Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this air fryer broccoli turns out perfectly every time—crisp-tender, slightly charred, and bursting with flavor. It’s way faster than oven roasting and doesn’t heat up my kitchen. Plus, it’s super customizable. I can keep it simple or add cheese, lemon, or spices to switch up the flavor. It’s great as a snack, side, or tossed into salads and grain bowls.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Broccoli florets

• Olive oil

• Garlic powder

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Optional: parmesan cheese, lemon juice, red pepper flakes

Directions

1. I preheat my air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. I toss the broccoli florets in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.

3. I spread the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd.

4. I cook the broccoli for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping.

5. Once they’re browned and crispy at the edges, I remove the broccoli and optionally sprinkle with parmesan or a squeeze of lemon before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 3 to 4 people as a side. It takes about 5 minutes to prep and 8–10 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in just 15 minutes or less.

Variations

Sometimes I add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a spicy kick. A drizzle of balsamic glaze at the end gives it a sweet-savory finish. I’ve also tossed the broccoli in grated parmesan or nutritional yeast before cooking for an extra flavor boost.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes. That way, they crisp back up. I avoid microwaving them if I want to keep the edges crispy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in the air fryer?

Yes, I can, but I make sure to thaw and pat it dry first. Otherwise, it can turn out soggy instead of crisp.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating helps the broccoli start crisping up immediately, so I usually do it for best results.

How do I make the broccoli extra crispy?

I avoid overcrowding the basket and make sure the florets are coated evenly in oil. A higher temperature or slightly longer cook time also helps crisp them up more.

Can I cook other veggies with the broccoli?

Absolutely. I sometimes add cauliflower, carrots, or bell peppers—just cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, it is, as long as I skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.

Conclusion

Air fryer broccoli is one of the easiest and tastiest ways I’ve found to enjoy my greens. It’s fast, versatile, and delivers that perfect mix of tender and crispy. Whether I’m making a quick weeknight side or need something to round out a meal, this recipe always comes through.