Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (2024)

This Air Fryer Broccoli recipe cooks in just 6 minutes. Tender with roasted edges, it tastes just like oven roasted broccoli in a fraction of the time.

Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (1)

In This Article

  • Video: Watch Us Make This Recipe
  • Air Fryer Broccoli
  • What You’ll Love
  • Key Recipe Ingredients
  • Super Easy Instructions
  • Pro Tips For Success
  • What to Serve With Air Fryer Broccoli
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Did you make this?
  • Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
  • More to Cook and Eat

Video: Watch Us Make This Recipe

Air Fryer Broccoli

If you love roasted vegetables, this air fryer broccoli recipe was destined to meet you. It tastes just like your classic roasted broccoli but with much less elbow grease. Once you try this recipe, you may never go back to oven roasted broccoli.

We’ve been making Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables for years, and its savory flavors never disappoint. While the oven is unparalleled for a large batch diversity of vegetables, the air fryer works wonders for super quick broccoli florets that taste like they’ve been oven roasted. Serve it up with all your favorite dishes such as this easy salmon recipe.

Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (2)

What You’ll Love

  • Super Easy: With just a handful of simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this air fryer broccoli is easy to make on any busy weeknight.
  • Really Fast: With your air fryer set at 400F, it takes just 6 minutes of cook time.
  • Roasted Flavors: Air fryer broccoli tastes like oven roasted broccoli, in a fraction of the time.
  • Kids Will Eat it: With its lightly crisp edges and delicious flavor, the whole family will actually eat their broccoli.

Key Recipe Ingredients

Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (3)
  • Fresh Broccoli Florets: Use fresh and not frozen broccoli florets. Be sure to cut/tear them into very small even pieces.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use 2 TB oil or enough to lightly coat the broccoli.
  • Seasonings: We use garlic powder and onion powder in place of minced garlic and chopped onion, as the powder seasonings won’t burn in the air fryer.
  • Garnishes: Feel free to serve air fryer broccoli with fresh lemon slices or a sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Super Easy Instructions

Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (4)
Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (5)
Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (6)
  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl; toss well to fully incorporate seasonings into the broccoli florets.
  2. Pour a tablespoon of water into the bottom of air fryer pan – this small but important step prevents burning and smoking.
  3. Add broccoli mixture evenly into the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd – ensure broccoli is arranged in a single layer. Set to 400F for 6 minutes. Immediately remove basket.
  4. Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh lemon juice or freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips For Success

Here are a few tips to ensure that the best air fryer broccoli emerges from your air fryer in just 6 short minutes:

  • Use broccoli florets that are cut/torn into roughly even-sized, very small pieces. Think mini-florets. Your broccoli will come out with a soft, tender texture and nicely roasted edges.
  • Toss the broccoli florets together with seasonings (olive oil, garlic and onion powders, kosher salt, and black pepper) in a bowl prior to transferring to air fryer basket. This allows all the nooks and crannies of the air fryer broccoli will be packed with flavor.
  • We use powdered garlic and onion in lieu of freshly chopped, as the powdered seasonings are much less likely to burn. Powdered seasonings also get into the nooks and crannies of the roasted broccoli florets perfectly.
  • Add just a bit (one tablespoon) of water to the bottom of the air fryer; this helps keep air fryer broccoli tender and prevents burning.
  • Use at least a 6-quart air fryer or larger, for feeding a family.
Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (7)

What to Serve With Air Fryer Broccoli

Air fryer broccoli is typically served as a side dish. Here are delicious ways you can pair it up:

  • Grains: We suggest serving air fryer broccoli with whole grains such as Instant Pot Brown Rice or a quinoa recipe.
  • Proteins: Air fryer broccoli is delicious when paired with grilled chicken, sauté shrimp, or Teriyaki beef.
  • Potatoes: We love a side of Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you put a bit of water on the bottom of the air fryer pan?

A tablespoon of water helps prevent burning of the broccoli and prevents unwanted smoking of air fryer.

Can I make air fryer broccoli ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe can be made a couple of hours in advance, though it tastes best when served right away.

Why does it sometimes take the broccoli longer to cook?

If it takes broccoli longer than 6 minutes to cook, it could be due to overcrowding of the pan or the size of the broccoli florets. Be sure to cut/tear the florets into very small pieces so they’ll cook faster.

Can I add other vegetables to the broccoli?

This recipe is best adapted for broccoli florets, but you can replace half of it with small pieces of cauliflower if you’d like.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

We recommend using only fresh broccoli florets with this recipe, as frozen broccoli contains too much excess water content.

Did you make this?

Please give us a rating and comment below. We love hearing from you!

Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (8)

Air Fryer Broccoli

Print Pin Save

This Air Fryer Broccoli recipe cooks in just 6 minutes. It’s tender with deliciously roasted flavors. You’ve got to try it to believe it.

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 6 minutes mins

Total Time: 11 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Amy Dong

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Season: Combine all ingredients in a bowl; toss well to fully incorporate seasonings into the broccoli florets

  • Prepare pan: Pour 1 TB water into the bottom of air fryer pan (this helps prevent contents from smoking.)

  • Cook: Add broccoli mixture evenly into the air fryer basket. Set to 400F for 6 minutes. Once timer goes off, immediately remove basket and serve.

    Optional: sprinkle with a dash of fresh lemon juice or freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Equipment

Notes

  • Try these air fryer french fries for a crispy, healthier french fries on the side.
  • Air fryer chicken wings are amazingly crisp, and takes less time than the oven.
  • Use broccoli florets that are cut/torn into roughly even-sized, very small pieces. Think mini-florets. Your broccoli will come out with a soft, tender texture and nicely roasted edges.
  • We use powdered garlic and onionin lieu of freshly chopped, as the powdered seasonings are much less likely to burn.
  • Toss the broccoli florets together with seasonings in a bowl prior to transferring to air fryer basket. This allows all the nooks and crannies of the air fryer broccoli will be packed with flavor.

    If you enjoyed this dish, please come back and give it a rating. We ❤️ hearing from you.

    Join ourFree Recipe Cluband get our newest, best recipes each week!

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutrition (per serving)

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 101mg | Potassium: 273mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 530IU | Vitamin C: 76mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg

    Course: Side Dish

    Cuisine: American

    Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian

    Method: air fryer

    More to Cook and Eat

    • Air Fryer French Fries, Extra Crispy – you can enjoy crispy, delicious french fries that you feel great about.
    • Air Fryer Chicken Wings – Extra Crispy – the family and all the friends love these crispy air fryer chicken wings! They’re so good, you can eat them with or without the sauce.
    • Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash – always one of our reader favorites, for good reason. Butternut squash has never tasted so incredible.
    • Garlic Herb Roasted Baby Potatoes – these potatoes are lightly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, and totally packed with flavor.
    • 5-Minute Garlic Rosemary Roasted Cashews – these are an amazing healthy snack; we have them on hand for parties and pantry alike.
    Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    Why does my broccoli always burn in the air fryer? ›

    Always cook broccoli in a single, even layer inside the air fryer basket; cook in batches, if needed. If broccoli is over-crowded, it won't roast evenly. Add just a bit (one tablespoon) of water to the bottom of the air fryer; this helps keep air fryer broccoli tender and prevents burning.

    Why are my vegetables not crispy from the air fryer? ›

    Overcrowding the basket will cause the vegetables to steam, not brown. Only add as many as will fit in a single layer. Then, air fry the vegetables at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender and browned. Toss halfway through the cooking time so that they brown evenly.

    Does air frying broccoli lose nutrients? ›

    Because cooking in the oven and air frying utilize similar heating techniques (i.e., hot air), food will generally end up with the same nutrient profile regardless of the appliance you choose. However, any time a food is cooked, its composition changes, and inflammatory compounds can form.

    Should I boil broccoli before frying? ›

    Broccoli does NOT requiring boiling before sautéing or stir-frying IF you implement the steaming method. Trapping hot air in the pan is what helps soften the broccoli so it doesn't just appear cooked on the outside.

    Why shouldn't you air fry broccoli? ›

    Some vegetables, such as brussels sprouts, are good at retaining moisture, so crisp up well in an air fryer. Broccoli, however, can dry out and become chewy and bitter. Roasting is usually a better way to get crunchy, crispy broccoli florets, which you can do in an oven or an air fryer that has an oven extension.

    What should I season broccoli with? ›

    Sautéed Broccoli Serving Suggestions

    The lemon and garlic in this recipe give the sautéed broccoli a bright, fresh flavor, but if you want to punch it up more, drizzle on some vegan ranch, tahini dressing, or lemon vinaigrette. Some everything bagel seasoning or grated Parmesan cheese would be a yummy topping too.

    What is the trick to getting things extra crispy with an air fryer? ›

    2. Make Sure Your Food Is Dry. Especially if you're frying a recipe with a marinade, make sure you pat your food dry before putting it in the fryer. The drier your food is when it goes in, the crispier it'll be when it comes out.

    Why are people getting rid of air fryers? ›

    Summary. In conclusion, while air fryers offer certain benefits such as reduced calorie intake and faster cooking times, they are not without their limitations. Size constraints, limited cooking options, and concerns about crispiness are driving some people to look for alternatives.

    What food cannot be cooked in an airfryer? ›

    7 Foods You Should Never Cook In Your Air Fryer
    • Wet Batters. Those beer-battered onion rings, fries, fish cutlets, plus tempura veggies and more are not well suited for a crisp in the air fryer. ...
    • Cheesy Items. ...
    • Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts. ...
    • Baked Goods. ...
    • Greens. ...
    • Raw Rice and Other Grains. ...
    • Too Much of Anything.
    Apr 14, 2023

    What is the negative side effect of an air fryer? ›

    Potential Weight Gain: Overconsumption of air-fried foods, despite their lower fat content, can still contribute to weight gain due to calorie-dense preparations. Carcinogen Production: Certain cooking oils and high-temperature cooking in air fryers can produce carcinogenic compounds, posing long-term health risks.

    Do air fryers create age's? ›

    Interestingly, the researchers found that air frying and panfrying created similar amounts of AGEs to begin with — but as the cooking time increased, air frying created more AGEs. So, does this mean that panfrying is better than air frying? Not necessarily.

    What is the best way to cook broccoli without losing nutrients? ›

    Stir-frying and stir-frying/boiling, the two most popular methods for most homemade dishes in China, cause great losses of chlorophyll, soluble protein, soluble sugar, vitamin C, and glucosinolates, but the steaming method appears the best in retention of the nutrients in cooking broccoli.

    How do Chinese restaurants get broccoli so crispy? ›

    The Chinese broccoli needs to cook as fast as possible, so that the nutrients and color don't have as much opportunity to leach out into the water. It's best to start with as much boiling water as you can. Restaurants serve amazingly green and crunchy Chinese broccoli because they use huge amounts of boiling water.

    Which cooking technique gives the best results when cooking broccoli? ›

    The easiest way to cook broccoli is to blanch it. Blanching is a process in which the broccoli is submerged in boiling water for only a few minutes, then transferred into an ice bath to keep it from overcooking and turning mushy. The broccoli florets will turn a vibrant shade of green and maintain a much-needed crunch.

    What do you soak broccoli in before cooking? ›

    Nope, not those commercial produce washes; the USDA actually advises against using those. Instead, use a pantry staple: vinegar. Fill a large bowl with 2 ⅔ cups cold or warm water and ⅓ cup white vinegar. Allow it to soak for 2 minutes, then dump the broccoli into a colander.

    How do you keep vegetables from burning in an air fryer? ›

    That's because these mini convection ovens rely on a constant flow of air to move the high-temp heat around the food for all-over crispness. To minimise the chance of food burning, make sure there are at least five inches of space on all sides.

    How do you keep broccoli from burning? ›

    The tender, fuzzy “tree” tips of roasted broccoli florets are the most delicious, but they are also quick to burn. Make sure the florets are well-coated with olive oil to keep this from happening. Don't Crowd the Pan. If the florets are too close, they will steam instead of roast.

    How do I keep my air fryer from burning food? ›

    Don't assume that the conventional oven cook time and temperature is the same for an air fryer. Cooking time in an air fryer depends on the amount of food in the basket and the size of the air fryer. To ensure you don't burn anything, make sure to keep an eye on food as it cooks and adjust your recipe accordingly.

    Why did my air fryer burn my food? ›

    When using an air fryer, you need to know how long it will take for your food to cook. Leaving it in for just a bit too long can cause it to start to get a bit too crispy or even burn. When your food burns, it can catch on fire especially if you are using a piece of parchment paper underneath.

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Francesca Jacobs Ret

    Last Updated:

    Views: 5814

    Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

    Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Francesca Jacobs Ret

    Birthday: 1996-12-09

    Address: Apt. 141 1406 Mitch Summit, New Teganshire, UT 82655-0699

    Phone: +2296092334654

    Job: Technology Architect

    Hobby: Snowboarding, Scouting, Foreign language learning, Dowsing, Baton twirling, Sculpting, Cabaret

    Introduction: My name is Francesca Jacobs Ret, I am a innocent, super, beautiful, charming, lucky, gentle, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.