Name: Air Fryer Broccoli
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 3 Broccoli Crowns; 2 Tbsp Olive Oil; 1 Tsp Black Pepper; 1 Tsp Salt

Jump to Recipe

In this post: Air fryer-broccoli is a simple side dish that can be added to many different meals. The recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and can be made in minutes.

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side dish, look no further than air fryer broccoli! This simple recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any occasion. Learn how to make air fryer broccoli with step-by-step instructions below!

Air fryer broccoli speared on a fork over a white bowl also filled with broccoli.

Table of Contents

Why You Will Love This Broccoli Side Dish

This air fryer broccoli recipe:

is quick and easy to make
doesn’t require complicated instructions or hard-to-find ingredients
is totally diet and allergy-friendly

Why Use an Air Fryer

Air fryers cook food with heated air instead of oil. This allows you to fry or bake items without using a bunch of oil. Air fryers are great for producing healthier versions of fried dishes, like this air fryer broccoli!

Broccoli florets, olive oil, and salt and pepper in their respective glass bowls.

Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe Ingredients

Broccoli crown: sometimes called a broccoli head.
Olive oil: you can use other vegetable oils like avocado oil, etc.
Black pepper: adds a smokey, spicy flavor.
Sea salt: a seasoning that complements almost any food.

How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli

Cut the broccoli crowns down to bite size pieces (called broccoli florets) using kitchen scissors or a knife.
Place the broccoli in a large bowl. Drizzle the broccoli with oil and cover with salt and pepper.
Shake the broccoli around in the bowl to get a nice coating.
Put the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees for 8 minutes.
Toss the broccoli well and cook for another 8 minutes.
Let them cool a bit and serve!

Variations + Seasoning Tips

Veggies: try using cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, and more along with or instead of broccoli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the texture of the veggies you decide to use!
Seasoning: add lemon juice, garlic powder, thyme, red pepper flakes, cumin, dill, or one of our spice mixes!
Cheese: try melted cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or even a cheese sauce.
As an ingredient: add this broccoli to recipes like Homemade Hamburger Helper and Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry.

Air fryer broccoli in a white and gray striped bowl.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Pre-cut broccoli works just as well as fresh broccoli, and it saves you time!
Feel free to add more seasoning to the broccoli or none at all. This is just a great starting point if you are new to air-frying veggies.
It’s important you toss the broccoli halfway through so it cooks evenly.
You can adjust the cooking time based on your preferences for the texture of the broccoli (tender, crispy, etc.).

Serving Suggestions

This air fryer broccoli recipe goes great with dishes like:

Detailed closeup of broccoli made in the air fryer.

FAQs

How long should I cook broccoli in the air fryer?

You should follow the instructions included in whatever recipe you’re following! This recipe recommends cooking fresh broccoli for 16 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Monitor your food as it cooks and adjust cooking time accordingly.

What’s the best way to season air fryer broccoli?

The best way to season roasted broccoli is with homemade spice mixes like:

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe! However, you may want to thaw your broccoli and pat dry of excess water before seasoning it.

Can I make air fryer broccoli ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Let the cooked broccoli cool, pack it in an airtight container, and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350F for a couple of minutes.

Can I skip the oil?

Skipping the oil is not a good idea. Your broccoli will turn out dry and limp. Using oils like olive oil and avocado oil will add healthy fats to your dish, so don’t be afraid to use them!

Why does broccoli burn in the air fryer?

This may sound obvious, but your broccoli could be burning because you’re cooking it for too long. If you are cooking it for the time the recipe calls for and it’s still burning, you can try reducing the cooking time – some brands and models of air fryers may cook at slightly different speeds than others.

Should I preheat my air fryer?

No, the air fryer heats up well enough without preheating.

Is air fryer broccoli still healthy?

Absolutely! The oil in this recipe adds great healthy fats. Plus, broccoli itself is packed with great vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants!

How to Store

In the fridge: let the broccoli cool, place it in an airtight container, and store it for 3-4 days.

In the freezer: store the cooled broccoli in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

To reheat: (if frozen, thaw and pat dry broccoli) heat in the air fryer at 350F for a couple of minutes. Check on the broccoli often so it doesn’t burn.

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