Air fryer broccoli is a healthy side dish you can whip up in a fraction of the time! That’s right! In just 10 minutes this broccoli turns ultra-crispy,

Air fryer broccoli in an air fryer basket

Air fryer broccoli is a surefire way to ensure you get vegetables on the table, no matter how strapped you are for time. In just 10, short minutes, this broccoli comes out as juicy and crispy as it would have if you roasted it in the oven.

What’s better? There’s no need to use a ton of oil in the air fryer. Just a couple of tablespoons of olive oil will do the trick. Now that’s healthy eating…

Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or planning to add crispy broccoli to your favorite pasta dish, this recipe will soon become your go-to. Grab a head of broccoli and let’s get started!

Ingredients for the air fryer broccoli

How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli

Air fryer broccoli takes only 5 ingredients and three easy steps to make. Below, find a quick rundown of the recipe.

  • Season the Broccoli: Grab a large bowl and pop broccoli florets inside. Toss the broccoli with seasoning and oil, evenly coating each floret.
  • Place Broccoli in Air Fryer Tray: Place broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  • Air Fry and Serve: Air fry for 8-10 minutes at 370°F, flipping halfway through. Enjoy!

Hot Tip: Uplevel the broccoli by adding freshly grated parmesan cheese in the last 4 minutes of air frying. Hello, cheesy crust!

Looking for an air fryer? Right now, I’m obsessed with my COSORI Air Fryer Max XL. It has 13 different presets and a tray big enough to feed 3-5 people. It’s perfect for a meal prep pro or a family of four.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Broccoli

Below, find a couple of tips to help you make the best air fryer broccoli.

  • Slice your florets into equal-sized pieces. To promote even cooking, slice your florets into as equal-sized pieces as possible. If you want to cut a corner, you can find pre-cut florets in the refrigerated aisle of the produce section.
  • Switch up the seasoning. Branch out from garlic powder, salt, and pepper and add any dry seasoning you like. Cumin, red chili flakes, and Italian seasoning are all great options. You could even squeeze lemon juice on top of your florets for a pop of citrusy flavor.
  • Use a bowl to season broccoli. Instead of seasoning broccoli directly on the air fryer tray, season it in a bowl first. This allows you to toss the broccoli in the oil and seasonings and distribute it more evenly, coating all the nooks and crannies of each floret.
  • Serve broccoli fresh. Air-fried broccoli is best served fresh. If you let it sit too long, it will lose its crispiness and turn a bit soggy.
  • Add a tablespoon of water for more tender broccoli. If you like broccoli to be a bit more on the tender side, add a tablespoon of water to the air fryer to help it steam.

Fresh Broccoli vs. Frozen Broccoli: It’s best to use fresh broccoli in the air fryer. While you can air fry frozen broccoli, it won’t get as crispy due to its higher moisture content.

Serving Air Fryer Broccoli

Serve air fryer broccoli anywhere you would serve oven roasted broccoli. Add it to a heaping bowl of shrimp fettuccine alfredo or pair it with a leg of lamb for a healthy dinner. You could even use cold leftover air fryer broccoli as a substitute to raw in our broccoli cauliflower salad – it will add such a nice touch!

Storing Air Fryer Broccoli

  • Refrigerating: Store air fryer broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep fresh for up to a week when stored properly.
  • Freezing: Freezing your air fryer broccoli is not a good idea. It doesn’t tend to reheat well and turns out mushy.

Reheating Tip: Pop the broccoli back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to make it crispy again. You could also reheat it in the microwave.

Broccoli on a plate with a fork

FAQ

Is broccoli good in the air fryer?

Broccoli is wonderful in the air fryer. It gets super crispy super fast.

Do you steam broccoli before air frying?

There’s no need to steam your broccoli before air frying it. If you like broccoli a little more on the tender side, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the fryer to create a steaming effect.

Can you air fry frozen broccoli?

You can air fryer frozen broccoli, but it won’t turn out as crispy. Use fresh broccoli whenever you can.

Can you put aluminum foil in the air fryer?

You can, but it’s not necessary. Aluminum foil can actually prevent the hot air from circulating, causing uneven cooking.

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About Author

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Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.