Air Fryer Broccoli

Looking for a fast, healthy, and incredibly tasty side dish? This Air Fryer Broccoli recipe is your new go-to! With just a handful of ingredients and under 15 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have crispy, tender broccoli that’s perfectly seasoned and totally addictive. It’s great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a healthy snack.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Without the Oil – Enjoy that roasted texture and flavor without deep frying.
Super Quick – From prep to plate in just 15 minutes.
Perfectly Seasoned – Garlic, lemon, and a little spice take this broccoli to the next level.
Family Friendly – Even picky eaters love the crunch!
Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch and store for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Broccoli:

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
• 1½ tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional for depth)
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Juice of ½ a lemon (plus extra wedges for serving)

Optional Toppings:

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (dairy or vegan)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds or chopped almonds for crunch

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs or a spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Microplane or zester (for lemon zest)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli florets.
2. Cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
3. Add the florets to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Season the Broccoli
4. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
5. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon.
6. Toss well until all the pieces are evenly coated.

Step 3: Preheat and Load the Air Fryer
7. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
8. Place the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).

Step 4: Cook Until Crispy
9. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.
10. Check doneness—broccoli should be crisp on the edges and tender inside.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
11. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest if using.
12. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
13. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli

Don’t Overcrowd – Spread the florets out to allow proper air circulation and crispiness.
Adjust Cook Time – Smaller florets cook faster; check around 8 minutes to avoid burning.
Customize Seasonings – Try curry powder, taco seasoning, or Italian herbs for different flavor twists.
Use Fresh Broccoli – While frozen can work, fresh yields the best crispy results.
Add Cheese Last Minute – Sprinkle cheese right after cooking so it melts slightly but doesn’t burn.

Serving Suggestions

Main Dish Pairings:

• Grilled chicken or salmon
• Air-fried tofu or tempeh
• Pasta with creamy or pesto sauce
• Quinoa or brown rice bowls

Side Dish Combos:

• With sweet potato wedges or roasted carrots
• Next to mac and cheese for a balanced plate
• Added to a grain salad with vinaigrette

Snack Idea:

• Eat cold or warm dipped in your favorite sauces like hummus, ranch, or yogurt dip.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
• Oven: 10 minutes at 375°F on a baking sheet.
• Microwave: For a softer texture, microwave on high for 1 minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat it dry before air frying for best results.

2. How do I keep broccoli from burning?
Don’t cook at too high a temperature and check frequently after 8 minutes. Also, avoid using too little oil—it helps prevent burning.

3. Can I make this without oil?
Yes, but the texture will be less crispy. Use a cooking spray or coat lightly with vegetable broth instead.

4. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! Just skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based version.

5. Can I double the batch?
Absolutely—just cook in multiple batches so the florets have enough space to crisp up.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Broccoli recipe is a healthy game-changer—quick to make, delightfully crispy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for an easy side dish or a fun way to eat more greens, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s family-friendly, endlessly customizable, and totally addictive.

Try it once, and it might just become your favorite way to cook broccoli. Let us know how it turned out in the comments and tag your photos online—we’d love to see your creations!

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 120 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 280mg

Print