Air fryer broccoli delivers crispy, flavorful florets in about 10 minutes. This easy recipe uses just fresh broccoli, a little olive oil, and a simple garlic-salt-pepper seasoning. It’s a quick low-carb side that pairs well with many meals and is a great way to get kids and family to enjoy vegetables.
I love using the air fryer for vegetables. Brussels sprouts and cauliflower are also excellent when air-fried. The method is the same: toss with oil and seasoning, then roast until crisp-tender.
What you need to make Broccoli in the Air Fryer
This recipe requires only three staple ingredients:
- Broccoli: Use a fresh head of broccoli and cut it into bite-sized florets. Frozen broccoli can also be used, but fresh gives a crisper result.
- Olive oil: A few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to lightly coat the florets.
- Seasoning: A simple blend of garlic, salt, and pepper works beautifully; use your preferred all-purpose seasoning if desired.
How to Cook Broccoli in the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer before you start so it’s ready once the broccoli is seasoned. Chop the broccoli into even, bite-sized florets. Place them in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, add your seasoning, and toss until evenly coated.
Transfer the seasoned broccoli to the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer if possible. Air fry for 3–4 minutes, then pause and toss or flip the florets so a new side faces the heat. Cook another 3–4 minutes and check for tenderness and crisp edges. If needed, air fry an extra minute or two until the broccoli reaches your preferred level of crispness.
Tips for Making Vegetables in the Air Fryer
- Adjust temperature by appliance. Air fryers vary. If yours runs hot or the heating element sits close to the basket, reduce the temperature slightly. For many models, 360°F works well; higher temps can scorch small florets quickly.
- Watch oil smoke point. Extra virgin olive oil smokes between roughly 325–375°F, so keep temperatures moderate. If you prefer to cook at a higher temperature, use a higher smoke point oil such as vegetable or avocado oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Crowding reduces airflow and prevents even crisping. Work in batches if you have a lot of broccoli.
Air Fryer Recipes
An air fryer is great for quick sides and snacks, from vegetables to reheating pizza. A few popular air fryer options include pizza bites, Brussels sprouts, honey mustard chicken legs, and mini beef tacos.
Air Fryer Broccoli
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic, salt, and pepper blend (or to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (adjust based on your model).
- Cut the broccoli into even pieces and place in a bowl. Toss with the oil and seasoning until evenly coated.
- Place broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer if possible. Cook 3–4 minutes, then shake or stir so new sides face the heat.
- Cook another 3–4 minutes. Check for desired tenderness and crisped edges; cook an additional minute or two if needed.
Nutrition
Shared on Meal Plan Monday