 servings

Nutrition Facts

Serving multiplier

Nutrition values scale; ingredient amounts stay as written.

Original author values. Recipe yield: 4 servings.

calories
120

2× the original author values. Recipe yield: 4 servings.

calories
240

3× the original author values. Recipe yield: 4 servings.

calories
360
Values are reproduced from the source recipe; this site only applies the selected linear multiplier and does not estimate nutrients.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb frozen broccoli florets — do not thaw; break up clumps and shake off excess ice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil — or avocado oil; just enough to lightly coat
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt — start light; adjust after cooking
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper — freshly ground
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes — optional, for heat
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika — optional, for color and smoky note
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese — finely grated, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tsp lemon zest — from 1 lemon
  • 1-2 tsp lemon juice — to taste, added after cooking
  • 1-2 tsp balsamic vinegar — optional, a few drops for contrast

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 390–400°F for at least 3 minutes; a hot basket prevents steaming.
  2. Open the bag and break up any frozen clumps; shake off visible ice crystals over the sink.
  3. In a large bowl, toss frozen florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes and smoked paprika until lightly glossy.
  4. Spread broccoli in a single layer in the hot basket (slight overlap is fine). Air fry for 6 minutes.
  5. Shake the basket, then sprinkle the Parmesan evenly over the florets so it adheres to the drier surfaces.
  6. Return to the air fryer and cook 4–6 minutes more, shaking once near the end, until tips are crisp-brown and stems are tender.
  7. Transfer to a bowl and finish with lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice; adjust salt to taste.
  8. Dust with a little extra Parmesan or a few drops of balsamic vinegar, if desired.
  9. Serve hot alongside lean proteins like grilled salmon, baked cod, or roast chicken thighs.
  10. Cook in batches if needed; crowding traps steam and softens texture.
  11. Parmesan is salty—season lightly at first and adjust after finishing, ideal for a diabetic-friendly balance.

Notes

Cool leftovers and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for 3–5 minutes to re-crisp, or in a hot skillet with 1 tsp oil. Microwave in a pinch, noting the texture will soften. For dairy-free, skip Parmesan and finish with lemon zest, nutritional yeast, or toasted almonds.

Source: https://simplersavory.com/diabetic-air-fryer-frozen-broccoli/