1-First Step: Preheat and Prepare Your Ingredients Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F. While the air fryer warms up, wash your broccoli crowns thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel this is crucial because excess moisture leads to steaming instead of roasting, which prevents that coveted crispy texture. Cut the broccoli into large, even-sized florets. Aim for pieces roughly 2 inches in size, keeping the stalks attached to the florets rather than trimming them away completely. Those stalks become wonderfully tender and flavorful. If some florets end up larger than others, simply halve them lengthwise to match the size of smaller pieces.

2-Second Step: Season the Broccoli In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets with the extra-virgin olive oil, tamari, and garlic powder. Use your hands or tongs to toss everything together, making sure each floret is well coated, especially the tops and cut sides. The oil should glisten on the surface without pooling at the bottom of the bowl. The tamari will mix with the olive oil to create a thin glaze that clings to the broccoli. Make sure the garlic powder is evenly distributed if you see any clumps, break them up with your fingers or a spoon before tossing again.

3-Third Step: Arrange in the Air Fryer Place the seasoned broccoli in your air fryer basket in a single layer with space between each floret. This spacing is non-negotiable for crispy results. When florets touch or overlap, they steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy spots. If you have a smaller air fryer basket, cook the broccoli in batches rather than overcrowding. It may take a few extra minutes total, but the crispy texture is worth it. Arrange the florets with the flat, cut sides facing down when possible this maximizes contact with the hot air and promotes even browning.

4-Fourth Step: Air Fry to Perfection Cook the broccoli at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Halfway through cooking around the 4 or 5-minute mark open the basket and flip or shake the florets. This ensures even browning on all sides and prevents any single spot from overcooking. You’ll know the broccoli is done when the florets are tender when pierced with a fork and the edges have turned golden brown with slight char spots. The stalks should still have a bit of bite to them not mushy, but easily pierced.

5-Final Step: Add Toppings and Serve Transfer the cooked broccoli to a serving platter immediately. While it’s still hot, sprinkle with the optional red pepper flakes and toasted sesame seeds. The residual heat will warm the toppings and release their aromatic oils. Serve right away while the broccoli is at its crispiest. This dish pairs beautifully with grain bowls, tossed with noodles, alongside your favorite proteins, or simply enjoyed on its own as a snack. For a complete meal idea, serve alongside a comforting dessert like this classic peach cobbler recipe for a balanced dinner.