Air Fried Broccoli
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Need a quick and easy way to make roasted broccoli? Make this Air Fryer Broccoli that’s ready in less than 15 minutes! It’s a healthy and quick side dish with only five ingredients, so it’s perfect to make during the weeknights.

Depending on what we’re having for dinner, it’s always nice to have a healthy vegetable as a side dish and roasted vegetables are always great. But I don’t always want to turn on the oven or wait 30 minutes for a side dish to be done. So, hello air fryer! Or, I should say, hello super easy air fryer broccoli!
This is the easiest way to roast broccoli! I love my air fryer for so many reasons. It really is a fast, healthy and easy way to prepare a side dish. The broccoli gets nice and crispy and it only takes 15 minutes from start to finish!
Why You’ll Love this recipe
- When you cook broccoli in the air fryer, it has the same texture as oven-roasted versions but cooks in no time at all. So much faster and you won’t ever end up with soggy broccoli.
- This recipe only has five simple ingredients, so it’s a quick and easy side dish perfect for busy weeknights.
- Air fried broccoli is a great healthy side dish, yet it lacks nothing in flavor! So tasty and flavorful.
Reader Love
What a delicious way to eat broccoli!! I really like how crispy it is!! I could eat it this way everyday!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Broccoli
- Olive Oil – You only need one teaspoon of olive oil to make this yummy dish! Air-frying broccoli only requires a little bit of oil and makes for the best simple and healthy side dish.
- Broccoli – Chop up fresh broccoli florets or grab prepared florets from the grocery store to make this side dish prep really easy.
- Seasoning – A mixture of garlic powder, black pepper and salt gives these air fryer vegetables the perfect light seasoning.
What else can I add to air fryer broccoli?
I love this recipe just as it is with salt, pepper and garlic powder, but you can definitely dress up your broccoli after it’s cooked! Here are some ideas:
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top right before you serve it. Don’t add too much – you don’t want it soggy – but a couple squeezes is great.
- Toss it with some grated Parmesan cheese.
- Red pepper flakes can add a nice little bit of heat to your tender broccoli.
- Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs over the top like chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives!
Can I cook frozen broccoli in the air fryer?
Yes! The water in frozen broccoli will also prevent the air fryer from smoking, so that’s an added benefit.
Helpful Tools
Can I air fry broccoli without oil?
Yes, you can air fry broccoli without using any oil. I do recommend using it because the oil will add a nice flavor and help to crisp up the broccoli.
How to air fry broccoli
- Add the broccoli to a large bowl with the oil and seasonings and then toss to coat.
- Place the broccoli in your air fryer basket and close it. Set the temperature to 390 degrees and cook it for 7 to 9 minutes.
- When it comes out of the air fryer it’s crispy, caramelized and so delicious! Serve immediately and enjoy.
How can I prevent the Air Fryer from smoking?
Add a tablespoon of water to the air fryer pan to help prevent it from smoking. This also keep your broccoli nice and moist and also will help keep the broccoli florets from burning.
How much broccoli can I put into my air fryer?
We recommend no more than 4 cups so the air can circulate around the broccoli and roast it. If you have too much it will steam the broccoli instead of roasting it. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the veggies in batches so that you don’t overload the basket.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover air fried broccoli in a shallow dish with an airtight cover. Place in the fridge and store for up to 5 days. I do not recommend freezing leftovers since the broccoli could be pretty soggy after being thawed and reheated.
To reheat the leftover air fried broccoli place it back in the air fryer and cook it at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes until heated through. This will maintain the delicious crispy broccoli you want.
Pro Tips
- Make sure you use a high heat oil to prevent any smoking while the broccoli cooks!
- Try to chop all the florets into similarly sized chunks. This will ensure all of the broccoli finishes cooking at the same time.
- You can always add some more seasoning once the broccoli is cooked. Give it a taste and then feel free to add some extra seasoning as needed.
Air fried broccoli is so easy, you’ll be making it every week! Perfectly tender and crispy and with so much flavor, this will be your new favorite way to cook broccoli.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli about 1 lb, trimmed into florets
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl combine all ingredients. Toss until the broccoli is evenly coated.
- Add the broccoli to the Air Fryer basket, then close and set to 390 degrees for 7-9 minutes or until it’s to “roasted” level you prefer.
Tips
- Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in microwave in a microwave safe dish or oven on sheet pan.
- Best enjoyed freshly made, leftovers tend to get soggy, but you could warm them up in the air fryer!
- Squeeze some lemon juice over the top right before you serve it. Don’t add too much – you don’t want it soggy – but a couple squeezes is great.
- Toss it with some grated Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs over the top like chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives!
Nutrition Information
what to serve with air fryer broccoli
This is such a delicious and healthy side dish and it goes with so many main dishes! Need some ideas? Pair it with some of these easy dinners:
- Meatballs and Gravy
- Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
- Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes
- Baked Pork Chops and Rice
You really can’t go wrong with this easy recipe! Whenever I need a last-minute side dish Air Fryer Broccoli is my go-to!
More Easy Side Dish Recipes!
- Glazed carrots are a quick and easy side that is great for holidays or weeknight dinners!
- My crock pot baked potatoes are so easy and you don’t have to crank up the oven to make them!
- Creamed peas are a classic side dish that are so easy to make!
- Air fryer asparagus is perfectly roasted in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven. The best way to enjoy fresh asparagus!
Deb says
Should the airfryer be preheated?
Sarah Hill says
Preheating ensures even cooking and gives your food a crispy exterior. It also reduces cooking time, making it more energy efficient.
Tricia says
Can this be done using frozen broccoli?
Julie says
I haven’t tried it with frozen broccoli, you could certainly try it!
Stephanie says
Excellent flavor and super easy…great recipe!
Julie says
So glad you loved it!
Kristyn says
What a delicious way to eat broccoli!! I really like how crispy it is!! I could eat it this way everyday!
Julie says
Same here! Even the kids loved it! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Suzy says
I love using my air fryer! These broccoli came out so crispy and delicious!
Julie says
We LOVE our air fryer! I’m so glad you enjoyed these!
Alisha says
I already love broccoli so this will be a great time saver for me.
Julie says
Yes! The air fryer is an amazing tool!