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.
Why You’ll Love Broccoli in the Air Fryer
The way we chowed down on this air fried broccoli reminded me of the way I felt the first time we tried Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.
How can a vegetable taste THIS GOOD?!
- Crispy Deliciousness. If you’re a fan of broccoli with dark crispy edges (like Grilled Broccoli), you’ll go crazy for it in the air fryer.
- Faster Cook Time. Thanks to the air fryer’s high-powered convection fan, it makes the food you cook in it wicked crispy in a fraction of the time. Plus unlike Roasted Broccoli, you don’t need to wait for the oven to preheat.
- Healthy. This mega crisp power makes the air fryer an excellent way to create healthy versions of deep-fried favorites, Air Fryer French Fries and Air Fryer Potato Chips being primo examples.
This full list of air fryer recipes includes everything we’ve tried in our air fryer so far, plus yummy main dishes too.
5 Star Review
“First time using my air fryer- the broccoli was perfect. Great recipe – will definitely use again!”
— Cheryl —
How to Cook Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli
Cooking perfect broccoli in the air fryer is quick, easy, and versatile!
The only hurdle is figuring out how to make the broccoli insides tender before the outsides burned.
The air fryer roasts the broccoli so quickly, my first few batches were black outside but still hard inside.
The answer: add water to the air fryer to help the broccoli steam as it cooks. Taa-daa! Water is how you keep broccoli from burning in your air fryer.
- You do not need to steam broccoli before air frying. Rather, add a few tablespoons of water to the air fryer prior to cooking. As the water evaporates, it will help the broccoli soften a little.
- Chop the broccoli florets SMALL (think broccoli bites). This will give the insides a chance to tenderize before the outsides completely char.
The Ingredients
- Broccoli. We’re going for crispy air fryer broccoli here! High in fiber, packed with vitamins, and low carb, broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse. Air frying is a healthy way to enjoy its nutrients and make it outrageously addictive. Can’t get enough broccoli? Check out Sautéed Broccoli.
- Olive Oil. While you can make air fryer broccoli with no oil, I find that the broccoli doesn’t caramelize quite as nicely, nor does it taste as satisfying. Fortunately, you only need a small amount of olive oil to ensure it cooks properly in the air fryer.
- Seasonings. Salt and pepper are the classic. I also like to add garlic powder for a little extra zip. Bonus: garlic powder won’t burn in the air fryer.
- Toppings! This broccoli is tasty just as it is, but there’s still room to gussy it up a bit to make it extra special. See below for topping ideas.
The Directions
- Chop. Be sure to cut the florets small.
- Preheat the Air Fryer. Add the broccoli and water.
- Cook and Toss. 8 to 12 minutes at 400 degrees F. Top as desired and ENJOY!
Recipe Variations
- Broccoli Parmesan. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan over the broccoli after air frying.
- Broccoli and Cheese. While the broccoli is hot, sprinkle on a few handfuls of a melty cheese, such as cheddar or gruyere.
- Lemony. Top the cooked broccoli with grated lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Spicy. After the broccoli is cooked, toss it with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Balsamic. Drizzle the cooked broccoli with balsamic glaze or aged balsamic vinegar.
- Breadcrumbs. Top your air fried broccoli with toasted breadcrumbs (be sure to try this Air Fryer Zucchini next; it has yummy breadcrumbs too).
- Asian-Inspired. Toss the cooked broccoli with the teriyaki sauce from my Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry recipe.
- Broccoli and Potatoes. For the perfect air fryer veggie combo, pair this broccoli with Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries or an Air Fryer Baked Potato.
Storage Tips
- To Store. Refrigerate the broccoli in an airtight storage container for up to 5 days.
- To Reheat. Rewarm the leftovers in the air fryer or on a baking sheet in a regular oven at 350 degrees F.
- To Freeze. While the broccoli will become mushy when frozen, it can be done! Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Leftover Ideas
Crispy broccoli leftovers make a tasty addition to pastas like this Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff and Penne Alla Vodka with Chicken, salads like Quinoa Chickpea Salad and Apple Walnut Salad, and even grilled cheese like the Roasted Broccoli Cauli Grilled Cheese in The Well Plated Cookbook.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Broccoli
- Salmon. It’s a classic pairing with broccoli. Try Baked Salmon, Grilled Salmon, or double up on the air frying with Air Fryer Salmon.
- Chicken Breast. For an ultra-healthy protein and veggie-packed dinner, enjoy Grilled Chicken Breast or Baked Chicken Thighs with your broccoli.
- Chicken Fingers. Kids will love this broccoli alongside my go-to crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe or Air Fryer Chicken Tenders.
- Meatballs. Make it Italian night with Chicken Meatballs or Turkey Meatballs.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Air Fryer. This is the model I own and love.
- Measuring Spoons. Easy to use and store magnetic measuring spoons.
- Good Quality Chef’s Knife. One of my most loved kitchen tools.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
The secret to great broccoli is to AVOID SOGGY BROCCOLI.
- Use a High Temperature. 400°F is the best temperature for air frying broccoli.
- 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.
- 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.
Air Fryer Broccoli
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
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 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 1/2 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
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Sign Me UpFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use avocado oil instead of olive oil if you prefer.
I like to add a little bit of sugar to my broccoli before air frying it to help with caramelization. If you’d prefer to not use the sugar, you can simply omit it. The broccoli will still be tasty!
Yes, this broccoli is still healthy and packed with nutrients. Since the air fryer requires less oil than other cooking methods, it’s a healthy alternative.
Yes! Chop the broccoli florets and store them in the refrigerator up to 2 days in advance.
More Yummy Roasted Vegetables
Roasted 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!