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Home Blog Cooking Method Air Fryer Air Fryer Side Dishes

The Best Air Fryer Broccoli

Cheryl Malik
Cheryl Malik Posted: 12/20/21 Updated: 03/09/23
4.80
/5
12 Comments
Jump to Recipe
DF Dairy Free GF Gluten Free K Keto LC Low Carb P Paleo V Vegan VG Vegetarian 30 Whole30

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Pin graphic for air fryer broccoli
Pin graphic for air fryer broccoli
Pin graphic for air fryer broccoli
Pin graphic for air fryer broccoli
Pin graphic for air fryer broccoli
Pin graphic for air fryer broccoli
Pin graphic for air fryer broccoli
Pin graphic for air fryer broccoli
Pin graphic for air fryer broccoli
Pin graphic for air fryer broccoli
Pin graphic for air fryer broccoli
Pin graphic for air fryer broccoli
Pin graphic for air fryer broccoli
Pin graphic for air fryer broccoli
Pin graphic for air fryer broccoli
Pin graphic for air fryer broccoli
Pin graphic for air fryer broccoli

This air fryer broccoli is simply the best! Using a special but easy method to get the broccoli tender without being burnt, like so many other air fryer broccoli recipes, this side dish is just like a delicious oven-roasted broccoli but in a fraction of the time.

Overhead, closeup view of air fryer broccoli on a white plate

What Makes This Recipe So Good

  • Air fryer broccoli is so simple, and it gives you incredibly crisp, flavorful broccoli florets in just 10 minutes! I use a two-temperature cooking method that ensures the broccoli is delightfully tender while also being super crisp.
  • You can easily double or triple this recipe for even more perfect broccoli. Just work in batches as needed so you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
  • This side dish is super versatile and it pairs well with a variety of recipes! I’ll make a quick batch of air fryer broccoli anytime we’re having Marry Me Chicken, Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms, Filet Mignon with Garlic Herb Compound Butter, Blackened Salmon… anything, really!

My Favorite Broccoli Recipes

Sauteed Broccoli

Instant Pot Broccoli with an Easy Lemon Butter Sauce

Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup

See More

Key Ingredients

Broccoli Florets – Use evenly-sized florets so they cook evenly. The smaller they are, the crispier they’ll get. I prefer fresh broccoli here, but you could also use frozen – just thaw it overnight in the fridge first, and make sure to dry it really well.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – The trick to really, really crispy broccoli florets is to coat the broccoli in a little oil! I like to use EVOO here but avocado oil would also work. You want to be extra sure to work the oil into the crowns of the broccoli so everything crisps evenly.

Seasonings – Nice and simple, we’re using salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. The garlic powder is nice because it coats the broccoli well and it won’t burn in the air fryer like garlic cloves can. If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes go really well with air fryer broccoli!

Chef’s Tips

  • The two-temperature method fixes the problem of getting overly crispy broccoli that’s not tender. You might be tempted to stick with just one temperature for the whole cooking process but I really recommend following the method I used here for the best air fryer broccoli EVER!
  • If you’re using frozen broccoli florets and want to cook them straight out of the freezer rather than waiting for them to thaw, start with them in the air fryer. At the 6-minute mark, when you turn up the heat, that’s when you’ll toss them in your oil & seasoning mixture and return them to the air fryer. That way the seasoning can really coat them – and stick. You may need to cook the from-frozen broccoli a few minutes longer to get the florets really crispy.
  • Adding parmesan? Be sure to sprinkle it over the florets as soon as they come out of the air fryer. Since they’ll still be hot, the cheese will melt a little, and it’s just delicious. Use a fresh parmesan that you grate yourself, rather than the pre-packaged grated cheese. The fresh cheese melts better and doesn’t have the additional fillers that the pre-packaged stuff has.
Overhead view of air fryer broccoli on a plate with dipping sauce

Other Air Fryer Veggies You Have to Try

  • Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
  • Air Fryer Asparagus
  • Roasted Air Fryer Carrots
  • Air Fryer Cauliflower with Lemon-Garlic Aioli
  • Air Fryer Baked Potato

Hey – you’ve made it this far, so now we’re basically best friends! If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below. Make sure you follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook, too!

Overhead view of air fryer broccoli on a plate
4.80 from 5 votes

The Best Air Fryer Broccoli

Prep:10 minutes minutes
Cook:10 minutes minutes
Total:20 minutes minutes
This air fryer broccoli is simply the best! Using a special but easy method to get the broccoli tender without being burnt, like so many other air fryer broccoli recipes, this side dish is just like a delicious oven-roasted broccoli but in a fraction of the time.
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4 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fresh broccoli florets dried well
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • zest of 1 lemon optional, for garnish
  • freshly grated parmesan cheese optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Large bowl (or zippered plastic bag)

Instructions 

  • Preheat air fryer to 320° Fahrenheit. In large bowl or bag, combine broccoli florets, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat broccoli well, making sure to work oil into crowns of broccoli to ensure they crisp well.
    Broccoli in a glass bowl next to an air fryer
  • Place seasoned broccoli florets in air fryer basket in one flat layer. Place in air fryer and cook at 320° for 6 minutes.
  • After 6 minutes, increase air fryer temperature to 400° Fahrenheit. Cook broccoli at 400° for 3 to 4 minutes or until florets are crispy on edges. Remove broccoli from air fryer, garnish with lemon zest and grated parmesan if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

  • The two-temperature method fixes the problem of getting overly crispy broccoli that’s not tender. You might be tempted to stick with just one temperature for the whole cooking process but I really recommend following the method I used here for the best air fryer broccoli EVER!
  • Parmesan: Totally optional, but I love cheesy broccoli so I had to recommend it! If you’re paleo, on a Whole30, or vegan/dairy-free, skip the parm or use an appropriate substitute.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1serving, Calories: 91kcal, Protein: 2g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 174mg, Potassium: 271mg, Total Carbs: 6g, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 1g, Net Carbs: 4g, Vitamin A: 530IU, Vitamin C: 76mg, Calcium: 40mg, Iron: 1mg

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

 

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

 

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

© Author: Cheryl Malik

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Cheryl Malik

Meet Cheryl Malik

Cheryl Malik is the recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind the healthy, flavorful, family friendly recipes at 40 Aprons. She's been a blogger for 10+ years and is known for her delicious recipes and detailed recipe instructions. Cheryl is a mom of three who lives in Memphis, TN.

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  1. Julie says

    Posted on 8/27/23 at 6:39 pm

    Great results every time! I love roasted broccoli and this recipe is done so fast. Not too charred or undercooked. I use precut and washed organic broccoli for a quick weeknight side.5 stars

    Reply
    • Megan | 40 Aprons TeamMegan | 40 Aprons Team says

      Posted on 8/30/23 at 9:10 pm

      Thank you, Julie!

      Reply
  2. Kristina says

    Posted on 6/15/23 at 4:40 pm

    It took way longer to cook than stated. The stems were still so hard.4 stars

    Reply
    • Jessica | 40 Aprons Team says

      Posted on 7/20/23 at 11:10 am

      Hi, Kristina! I’m so sorry to hear this, and would love to troubleshoot it with you! Did you preheat your air fryer to 320° Fahrenheit? After the 6 minutes of cook time at 320°, did you increase the air fryer temperature to 400° Fahrenheit and cook for 3 to 4 minutes? Let me know if I can help!

      Reply
  3. Mary says

    Posted on 2/25/23 at 5:36 pm

    Delish way to cook broccoli. Perfect crunch.5 stars

    Reply
    • Jessica | 40 Aprons Team says

      Posted on 2/27/23 at 8:30 am

      We agree! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Angie says

    Posted on 2/19/23 at 11:56 pm

    Exactly the flavor I was going for. Thanks for the simple, yet delicious recipe!5 stars

    Reply
    • Jessica | 40 Aprons Team says

      Posted on 2/23/23 at 10:24 am

      So glad you enjoyed it, Angie!

      Reply
  5. Jenifer says

    Posted on 1/27/23 at 8:27 pm

    I usually don’t like broccoli, but this was delicious! Will definitely be pinning and making again.5 stars

    Reply
    • Molly | 40 Aprons TeamMolly | 40 Aprons Team says

      Posted on 1/30/23 at 4:07 pm

      So happy to hear it, Jenifer! Thanks so much for the review!

      Reply
  6. Paula says

    Posted on 12/16/22 at 6:48 pm

    I cut this recipe in 1/2. Used 6 oz of broccoli instead of 12 oz. It totally burned. Should I have cut the cooking time in 1/2? I am new to air fryer cooking. Thanks

    Reply
    • Molly | 40 Aprons TeamMolly | 40 Aprons Team says

      Posted on 12/19/22 at 3:54 pm

      Hi Paula, sorry to hear about the burning! If the amount of broccoli was halved, then yes, the time should definitely be lessened. The 6 minute cook time was based off of 12 ounces of broccoli. You could try 3 minutes next time!

      Reply

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