Air Fryer Broccoli

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.

If you want to experiment with more simple air fryer recipes, you might also enjoy air-fried salmon and Brussel sprouts, chicken breast, or tofu!

Simple vegetable sides are a constant on my dinner table and now that I have an air fryer crispy, ‘roasted’ results can happen in a fraction of the time. This air fryer broccoli is tender in the middle and crisp outside with a caramelized depth of flavor, and takes just 10 minutes to air fry!

Even better, unlike ‘regular’ boiled/steamed broccoli, which is divisive, this crispy air fryer roasted broccoli is child (and husband) approved. This is excellent news considering broccoli is loaded with nutrients, totally mom win!

Want to try more simple, healthy recipes where broccoli is the star? You might enjoy this healthy broccoli cheese soup, chicken and broccoli stir fry, healthy broccoli salad, or sauteed garlic broccoli with tomatoes!

Why Make Broccoli in Air Fryer?

Ready in under 15 minutes: A few minutes prep, 10 minutes in air fryer and it’s a low effort, no fuss, last minute side!
Nutritious: Broccoli is loaded with fiber, vitamins C and K, iron, folate, potassium, and tons of antioxidants.
Crispy: Get roasted broccoli results in a fraction of the time!
Minimal ingredients: Broccoli, oil, and a handful of seasonings are all you need.
Use fresh or frozen broccoli: Just adjust the time accordingly.
Super versatile: Swap out the seasonings each time and serve with almost anything!
Perfectly cooked: Slightly tender with an al dente bite in the middle with lightly roasted, crispy edges.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Broccoli

Broccoli: You can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets (no need to thaw, but increase the cooking time accordingly).
Oil: I use a combination of extra-virgin olive oil and toasted sesame oil (feel free to omit the latter for additional olive oil) for a combination of heart-healthy fats and flavor.
Seasonings: I used a simple combination of garlic powder (fresh garlic may burn), salt and black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (or cayenne pepper) to make this incredibly air fried broccoli.

Keep reading below (after the recipe how to) for more information on any add-ins and recipe variations!

air fried broccoli ingredients seasonings and oil with broccoli florets

How to Make Broccoli in Air Fryer

Prepare the broccoli: First, preheat the air fryer to 300F/150C. Then, wash, drain, and chop the broccoli into even sized florets and transfer them to a large mixing bowl
Season it: Drizzle the broccoli with the oils and toss to coat. Then add all the seasonings and toss again.
Air fry the broccoli: Transfer the broccoli to your air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and cook for 10 minutes, shaking once at the 5 minute mark. Then serve (read below for my top recommendations).

If you’re making a large portion and need to cook it in batches, you can quickly reheat earlier batches (together) for a minute or two before serving.

Optional Add-In’s and Variations

The options for seasoning and flavoring air fryer roasted broccoli is practically endless. Here are just a few of my top recommendations.

Lemon: 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.
Parmesan cheese: Ad 1-2 tbsp freshly grated parmesan (or nutritional yeast if vegan) over the broccoli after air frying for a cheesy twist.
Smoked paprika: Add a pinch to the base seasoning for additional flavor, like I do with air fryer shrimp.
Lemon mustard: Refer to this air fried salmon and Brussel sprouts for a simple lemon mustard glaze.
Balsamic: Drizzle the roasted broccoli with a high quality balsamic glaze.
Seasoning blends: You can also experiment with other seasoning blends, like:
- Italian seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- Taco seasoning
- Curry powder or Garam Masala
- Lemon herb seasoning
- Chili lime (Tajin)
Fresh herbs: Top the air fryer roasted broccoli with fresh chopped herbs like parsley, chives, cilantro, etc.

You could also add or substitute the broccoli with other veggies, such as cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, asparagus, or bell peppers!

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 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.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can add the broccoli to the air fryer from frozen and cook for longer. I recommend first checking at 13 minutes, but it could take up to 22-25 minutes, shaking every 6-8 minutes. It won’t become quite as crispy but is still delicious.

Do I lose any nutrients from air frying broccoli?

Any cooking method will lose some nutrients. However, this air fryer broccoli recipe relies on air circulating the food, so should retain more nutrients over options that have the food come in contact with a direct heat source (like frying, boiling, etc.)

Can I reheat steamed broccoli in an air fryer?

Absolutely (and also oven-roasted broccoli). Just cook it for 3-4 minutes at 375F to gently reheat the broccoli. This method will be less ‘soggy’ than microwaving it.

Can I air fry broccoli without oil?

Technically, yes. Though it won’t become quite as crisp on the edges. I recommend using at least a light spritz of cooking spray to encourage crisping.

What kind of air fryer do I use?

I use a large 8 quart Cosori air fryer. If yours is smaller, you can cook the broccoli in batches.

How can I prevent the air fryer from smoking?

Add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer. This will help reduce smoke AND yield more tender air fryer roasted broccoli.

Can I make roasted broccoli in the oven?

Of course, though, it will take longer. I recommend preheating the oven to 425F/220C. Roast the seasoned/oiled broccoli florets in a single layer for 18-22 minutes, flipping/stirring halfway.

air fryer broccoli garnished with red pepper flakes

What To Serve With Broccoli Air Fryer?

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:

Meat: This air fried broccoli will make a great side for all sorts of chicken dishes (like orange chicken, air fryer chicken wings, or roasted chicken breast), Instant Pot pot roast, braised short ribs, Instant Pot pork chops, etc.
Seafood: Like this baked or grilled salmon or air fryer shrimp.
Grains: Like this and brown rice or quinoa. Low-carb cauliflower rice would also pair well. You could also pair it with fried rice or grain bowls like black bean quinoa casserole, Mediterranean quinoa salad or southwest quinoa salad.
Potatoes: Air fryer broccoli pairs well with most potato dishes. i.e., mashed potato (or low-carb cauliflower mash), potato wedges, scalloped potatoes, a potato casserole, baked potatoes, etc.
Pasta: Serve alongside simple pasta dishes like healthy mac and cheese .
Salads: You can add the air fryer broccoli, either warm or chilled leftovers, to leafy green salads.

How to Store Air Fried Broccoli?

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 leftover air fried broccoli in an airtight container for up to four 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. However, if you want to try, I recommend freezing for up to 4 months in a Ziplock bag.

Reheat: Pop the broccoli back in the air fryer at 300F/150C for a few minutes (usually 3-4) until warmed through.

More Healthy Sides To Try