Air fryer broccoli is a quick and healthy way to prepare broccoli using an air fryer. The air fryer cooks the broccoli at high heat with circulating air, making it tender yet crisp and slightly caramelized. It’s my favorite way to enjoy broccoli with minimal oil, and it turns out more flavorful and crispy than when roasted in an oven. Plus, it takes like 10 minutes, tops. Perfect snack or side dish if you don’t want to spend forever cooking!
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The first time I made broccoli in an air fryer, I was skeptical it could beat oven-roasted. I had some leftover florets in the fridge and tossed them with a little olive oil, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of parmesan. As the air fryer worked its magic, the aroma of roasting garlic filled my kitchen, and when I took the first bite, I was hooked. The edges were perfectly crispy, and the texture was unexpectedly delightful—like a savory version of popping candy, while the inside stayed tender. It was so good that I ended up eating the entire batch straight from the basket, forgetting it was supposed to be a side dish! Now, air fried broccoli is a staple in my weekly meal prep—it’s quick, healthy, and ridiculously easy.
With just a tablespoon of oil, some seasoning, and your trusted kitchen gadget, you can transform broccoli and other ordinary veggies into crispy delights. Whether it’s Brussels sprouts, Carrots, or Crispy cauliflower, I feel that an air fryer is a vegetable’s secret weapon to make them taste so good, you’ll forget you’re eating healthy.
My favorite part is when Air frying broccoli, retains more of its vitamins and minerals than traditional boiling or steaming methods.
Ingredients
It only requires a few basic ingredients – Broccoli florets, a tablespoon of oil, and seasoning of choice.
- A medium Broccoli head (cut into florets) or about 3-4 cups.
- Oil. I like to use Olive oil or Avocado oil because it has a mild, versatile flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Seasoning. I used Vegeta All-purpose seasoning mix.
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, parmesan, or lemon zest.
How to make Broccoli in the Air Fryer
Prepare your broccoli. Wash and dry your broccoli florets, then cut them into even sizes for even cooking. You can also leave some stems intact for added fiber. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook it in batches, so be mindful of that.
Season. Toss the broccoli florets in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. I love to include garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. The key is not to overdo it– a little goes a long way, and you do not want to overwhelm the natural broccoli flavor.
Cook. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, then add the seasoned broccoli to the basket and spread it into a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to ensure even cooking. The broccoli should be crispy and slightly charred around the edges. If you like extra crispy edges, cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
My favorite classic pairing is to serve broccoli with a juicy air fryer steak, marinated in garlic butter sauce.
For a lighter option, pair it with Air Fryer grilled salmon and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
As an appetizer, you can serve a crispy broccoli dish on its own or pair it with Homemade Chick-Fil-A dipping sauce or Chipotle mayo.
Air-Fried Broccoli Variations
Another option for cooking broccoli in the air fryer is to parboil it first. Boil the broccoli for 1-2 minutes until it just starts to turn tender, then put it in ice water -immediately to stop the cooking process. Pat the florets dry, then season with oil and seasoning and add them to the air fryer basket. This method results in perfectly cooked and tender broccoli with a crispy exterior.
For a crunchy air fryer broccoli twist, add breadcrumbs or parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.
Another fun option that my kids loved is to toss the broccoli in a buffalo or honey mustard sauce for a spicy or sweet twist.
In a bowl, mix melted butter, hot sauce, and garlic powder. Dip the broccoli florets in the sauce and put them in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes at 375°F, shaking the basket halfway through. Serve with ranch dressing.
Frequently Asked Qiestions
Can I cook Frozen Broccoli in the air fryer?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli from the freezer section of the supermarket. This type of frozen broccoli is partially cooked, or blanched. You don’t need to thaw the frozen broccoli to air fry it. Season with oil and seasoning and air fry for 10-12 minutes at 375°F, flipping each floret halfway.
How do I prevent broccoli from burning in the air fryer?
Check your broccoli frequently, especially if your air fryer tends to run hot. Cooking at 375°F instead of higher temperatures helps prevent burning while getting crispy edges.
Can I cook broccoli with other vegetables?
Absolutely! Pair broccoli with carrots, bell peppers, or cauliflower. Just ensure the vegetables are cut to similar sizes for even cooking. One of my favorites is Air Fryer Mushrooms and Broccoli.
How to store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover air-fried broccoli in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Or freeze it for up to 2 months. Re-crisp in the air fryer at 350°F 1-2 minutes per side to bring back the inner warmth and crispy exterior. It’ll regain some crispiness and taste freshly made.
How much oil should I use for air fryer broccoli?
You only need a small amount—about 1–2 tablespoons for 3–4 cups of broccoli. Too much oil can make the broccoli soggy instead of crispy.
Can I air fry broccoli without oil?
Yes! Broccoli can be air-fried without oil, but it may not be as crispy. For an oil-free option, spray lightly with water or use a non-stick cooking spray to help seasonings stick.
May I recommend some of my other favorite broccoli recipes?
- Air Fryer Broccoli Cheese Bites: These crispy, cheesy bites make the perfect snack or appetizer, packed with flavor and a hidden veggie boost.
- Air Fryer Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken: A delicious and healthy dinner option, this dish combines tender chicken with a savory broccoli and cheese filling.
- Creamy Broccoli Salad: This refreshing and easy-to-make salad pairs crisp broccoli with a creamy, tangy dressing for a yummy side dish or healthy meal on its own.
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Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 Medium Broccoli head cut into florets
- 1 Tablespoon Oil Olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 Teaspoon salt and pepper or to taste
- 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Seasoning I used Vegeta All-purpose seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon Grated Parmesan Cheese optional
Instructions
- Season. Toss the broccoli florets in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. I love to include garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. The key is not to overdo it- a little goes a long way, and you do not want to overwhelm the natural broccoli flavor. Use your hands to coat broccoli evenly. (You can use a zip lock bag or a plastic container to shake it for an even coating)
- Cook. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, then add the seasoned broccoli to the basket and spread it into a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking. The broccoli should be crispy and slightly charred around the edges.
- Sprinkle with a choice of Parmesan cheese, Minced Onion, minced garlic or Everything bagel seasoning blend.
Three different temps given in this post. Which is it: 275, 280 or 290?
Hello, Airfry setting guide 375F-390F. Please adjust as needed
Aromatic Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli is delish
Hi I’m wondering what kind of sauce is served with the broccoli recipe please ?? This looks great 😊
What is the dipping sauce
Homemade Chipotle Sauce dip
What temperature for the broccolu please.
Air fry in the preheated Air fryer for 10 minutes at 390°F (200°C), flipping halfway. I’m going to update the recipe card, thanks for letting me know
These sound fantastic! I have a bunch of frozen broccoli florets in the freezer. Would they work, and would I put them in frozen or thawed?
Frozen works too. I would defrost it for few minutes and then proceed with the recipe, oil and spice them up then send to AF. I would check on them and flip every 5 min