Air Fryer Broccoli

Air Fryer Broccoli makes a fantastic side dish for all your air fryer dinners. Toss it into pasta, serve it mixed into a rice bowl, or simply enjoy a plate of crispy roasted broccoli. It's easy, tasty, and ready in under 20 minutes!

Jump to:

• Why You Should Air Fry Broccoli
• Ingredients
• Watch the Video
• How to Air Fry Broccoli
• Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Instructions
• Recipe Tips
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage Instructions
• FAQ
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Feedback

It goes without saying that we're big fans of air fryer vegetables, and out of all of our favorite veggies, this air fryer broccoli recipe is at the top of the list. If you've never cooked broccoli in an air fryer before, we guarantee you will love it! The broccoli florets become crispy, yet perfectly tender, and they're ready in a fraction of the time other methods take, with tons of flavor, too.

Why You Should Air Fry Broccoli

• Quick cook time: When you roast broccoli in a traditional oven, you have to wait for the oven to preheat in addition to the cooking time, which can take up to 15 additional minutes. In the air fryer, preheating the air fryer and cooking the broccoli take under 20 minutes total.
• The results are unbeatable: Thanks to the hot air circulation, air fryer roasted broccoli develops a satisfyingly crispy texture all over the outside, while remaining soft and tender.
• It's more wholesome: Air frying uses much less oil than other cooking methods, making it a more health-conscious option by lowering the total fat content (source).

Ingredients

• Broccoli: The star of the show, loaded with vitamins and fiber (source). For the freshest, best broccoli, look for bright green, tightly-packed florets. The stems should be firm and not mushy.
• Light Olive Oil: Just a bit of olive oil adds a nice mild flavor and helps with crisping the broccoli. We recommend using light olive oil. If preferred, you can also use avocado oil. Read more here: Our Favorite Oils to use for Air Frying
• Garlic Powder: We recommend using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic as the latter tends to burn in the time it takes to cook the broccoli. Garlic powder adds a flavorful zing without burning! Want to learn how to roast garlic in the air fryer? See our air fryer roasted garlic recipe.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings that make it taste great. Sea salt flakes or kosher salt work best, as table salt can sometimes add a metallic flavor to food. We use freshly cracked black pepper.
• Water: Helps create steam in the air fryer that softens the broccoli without burning it. We use three tablespoons of water for this and find it to be the perfect amount.
• Butter and Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds richness and extra flavor and takes this recipe over the top. If you want the best air fryer broccoli ever, definitely consider adding these two optional ingredients!

Watch the Video

How to Air Fry Broccoli

Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Instructions

The following instructions are for toaster oven style air fryer models with a tray, such as the Breville Smart Oven Air. These models require different instructions.

1. In a large mixing bowl, toss broccoli florets with oil, garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper to coat well.
2. Add 3 tablespoons of water to the tray in the bottom of the air fryer oven and preheat the air fryer to 400°F. This creates a steamy environment to help the broccoli soften in the air fryer. NOTE: If you don’t have a tray in the bottom of the air fryer, place a small baking tray filled with water on the bottom rack of your toaster oven style air fryer.
3. When the air fryer is preheated, add the seasoned broccoli to the air fryer tray in a single layer.
4. Air Fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, being sure to stir the broccoli halfway through the air frying time.
5. When broccoli is fork tender yet crispy and lightly browned, remove from the air fryer to a serving plate.
6. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Make sure florets are small, bite-sized pieces of broccoli as evenly sized as possible to ensure they cook evenly.
• Cook time may vary depending on your specific air fryer. Air fryer brands vary, so you may have to adjust the cook time to your specific air fryer.
• Recipe time and temperature is based on a cold air fryer. If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.
• This recipe is for fresh broccoli. If you want to cook frozen broccoli in the air fryer, we have a recipe for that, too! See our Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli recipe.
• For a kick of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• If you love the flavor of lemon with broccoli, you can add a bit of lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Serving Suggestions

• Sliced Potatoes in the Air Fryer
• Frozen Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Salmon Bites
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Mix and match with any of our air fryer dinners and other side dishes! Broccoli makes a healthy side dish that pairs well with every protein.

Storage Instructions

• If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes to maintain the crispy texture.

FAQ

Leave a comment and review for us below if you enjoyed this recipe, or if you have questions about any of our air fryer recipes!