If you’ve been searching for ways to get more veggies on your plate, this easy air fryer broccoli recipe is here to answer your call. My favorite countertop appliance transforms a humble head of broccoli into deliciously crisp-edged, perfectly tender florets. Even my kids can’t get enough!
Because this recipe is made with simple ingredients and delivers mouthwatering roasted veggies in a fraction of the time it’d take in the oven, it’s a go-to for me on busy nights. So, next time you’re in the market for an easy side dish, use your air fryer to cook up tender broccoli with crispy edges. For more air fryer recipes, try my air fryer egg rolls, air fryer asparagus, and air fryer potato chips next!
Ingredients
Broccoli — look for heads of broccoli that have firm stems with a vibrant, dark green color throughout the florets.
Olive oil — this is my go-to cooking oil, but I also love avocado oil if you prefer something different.
Garlic powder, salt, & black pepper — I kept it super simple with basics, but feel free to express your creativity with the seasonings of your choice!
How To Make Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli
1. Cut the broccoli head into large florets, about 1 inch wide and 2 inches in length.
2. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and toss well to coat the broccoli with the seasonings.
3. Arrange the broccoli in an even layer In the basket of an air fryer. Cook at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the broccoli is crisp but tender.
4. Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with lemon wedges or a sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?
I recommend using fresh broccoli for the best results. That said, feel free to swap in frozen broccoli florets if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind the florets won’t be as crispy.
Thaw the frozen florets and let them sit on paper towels for 10 minutes to absorb any excess moisture before tossing them with the oil and seasonings.
Variations
Air fried broccoli can be flavored in many different ways depending on your tastes. There are so many possibilities for flavoring the broccoli, so have fun!
- Try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese to finish off the air fried broccoli.
- For a more Asian-inspired take, omit the salt and toss the broccoli with 2 teaspoons of soy sauce before air frying, and serve topped with toasted sesame seeds.
- Use your favorite herbs or seasoning blends. Try a few sprinkles of minced rosemary or thyme, onion powder, curry powder, cajun seasoning, or Greek seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
This deliciously crisp-tender broccoli makes an excellent side dish for just about any meaty main. I love serving it alongside my turkey meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes. On nights when I need to be as hands-off as possible, I lean on even more air fryer recipes with mains like air fryer chicken breast, air fryer steak, or air fryer salmon. Just quickly cook the broccoli while the meat is resting.
This easy vegetarian side dish is so versatile. Chop it up and add it to your favorite breakfast dishes like a frittata or egg muffins. Air-fried broccoli is also great for adding to soups, topping pizza (perhaps with bacon, leftover roasted chicken, and your favorite cheese), or using in your favorite casseroles, like this classic chicken divan.
Pro Tips For Making This Recipe
- To help soften the broccoli, add 1 tablespoon of water to the base of the air fryer (underneath the basket) before cooking. This is optional, but it’s a good trick if you or your kids prefer softer florets.
- This is the one air fryer recipe where it’s ok to crowd the pan! The broccoli will first steam and soften, then shrink slightly in size. As it continues to cook, the exposed edges will crisp up. I still recommend arranging everything in a single layer so the broccoli cooks evenly.
- Use a non-aerosol cooking spray for your air fryer basket. Aerosol sprays can cause buildup that will damage the non-stick coating or leave a very sticky residue. You can find cooking oil sprays that are labeled as non-aerosol or specifically mention they are for air fryer use.
- If you like to line your air fryer basket with parchment paper for easy clean-up, make sure you poke holes in it for venting. Why? If you don’t, the air fryer can’t do its job fully—blowing hot air all around your food.
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary answer is, don’t overcook it! 10-12 minutes at 375ºF should be sufficient. Also, don’t add more than a tablespoon of water to the air fryer base, or you may over-steam it before it can get crispy. Finally, opting for fresh broccoli over frozen tends to yield a better texture.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
I personally recommend tossing it back in the air fryer to re-crisp the edges. Start with about 3-4 minutes at 375ºF, adding a minute or two as needed to heat it fully.
If you love this recipe try these out!
If you’ve tried this Air Fryer Broccoli recipe, then don’t forget to rate it and let me know how you got on in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli (1¼ pounds, 562g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cut the broccoli into large florets, about 1 inch wide and 2 inches in length.
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, olive oil, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Stir well to coat the broccoli with the seasonings.
- In the basket of an air fryer, place the broccoli in an even layer. Cook at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the broccoli is crisp but tender. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges if you like.
Notes
- To help soften the broccoli, add 1 tablespoon of water to the base of the air fryer (underneath the basket) before cooking. This is optional, but it’s a good trick if you or your kids prefer softer florets.
- This is the one air fryer recipe where it’s ok to crowd the pan! The broccoli will first steam and soften, then shrink slightly in size. As it continues to cook, the exposed edges will crisp up. I still recommend arranging everything in a single layer so the broccoli cooks evenly.
- Use a non-aerosol cooking spray for your air fryer basket. Aerosol sprays can cause buildup that will damage the non-stick coating or leave a very sticky residue. You can find cooking oil sprays that are labeled as non-aerosol or specifically mention they are for air fryer use.
- If you like to line your air fryer basket with parchment paper for easy clean-up, make sure you poke holes in it for venting. Why? If you don’t, the air fryer can’t do its job fully—blowing hot air all around your food.
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