Air Fryer Broccoli is lightly caramelized, crispy, and cooks in just 10 minutes! Adjust the seasonings to your taste, and then serve as a healthy side to all your favorite meals.
Table of contents
This air fryer broccoli is tender in the middle and crispy outside with a caramelized depth of flavor. It takes just 10 minutes to air fry.
It is a sure way to get a vegetable side dish on your table any time!
What’s even better is that you don’t have to use a lot of oil when air frying. And unlike with “regular” broccoli, which is divisive, this crispy air fryer broccoli recipe is child and husband approved.
Let me show you how to make it!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick: A few minutes prep, 10 minutes in air fryer and it’s a low effort, no fuss, last minute side!
- Crispy: Get oven roasted broccoli results in a fraction of the time!
- Simple ingredients: Just the broccoli and pantry staples!
Ingredients and Notes
Broccoli, oil, and a handful of seasonings are all you need for air fryer broccoli recipe.
- Broccoli: Chop up 1 large head of fresh broccoli or you can also use pre-packaged chopped broccoli.
- Oil: I use a combination of extra virgin olive oil and toasted sesame oil. Feel free to omit the latter for additional olive oil if you don’t have it on hand.
- Seasonings: I used a simple combination of garlic powder, salt, freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
How to Make Broccoli in Air Fryer
Are you ready to see how easy it is?!
Prep: First, preheat the air fryer to 300 degrees F. Then, wash, drain, and chop the broccoli into even sized florets and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Season it: Drizzle the broccoli florets with olive oil and toasted sesame oil and toss to coat.
Then add garlic powder, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and toss again. Don’t throw everything together because spices won’t stick evenly.
Air fry the broccoli: Transfer the broccoli to your air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes. Shake once at the 5 minute mark and cook in batches, if necessary.
Remove from the basket and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the broccoli before serving for a fresh, bright flavor. You could also add a small amount of lemon zest for extra zing.
How easy was this?!
Variations
The options for seasoning and flavoring air fryer broccoli is practically endless. Here are just a few of my top recommendations.
- Parmesan cheese: Add 1-2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the broccoli after air frying for a cheesy twist.
- Smoked paprika: Add a pinch to the base seasoning for additional flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar: Drizzle the roasted broccoli with balsamic vinegar.
- Fresh herbs: Top cooked broccoli with fresh chopped herbs like parsley, chives or basil.
Tips for Best Results
- Chop the broccoli evenly: It’s best to have similar bite-sized florets for the most even cooking results.
- Use powdered seasonings: As much as I love fresh garlic and herbs, they can burn easily in an air fryer. Unless only added towards the end. For that reason, I recommend using powdered seasonings.
- Cook in batches if necessary: If you overcrowd the air fryer basket, the broccoli will steam rather than roast, so it won’t become wonderfully browned and crisp on the outside. For reference, I use a large 5.8 Qt Cosori air fryer.
- For slightly more tender broccoli: Add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer. This will help lightly steam the air fried broccoli while still allowing it to roast.
- If you’re using an oven air fryer: I’ve found that oven air fryers will take longer, as the space is bigger.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Broccoli?
I admit, there have been times I’ve basically finished a batch by snacking on them before they ever make it to any plates.
But if you manage to control yourself, here are some of my favorite serving recommendations for this healthy side dish:
This air fryer broccoli make a great side for a weeknight chicken dish like healthy orange chicken or sweet chili salmon.
It pairs well with simple pasta dishes like healthy mac and cheese.
You can add it, either warm or chilled, to any leafy green salad.
How to Store
Make ahead: You can wash and chop the broccoli florets up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to continue the recipe.
Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, making it perfect for adding to meal prep meals!
I don’t recommend freezing the crispy broccoli, as it will become mushy upon thawing.
Reheat: Pop the broccoli back in the air fryer at 300 degrees F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Yes, you can add frozen broccoli to the air fryer and cook for longer. I recommend first checking at 15 minutes, but it could take up to 22-25 minutes, shaking once.
It won’t become quite as crispy but is still delicious. Also note no need to thaw the broccoli.
Technically, yes. Though it won’t become quite as crisp on the edges. I recommend using at least a little bit of cooking spray to encourage crisping.
I recommend to use Misto. Aerosol cooking sprays like Pam can create build up and ruin the non-stick finish on the appliance.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air fryer brussels sprouts
- Air fryer asparagus
- Air fryer cauliflower
- Air fryer sweet potato fries
- Air fryer chicken breast
- Air fryer hard boiled eggs
More Popular Broccoli Recipes
- Sauteed broccoli
- Healthy beef and broccoli
- Chicken and broccoli stir fry
- Healthy broccoli salad
- Broccoli quinoa salad
Air Fryer Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb broccoli florets same size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil or more olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer at 300 degrees F. Rinse and drain broccoli, transfer to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, toasted sesame oil and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and toss to coat.
- Transfer broccoli into the basket of air fryer leveling into a single layer. Air fry for 10 minutes at 300 degrees F, shaking once at 5 minute mark.
- Serve hot with a side of rice or quinoa and healthy orange chicken.
Video
Notes
- Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Make ahead: Refrigerate seasoned broccoli in an airtight container for up to 24 hours and then cook as per recipe.
- Reheat: Reheat in air fryer at 300 degrees F for 3-4 minutes.
- Chop the broccoli evenly: It’s best to have similar bite-sized florets for the most even cooking results.
- Use powdered seasonings: As much as I love fresh garlic and herbs, they can burn easily in an air fryer (unless only added towards the end).
- Cook in batches: If you overcrowd the air fryer basket, the broccoli will steam rather than roast.
Came out great. Used chilli infused olive oil.
Sounds fantastic. I love infused oils in cooking.
This air fryer broccoli recipe turned out amazing!
So glad you enjoyed it!
Easiest side dish hands down, tasty, crispy and another good use for the air fryer!
so happy to hear you are enjoying the recipe!