This Air Fryer Broccoli gets both tender and crispy simultaneously. It’s incredibly simple and ready in just 10 minutes! We’ve been preparing it nightly, and my kids absolutely love it.
In This Post: Air Fryer Broccoli
The Only Broccoli Recipe I Make Anymore.
Honestly, we now have this every night.
The secret to this air fryer broccoli is the technique: it achieves both tender and crispy at once!
Broccoli made in the air fryer can sometimes come out dry and tough to chew. NOT ANYMORE! Here are the key tricks:
- A quick massage! Just as you would with kale. You’ll actually notice the broccoli’s color brighten. It’s like waking it up!
- Add a bit of water to the air fryer! This water creates a little steam chamber as the broccoli cooks, keeping it tender and fluffy while it also crisps up! I’m unusually excited about this whole idea!
This air fryer broccoli accompanies every meal we can think of. We’ve enjoyed it with Marry Me Chicken, Date Night Rigatoni, Tomato Soup with grilled cheese, and dipped into this A+ Gochujang Sauce. It also makes a fantastic side for the household favorites: Air Fryer Chicken, Air Fryer Tofu, and Air Fryer Salmon.
For those who love flavor (that’s me): I explored this with so many variations. I tested soy sauce, fresh and dried garlic, various spices, lemon, butter, and even a parmesan panko option. However, in a rare moment of minimalism, I found I preferred it in its purest form: simply salted, tender, and crispy.
The roasting brings out a rich, savory flavor that honestly makes it unnecessary to add anything else. Feel free to finish with parmesan, lemon, or a sauce – but in my opinion, the pre-roasted version stands well on its own!
I haven’t been this thrilled about a vegetable in ages. It’s a bit quirky.
I truly hope you enjoy it.
P.S. Don’t miss out on my list of all my favorite easy dinners!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Air Fryer Broccoli
What if I have an oven-style air fryer (not a basket model)?
Massage the water and oil into the broccoli florets in a separate bowl for a minute before transferring them to the tray. I liken this practice to “marinating” the broccoli with moisture. Even if it doesn’t fully absorb it, the broccoli will retain that moisture, ensuring tenderness during roasting.
How can I replicate this using the oven (without an air fryer)?
We are planning to test this and will update the information once we do! However, you might follow the same procedures as the air fryer method and simply roast in the oven. Stay tuned!
Which air fryer do you recommend?
My preferred air fryer is the Ninja Pro XL! (affiliate link) It’s particularly effective for this recipe due to its spacious basket, allowing for a single layer of broccoli.
Incredibly Delicious Air Fryer Broccoli
Total Time:
9 minutesYield:
2–4 servings 1x
Description
This Air Fryer Broccoli is tender and crispy at once. It’s incredibly simple and ready in only 10 minutes! We’ve been enjoying it every evening, and my kids absolutely adore it.
Ingredients
Scale
Instructions
- Prep The Broccoli: Place broccoli florets into the air fryer basket. Drizzle with oil. Break into smaller, bite-sized pieces and massage gently with the oil for approximately 30 seconds until the broccoli color becomes a brighter green. (This helps maintain tenderness).
- Add Water To Steam: Pour a tablespoon of water into the base of the air fryer basket. (The water will evaporate beneath the grates, producing steam while the broccoli roasts.)
- Cook: Air fry at 350 for 5 minutes; give it a gentle shake. It should look vibrant green, similar to steamed broccoli.
- Crisp It Up: Increase the temperature and air fry at 375 for another 2 minutes to achieve a toasty roast (as desired for crispness).
- Finish: You’re finished! Enjoy! I love it with a dipping sauce or just sprinkled with some Parmesan.
Notes
Each air fryer operates differently in terms of size and temperature settings. You may want to adjust the amounts used based on your air fryer’s capacity. I use this air fryer.
If the broccoli slightly overlaps in the basket initially, that’s fine – it will shrink enough to create a single layer during the final minutes of roasting.
If you’re not achieving enough crispiness at 375, increase the temperature to 390!
If you don’t own a basket-style air fryer, no worries! Massage the water and oil into the broccoli florets in a separate bowl for a minute before placing them on the tray. Think of it as “moisturizing” the broccoli. The broccoli will retain that moisture (even if it doesn’t fully absorb it) which helps maintain tenderness during roasting.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Side
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer broccoli, broccoli in the air fryer, broccoli recipe, roasted broccoli
Be Sure to Check Out My Top 3 Air Fryer Recipes!
# Perfectly Crunchy and Tasty Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
If you’re after a speedy, nutritious, and delicious method to cook broccoli, your search ends here with the air fryer! Air fryer broccoli serves as an ideal side dish—crispy on the outside, tender within, and bursting with flavor. Moreover, it requires just a few minutes to prepare and cook, making it a fantastic choice for hectic weeknights or meal prep.
This article will guide you step-by-step through the ultimate air fryer broccoli recipe, along with tips to ensure it turns out perfectly crunchy and tasty every single time.
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## **Why Choose an Air Fryer for Broccoli?**
Air frying is an excellent method for cooking vegetables, providing them with a crispy texture without needing excessive oil. Here are some reasons why you’ll enjoy making broccoli in the air fryer:
✔ **Crispy Texture** – The hot air circulation around the broccoli produces a crispy, roasted effect akin to oven-roasting but in less time.
✔ **Healthier Alternative** – Only a small amount of oil is required, making this a better option than deep-frying or pan-frying.
✔ **Quick and Convenient** – Air fryer broccoli cooks in merely **8-10 minutes**, significantly faster than oven roasting.
✔ **Versatile and Flavorful** – You can season it in a multitude of ways to complement your meal or suit your taste preferences.
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## **Ingredients for Air Fryer Broccoli**
To create perfectly crunchy and flavorful air fryer broccoli, you’ll need:
– **1 head of broccoli** (or about 4 cups of florets)
– **1-2 tablespoons olive oil** (or avocado oil)
– **½ teaspoon salt**
– **¼ teaspoon black pepper**
– **½ teaspoon garlic powder**
– **½ teaspoon onion powder**
– **¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes** (optional, for a hint of spice)
– **1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese** (optional, for added flavor)
– **Lemon wedges** (for serving, optional)
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli**
– Rinse and dry the broccoli thoroughly.
– Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, and if you’re using the stalk, peel and slice it thinly.
### **Step 2: Season the Broccoli**
– In a large bowl, mix the broccoli with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
– Ensure the broccoli is well-coated with the seasoning.
### **Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer**
– Set your air fryer to **375°F (190°C)** and preheat for around 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
### **Step 4: Air Fry the Broccoli**
– Place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding it to allow adequate air circulation.
– Cook at **375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes**, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to promote even crispiness.
### **Step 5: Add Parmesan and Serve**
– If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
– After cooking, remove from the air fryer and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top to enhance the flavor.
—
## **Tips for the Best Air Fryer Broccoli**
✔ **Avoid Overcrowding the Basket** – Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the broccoli crisps properly.
✔ **Opt for Fresh Broccoli** – While frozen broccoli can be used, fresh broccoli results in optimal crispiness. If using frozen, cook at a slightly lower temperature (350°F) and add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
✔ **Shake the Basket Midway** – This technique helps achieve even cooking and crispness.
✔ **Add Cheese at the End** – Cheese such as Parmesan should be added during the last 1-2 minutes to prevent burning.
✔ **Experiment with Seasonings** – Don’t hesitate to try adding smoked paprika, cumin, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a flavor twist.
—
## **Serving Suggestions**
Air fryer broccoli pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas:
– Serve it alongside **grilled chicken, steak, or salmon** for a nutritious meal.
– Mix it with **pasta and olive oil** for a quick, healthful dish.
– Incorporate into **grain bowls** with quinoa, chickpeas, and tahini sauce.
– Use it as a topping for **baked potatoes or pizza** to add extra crunch and nutrition.
—
## **Final Thoughts**
Air fryer broccoli is a revolutionary approach to creating quick, easy, and healthy side dishes.