Start by washing your broccoli florets under cool water. Once you’ve rinsed them, shake off any excess water. It’s vital that the broccoli is dry before cooking; moisture can prevent crispiness.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the washed broccoli florets with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and lemon zest. Toss everything well to ensure all the florets are coated evenly. Don’t be shy—get your hands in there for the best mix!

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is crucial for achieving that coveted crispiness.

Once preheated, carefully place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket. Lay them out in a single layer for even cooking. You may need to fry them in batches if you have a lot. Set the timer for 8 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! Give the basket a good shake halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly.

After about 8 minutes, check the broccoli. You want them to be crisp and lightly browned. If that's not enough, give them a couple more minutes until they reach your desired doneness.

Once cooked, transfer your crispy air fryer broccoli to a plate. Serve it hot and enjoy the satisfying crunch with your favorite main dish.