Roasted broccoli is easy to make in the air fryer in just 10 minutes! Perfect alongside just about any main course and easily customizable too, this nutritious veggie dish is also a hit with all types of eaters including the kiddos!
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Why you'll love this air fryer broccoli recipe
- Requiring just 2 ingredients (broccoli and olive oil) plus salt and pepper, this air fryer broccoli is quick and easy to make! In fact, it's ready in half the time of my oven-roasted broccoli and you don't have to heat up the oven or your house.
- Air frying the broccoli gives it the same crispy edges/tender middle as oven-roasting and brings out an amazing flavor you just can't get from steaming or sautéing.
- Air fried broccoli is perfect as a side with your favorite main course, mixed into pasta, or as a pizza topping!
- On its own, broccoli is low in calories but high in fiber. It's also a good source of vitamins and minerals such as folate, vitamin C and manganese.
How to make broccoli in an air fryer
Cut broccoli into florets of similar size.
Add broccoli florets to a mixing bowl and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper to combine.
If your air fryer has a separate elevated crisping tray or plate, be sure to insert it.
For example, my Ninja air fryer comes with a crisper plate that fits right into the basket.
Add the broccoli to the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 390° F for 7-10 minutes until desired crispiness is reached, shaking the basket every 2-3 minutes to prevent burning.
Tips
- Be sure the broccoli florets are similar in size as this will promote even cooking.
- The longer you cook the broccoli, the more crispy it will get. Just be aware that it can go from crispy to burnt very quickly.
- Smaller florets will take less time to cook and crisp up faster versus larger ones.
Storing and reheating
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftover broccoli will last for about 3-5 days.
The broccoli is best reheated in the air fryer at 350° F for a few minutes until hot. Just be sure to check it so that it doesn't burn.
Alternately, you can also microwave the leftovers but note that the broccoli will not be as crispy.
Variations
- Add a garlicky flavor by tossing the broccoli with garlic-infused oil or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder before cooking.
- Add a lemony flavor by tossing with lemon-infused olive oil before cooking or after cooking, squirt on some fresh lemon juice and sprinkle on some lemon zest.
- After cooking, top with some vegan Parmesan cheese, store-bought or this homemade pumpkin seed Parm. If you're not vegan or dairy-free, you can choose a dairy-based Parm instead.
- Pour on some vegan cheese sauce or vegan béchamel.
- For a hint of heat, try garnishing with some crushed red pepper flakes.
More air fried veggies
Air Fryer Broccoli
Ingredients
- 12-16 oz fresh broccoli florets, *similarly sized
- 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add broccoli florets to a mixing bowl and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper to combine.
- If your air fryer has a separate elevated crisping tray or plate, be sure to insert it. Add the broccoli to the air fryer basket. Air fry at 390° F for 7-10 minutes until desired crispiness is reached, shaking the basket every 2-3 minutes to prevent burning. Season with more salt if desired.
(Please refer to the post above for instructional photographs and other helpful information for this recipe)
Suggested Equipment/Tools
Notes
Nutrition
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Carol F.
Love the broccoli made this way.
Sherri Hall
Thanks Carol! So glad you enjoyed the broccoli! 🙂