If you love to pluck the darkest, crispiest veggies right from the pan, Air Fryer Broccoli is for you! Deeply charred and ultra crispy, this is broccoli at its most addictive, with very little oil required. Ready in just 15 minutes!
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Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
- Crispy Deliciousness. If you’re a fan of broccoli with dark crispy edges (like Grilled Broccoli), you’ll go crazy for this air fryer broccoli recipe. It’s the best!
- Faster Cook Time. Thanks to the air fryer’s high-powered convection fan, it makes food wicked crispy in a fraction of the time—just 10 minutes! Plus unlike Roasted Broccoli, you don’t need to wait for the oven to preheat.
- Healthy. This mega crisping power makes the air fryer an excellent way to make this air fryer broccoli super crispy and delicious without having to add a lot of oil.
5 Star Review
“First time using my air fryer- the broccoli was perfect. Great recipe – will definitely use again!”
— Cheryl —
How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli
The Directions
- Chop. Cut the broccoli florets SMALL (think broccoli bites). This will give the insides a chance to tenderize before the outsides completely char.
- Preheat the Air Fryer. Add the broccoli and water.
- Cook and Toss. Air fry broccoli for 8 to 12 minutes at 400 degrees F. Top as desired and ENJOY!
Recipe Variations
- Make It Cheesy. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan over the broccoli after air frying, or sprinkle on a few handfuls of a melty cheese, such as cheddar or gruyere.
- Add Some Citrus Flavor. Top the cooked broccoli with grated lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Give It a Kick. After the broccoli is cooked, toss it with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Add Balsamic Vinegar. Drizzle the cooked broccoli with balsamic glaze or aged balsamic vinegar.
- Make a Crispy Topping. Top with toasted breadcrumbs (be sure to try this Air Fryer Zucchini next; it has yummy breadcrumbs too).
What to Serve with Air Fryer Broccoli
- Salmon. It’s a classic pairing with broccoli. Try Baked Salmon or double up on the air frying with Air Fryer Salmon.
- Chicken. For an ultra-healthy protein and veggie-packed dinner, enjoy Grilled Chicken Breast or Baked Chicken Thighs with your broccoli, or go for kid-friendly Air Fryer Chicken Tenders.
- Meatballs. Make it Italian night with Air Fryer Meatballs.
- Other Air Fryer Vegetables. Mix your broccoli with a batch of Air Fryer Cauliflower for more variety.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Do Not Crowd the Basket. If you try to cook too much broccoli at once, it will steam and become soggy. Cook the broccoli in batches, making sure it’s in a single layer.
- Add the Water. Do it! It’s how you get the broccoli to soften on the inside before the outsides burn. I know it’s not in every air fryer broccoli recipe, but it’s my secret to success.
- Shake the Broccoli a Few Times. This will make sure it cooks evenly.
- Expect al Dente. Air fryer vegetables are more firm than their roasted or sauteed counter parts. If you’d like your broccoli softer, you can par-cook it, then blot dry before air frying.
- Tweak It for Frozen Broccoli. Like this Roasted Frozen Broccoli, it doesn’t become *as* crisp as fresh broccoli, but it’s still tasty. Add the frozen broccoli florets to the air fryer at 400 degrees F and air fry for 5 minutes (this will allow the broccoli to thaw a bit and the seasonings to stick). Remove the florets to a mixing bowl and toss them with the oil and seasonings, then return to the air fryer and cook 6 to 10 additional minutes, tossing a few times throughout, until it is crisped to your liking.
Air Fryer Broccoli
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
I've got the secret for air fryer broccoli that's tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Just 15 minutes and this easy side is done!
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Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli florets cut into small, evenly sized pieces (about 4 to 5 cups florets, 2 small heads, or 2 pounds with stalks attached)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon granulated sugar optional; helps with caramelization
- 2 tablespoons water
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest from about 1 medium lemon
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice about ½ medium lemon
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Place the florets in a mixing bowl and top with the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and sugar. Toss to coat, making sure to rub the florets evenly with the oil and spices to prevent burning.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F according to the manufacturer’s instructions (for my air fryer that is 3 minutes preheat time).
- Add the water to the bottom of the air fryer (it will hiss and splatter). Add the broccoli (if adding toppings, keep the bowl handy and don’t wash it yet). Let cook for 4 minutes.
- Remove the basket and with tongs, toss the broccoli. Return it to the air fryer and continue cooking for 4 to 8 additional minutes, until crispy outside and tender when pieced with a fork. The cook time will vary based on your air fryer, so keep an eye on it and toss the broccoli every few minutes to promote even crisping.
- Serve immediately, or if adding toppings, transfer the broccoli back to the mixing bowl. Top with the lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, and/or red pepper flakes. Stir to coat. Serve hot.
Video
Notes
- TO STORE. Refrigerate the broccoli for up to 5 days.
- TO REHEAT. Rewarm the broccoli in the air fryer or a regular oven at 350 degrees F.
- TO COOK FROZEN BROCCOLI IN THE AIR FRYER: Add the frozen broccoli florets to the air fryer and air fry for 5 minutes (this will allow the broccoli to thaw a bit and the seasonings to stick). Remove them to the bowl, then toss with the oil and seasonings. Return to the air fryer and cook 6 to 10 additional minutes, tossing a few times throughout, until it is crisped to your liking.
Nutrition
Serving: 1of 3Calories: 152kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 6gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 3mgPotassium: 494mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gCalcium: 111mgIron: 1mg
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Sign Me UpMore Yummy Air Fryer Vegetables
Air fryer vegetables are a great way to get your healthy servings. Even picky eaters approve!
1st time using my air fryer- the broccoli was perfect. Followed the recipe exactly including the toppings at the end. I have a Pampered Chef Air Fryer-did 4 minutes, tossed then 4 more minutes. Great recipe-will definitely use again!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Cheryl! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
I have an air fryer in my stove. Should I put a pan of water under the broccoli? I’m assuming m cooking the broccoli on the center rack?
Thanks!
Arlene
Hi Arlene, it sounds like a good starting point. If you decide to try it this way, let us know how it goes!