Here's a 10-minute recipe for crisp roasted broccoli using your air fryer. This perfectly roasted, nutritious vegetable is a great side for pasta, grilled meats, curries or to add to your salads, and comes together with just 5 ingredients!
Enjoy this budget-friendly and healthy side dish any night of the week!
According to my kids, I am among the limited edition of people who actually like to eat broccoli! I'm sure you can imagine my struggle to get them (and daddy) to eat this vegetable, except when it is roasted or grilled!
Oven roasted broccoli has been a regular side dish on our table since. A simple toss with oil and seasoning, then about 20 minutes in the oven results in perfectly roasted broccoli. And now, thanks to the air fryer that time is cut in a third!
This air fryer broccoli cooks in 5 minutes, which is perfect for weeknights. By the time I'm done warming dinner, crisp air fried broccoli gets done. It's a tasty vegetable side dish that's good for you. Scroll down to see some health benefits of air fried broccoli.
More broccoli recipes: You might enjoy this comforting Broccoli Cheddar Pasta. And if you're looking to steam it, here's an easy recipe for perfectly steamed Instant Pot Broccoli.
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Ingredients
Broccoli, oil and seasoning is all you need to make this budget-friendly side dish. Here's what you need for this air fryer broccoli recipe. See recipe card for quantities.
- Broccoli: We need about 2 medium heads of broccoli for this recipe cut into florets. Feel free to grab a bag of pre-washed broccoli florets to save time.
- Oil: We just need a tablespoon of oil for this recipe. I prefer to use olive oil or avocado oil. If you don't have either, feel to use any clear oil you have in your pantry.
- Seasoning: Salt, black pepper and a dash of garlic powder is all you need to flavor this vegetables. Optionally, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an added kick.
Seasoning variations: You can switch the seasoning to compliment your meal. Add a pinch of cumin and coriander to add an Indian touch. Toss with Italian Herb seasoning blend to pair with pasta. Add taco seasoning instead and enjoy with burrito, beans and rice.
How to Cook Broccoli in Air Fryer
With these step by step instructions, learn how to make the best, crispy air fryer broccoli in just 10 minutes. Let's get started!
Step 1: Cut broccoli head into medium-size florets
Here are the step by step directions for how to cut broccoli:
- Using a sharp knife, slice off the large stem that connects to the broccoli head. Cut the head in half across the middle (pic 1).
- Now cut it in quarters (pic 2).
- Now cut the stem that connects all the florets, at a 45 degrees angle(pic 3).
- Pull apart the florets with your hands. If you have large florets, cut them in half (Pic 4).
Step 2: Season Broccoli
- Rinse broccoli florets just before cooking as that prevents it from burning. Gently shake off the excess water.
- Transfer broccoli florets to a mixing bowl. Add oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder. If adding parmesan cheese, add now. Toss well until all broccoli florets are coated with seasoning.
Step 3: Air Fry Broccoli
- Spread the broccoli in the fryer basket, in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to do this 2 batches. Push the basket in place.
- Air fry at 360°F for 3-5 minutes, until the broccoli is roasted to your liking. The air fryer will take a couple of minutes to preheat, then start cooking. For crispier broccoli air fryer another 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle a dash of lemon juice. Sprinkle chili flakes on top for garnish, if desired.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli in Air Fryer?
Although fresh broccoli is idea for air frying, you can use frozen broccoli in the air fryer, if that's what you have on hand. Toss the frozen broccoli with oil and seasoning and air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes. Do keep in mind that broccoli will not get as crisp as compared to fresh.
Alternate Method: Oven Roasted Broccoli
- Preheat the oven at 425°F.
- Follow the steps for preparing and seasoning the broccoli florets.
- Spread evenly on an aluminum lined baking sheet and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until it crisps to your liking.
- Garnish with lemon juice and red pepper flakes and serve immediately.
How to Store and Re-heat
You can store leftover roasted broccoli in an air tight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days. To reheat, either microwave it for a minute, or air fry it at 350°F for 1-2 minutes.
Serving Suggestion
Pair this air fryer broccoli with pasta dishes, like Penne Alla Vodka, Creamy mushroom pasta or Pesto Tortellini.
Or, cook with Indian spices and enjoy as a side with Chana Dal, Dal tadka, Tandoori Chicken or this spicy Keema Curry.
Alternatively, this roasted broccoli can be added to enhance these asian flavored curries, like Panang Curry, Massaman Curry or Red Curry.
Is Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli Healthy?
Absolutely! Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli is a great low calorie, low carb side dish. 1 cup of air fryer broccoli contains 61 calories, 6 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, and 3 grams of protein.
Broccoli is packed with fiber, vitamins and other nutrients. Here are just a few of the many health benefits associated with eating broccoli:
- Broccoli has been shown to help lower bad cholesterol, thus reducing risk of heart disease and cancer.
- Beta carotene in broccoli can boost eyesight, especially in people with low vitamin A intake. It also contains other nutrients that can help reduce the risk of age-related eye problems.
- One cup of broccoli contains about 10% of the daily value of fiber, which is great for gut health and can help with weight loss.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Rinse broccoli just before roasting so it retains some moisture. That prevents it from burning while air frying.
- Cut the florets about the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Use dry seasoning, like garlic powder and dried herbs instead of fresh to prevent burning in the air fryer.
- For even cooking, spread the broccoli in a single layer in the fryer basket/tray. Air fry in 2-3 batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- For roasting broccoli in the oven, season and cook in a preheated oven at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, or until crisp to your liking.
- If using frozen broccoli, toss it with oil and seasoning. Air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes. Keep in mind though that the broccoli will not get as crisp as compared to fresh roasted broccoli.
Common Questions
To make your broccoli extra crispy, air fry for another 1-2 minutes at 360°F.
Roasted broccoli tastes best right away. However, you can make it ahead of time, just know that it won't stay crispy. Just before serving, re-heat by air frying at 350°F for 1-2 minutes.
More Air Fryer Vegetables
Roasting vegetables in the air fryer is an easy and healthy way to enjoy seasonal veggies. Checkout the entire range of Air Fryer Vegetables, or other Air Fryer recipes including appetizers, entrees and desserts. Here are some popular recipes on the blog:
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz broccoli florets about 2 broccoli heads
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder optional
Optional Ingredients
- 2-3 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese optional
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) for garnish
- ½-1 teaspoon lemon juice for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse broccoli florets just before cooking as that prevents it from burning. Shake off the excess water.
- Transfer broccoli florets to a mixing bowl. Add oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder. If adding parmesan cheese, add now. Toss well until all broccoli florets are coated with seasoning.
- Spread the broccoli in the fryer basket, in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to do this 2 batches. Push the basket in place.
- Air fry at 360°F for 3-5 minutes, until the broccoli is roasted to your liking. The air fryer will take a couple of minutes to preheat, then start cooking. For crispier broccoli air fryer another 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle a dash of lemon juice. Sprinkle chili flakes on top for garnish, if desired.
Notes
- Rinse broccoli just before roasting as that prevents it from burning while air frying.
- Cut the florets about the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Use dry seasoning, like garlic powder and dried herbs instead of fresh to prevent burning in the air fryer.
- For even cooking, spread the broccoli in a single layer in the fryer basket/tray. Air fry in 2-3 batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- For roasting broccoli in the oven, season and cook in a preheated oven at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, or until crisp to your liking.
- If using frozen broccoli, toss it with oil and seasoning. Air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes. Keep in mind though that the broccoli will not get as crisp as compared to fresh roasted broccoli.
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