Start by rinsing your broccoli. I always ensure it’s fresh and crispy. Cut the crown into bite-sized florets. You want them evenly sized so they cook uniformly. It’s tempting to leave the pieces large, but trust me; bite-sized is the way to go. Toss them into a mixing bowl.

In the same bowl, add your olive oil, lemon zest, black pepper, sea salt, smoked paprika, and granulated garlic. Give it a good toss.

I like to use my hands for this part. It feels great to dig in and get everything coated beautifully. The aroma of the lemon zest mixed with olive oil is heavenly!

Now let’s get that air fryer preheating. Set it to 400°F (about 200°C). A hot fryer means that we'll get that crispy outside without overcooking the inside.

Once your air fryer is ready, spread the broccoli mixture in a single layer in the fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; you want some space for the air to circulate around those beautiful florets.

Air fry for about 8 to 10 minutes. I recommend shaking the basket halfway through. This little shake will help ensure you get that even crispiness we crave. Keep an eye on them towards the end; if you like them extra crispy, you might want to add a minute or two.

When they’re done, remove the basket and let them cool for a minute. Now, here’s where you can get really creative. Drizzle a little more olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or some grated cheese on top!

Whatever tickles your fancy. Serve them hot as a side or toss them into a bowl for an amazing veggie snack.