Cooking Broccoli In Air Fryer

Air fryer roasted broccoli florets in a brown bowl

Pinterest collage for air fryer broccoli. Top a brown bowl of air fryer roasted broccoli florets, bottom roasted broccoli in a black air fryer basket

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 quick, healthy 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 nice. BUT… I don't always want to turn on the oven or wait 30 minutes for it to be done or use a bunch of oil. 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's a fast, healthy and easy way to prepare a side dish. The broccoli gets nice and crispy and it only takes 15 minutes start to finish!

Did you know an air fryer is basically a countertop convection oven? Well, it mimics one in the way it cooks food! It doesn't actually "fry", but instead pushes hot air around the ingredients to cook them. This gives whatever you're cooking a crispy exterior like you get when you fry things but without all the oil.

If you've been looking for a new way to use your air fryer I think you'll love this recipe. You'll want to have this crispy broccoli as a side dish every night!

Why This Recipe Works!

When you cook broccoli in the air fryer, it has the same texture as oven-roasted versions but cooks in no time at all and you don't have to coat the vegetables in a lot of oil. You also don't end up with soggy broccoli which can happen in the oven sometimes.
It only has five ingredients so it's a quick and easy side dish perfect for busy weeknights.
It's healthy, yet has a delicious flavor from the roasting that happens in the Air Fryer!

It's crispy and so delicious every time! Once you try it you have to try my roasted sweet potatoes in the air fryer, too.

Wood background with ingredients to make air fryer broccoli

Only 5 Ingredients!

Seasonings – A mixture of garlic powder, pepper and salt gives it the perfect light seasoning.
Olive Oil – Only one tsp is required! You get crispy, roasted broccoli with minimal oil in the air fryer.
Broccoli – Chop up florets or grab already prepared florets to make it really easy.

2 Steps to Prepare

Toss – To make it, the first thing you want to do is coat the broccoli in the oil, salt, pepper and garlic pepper
Air Fry – Place it in your air fryer basket and close it. Set the temperature to 390 degrees and cook it for 7 to 9 minutes.

Collage of two images to make air fry broccoli

When it comes out of the air fryer it's so crispy and caramelized and so delicious!

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! The water in frozen broccoli will also prevent the air fryer from smoking so that's an added benefit

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.

Optional Mix Ins to Give it More Flavor!

I love it 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:

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!

I usually only make enough for one meal because the leftovers will get soft as they sit in the refrigerator. They still taste good, but I like it best when it's hot and crispy from the air fryer!

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

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

Once you try this broccoli be sure to check out some of my other 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!

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▢ 4 c. fresh broccoli about 1 lb, trimmed into florets
▢ 1 Tbsp olive oil
▢ ⅛ tsp kosher salt
▢ ⅛ tsp black pepper
▢ ⅛ tsp garlic powder

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.

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!

Ways to Dress it Up

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!

Calories: 112 kcal (6%) , Carbohydrates: 16 g (5%) , Protein: 7 g (14%) , Fat: 4 g (6%) , Saturated Fat: 1 g (6%) , Sodium: 151 mg (7%) , Potassium: 748 mg (21%) , Fiber: 6 g (25%) , Sugar: 4 g (4%) , Vitamin A: 1474 IU (29%) , Vitamin C: 211 mg (256%) , Calcium: 111 mg (11%) , Iron: 2 mg (11%)

I'm here to help you win in the kitchen again! Life is Busy, Life is Crazy, but that doesn't mean you can't make your family dinner! Julie's goal is to provide you with easy, family, friendly recipes that use pantry staples. Dinnertime will be stress free again!