Air fryer broccoli is so easy to make and can be flavored in any way you want. There is a trick to making broccoli tender without burning in the air fryer, which I’ll explain to you below. The result of this method is a tender inside with perfectly crispy edges that aren’t too overcooked.
Similar to our air fryer green beans, my favorite brussels sprouts, and air frying crispy baby potatoes, this recipe uses simple ingredients to make a delicious side dish.
By adding optional toppings like freshly squeezed lemon and parmesan cheese, you’ll love how simple and flavorful this air fried broccoli is.
Tender Broccoli In The Air Fryer
I’m a big fan of air frying side dishes for fast dinners. From crispy potatoes to delicious brussels sprouts, you can easily cook almost every vegetable in your air fryer!
Air fryer broccoli is no different! It’s super easy to get flavorful results. If you’re used to very boring broccoli, this recipe will surprise you.
By using a few simple spices, fresh squeezed lemon and parmesan, you’ll achieve delicious results without a lot of effort.
There is a bit of a trick to cooking broccoli in an air fryer. First, you need to cook it at a lower temperature. This helps to cook the broccoli stems through and create tender results. After that, the temperature is increased in order to get those perfect crispy veggies.
Recipe Ingredients
Broccoli can be seasoned with a variety of easy ingredients. Today we’re using a few of my favorites, but I’ve also included some other ideas you can try out.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe with full details in the recipe card at the bottom of this post:
BROCCOLI – Look for fresh broccoli crowns that are green and don’t have any brown spots on the outside of them. They want to feel fresh, not soft or mushy.
OLIVE OIL – I used olive oil for this recipe, but you could also use coconut oil, avocado oil or any cooking oil you have already at home. A small amount of oil is important to get those crispy edges.
SPICES – Garlic powder, salt and pepper add the perfect flavor. Feel free to add more or less depending on your preference.
Pro Tip: To save time, buy a bag of pre-cut frozen broccoli florets, and they’ll be ready to cook!
Toppings
These ingredients are optional but do add a lot of delicious flavors. Both are added after the broccoli is fully cooked.
LEMON – Once you learn this simple trick, you’ll never go back. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over top of your baked broccoli. It takes the flavor to the next level every time.
PARMESAN – Parmesan cheese is another secret ingredient that will make your broccoli go from good to amazing. But truthfully I feel like freshly grated parmesan cheese can do that with any meal.
What Should I Season Broccoli With?
- HOT SAUCE – Add your favorite hot sauce on top of the cooked broccoli.
- ONION POWDER – 1 tsp of onion powder can be added along with the other spices.
- LEMON ZEST – For even more citrus flavor sprinkle on some freshly grated lemon zest.
- RED CHILI FLAKES – A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a spicier kick.
- DRESSING – A drizzle of your favorite salad dressing is an easy way to jazz up the broccoli flavor.
How To Make Air Fryer Broccoli
Broccoli is so easy to make in the air fryer. Everything including prep time and cook time is all done in less than 12 minutes! It’s the perfect addition to any meal!
Here’s an overview of how to make it with more details in the recipe card at the bottom of this post:
- PREP – Wash the broccoli, cut off the stem, and cut it into small broccoli florets.
- SEASON – In a large bowl, add the broccoli florets. Drizzle the olive oil on top, and sprinkle the spices: garlic powder, salt and pepper. Toss the broccoli in the seasoning until all florets are evenly coated.
- HEAT – Preheat the air fryer to 320°F for 1-2 minutes. Once heated, add in the broccoli. Spread out into a single layer and cook for 6 minutes.
- INCREASE TEMP – Increase the temperature to 400°F and give the broccoli a quick toss in the air fryer basket. Cook broccoli for another 4-6 minutes, keeping an eye on this step as the broccoli will start to crispen up quickly.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the third step! Cooking at 320°F will result in more tender broccoli. If you heat it too fast, the outside will get crispy edges too quickly.
How To Store Leftovers
Leftover roasted broccoli is a great addition to lunches! Here’s how to store your broccoli:
- REFRIGERATE – Leftover broccoli can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- TO REHEAT – Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Drizzle more fresh lemon juice and parmesan just before serving.
What To Serve Broccoli With
This easy broccoli can be served with some of these delicious main dishes:
- Air Fryer Chicken
- Marinated Chicken Breasts
- Air Fryer Fish Sticks
- Brown Sugar Salmon
- Salmon Loaf
- Shrimp Marinades
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes absolutely. The broccoli will take longer to cook. Let it bake longer at 320°F so that it has had time to thaw and tenderize.
Broccoli will take about 10 minutes to bake all together. I recommend starting the temperature at 320°F and then switching to 400°F halfway through.
Broccoli tends to burn easier than other vegetables in the air fryer. This is why I recommend cooking at a lower temperature.
There is usually no need to spray the air fryer before cooking because it already has a nonstick coating.
Tips For Crispier Air Fryer Broccoli
- Cut your broccoli florets small and even. You don’t want big and small pieces because they will cook unevenly. Smaller florets will cook faster.
- Preheat your air fryer first. This will give you the best crispy broccoli.
- Pat the broccoli dry with a paper towel after washing to remove any excess moisture.
- Always toss the air fryer basket halfway through cooking. This will ensure more evenly cooked results.
- Check in the last couple of minutes to make sure it’s not overcooking. Every air fryer is different so it might take a little bit of practice to get used to your temperature and how it works.
- Broccoli is done when it’s crispy on the outside and tender when poked with a fork.
Air fryer broccoli couldn’t be easier to make. To get the best results, the trick is to start the temperature lower in order to get a tender inside, then turn up the heat to get those perfect crispy edges. With just a few simple spices and a bit of oil, you’ll be serving up this healthy side dish in no time.
More Air Fryer Recipes To Try
Now that you know this recipe, make sure to check out my other easy air fryer recipes. Here are some popular ones to get started with.
- Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Wings
Air Fryer Broccoli
Ingredients
- 12 oz broccoli florets - fresh or frozen broccoli
- 3 Tbsp olive oil - coconut oil or avocado oil
- ½ Tbsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- ½ of a freshly squeezed lemon
Instructions
- Wash and cut broccoli into small florets. In a large bowl combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Add broccoli to the bowl and toss together with the seasoning mixture until fully coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F for 2 minutes. Once heated, add in the broccoli and place in a single layer. Cook for 6 minutes.
- Once cooked, give the air fryer basket a quick toss, then increase the temperature to 400°F. Bake for another 4-5 minutes until broccoli is tender when poked with a fork with crisp edges.
- Remove and add to a serving plate. Season with more salt and pepper if needed. Drizzle with lemon juice, and parmesan cheese (optional). Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
- Cut your broccoli florets small and even. You don’t want big and small pieces because they will cook unevenly. Smaller florets will cook faster.
- Preheat your air fryer first. This will give you the best crispy broccoli.
- Pat the broccoli dry with a paper towel after washing to remove any excess moisture.
- Always toss the air fryer basket halfway through cooking. This will ensure more evenly cooked results.
- Check in the last couple of minutes to make sure it’s not overcooking. Every air fryer is different so it might take a little bit of practice to get used to your temperature and how it works.
- Broccoli is done when it’s crispy on the outside and tender when poked with a fork.