This Air Fryer Broccoli is wonderfully tender and crisp at the same moment. It’s super simple and ready in just 10 minutes! We’ve been preparing it nightly, and my children absolutely love it.
In This Post: Air Fryer Broccoli
Watch How To Make This Air Fryer Broccoli
The Only Broccoli I Make Now.
Honestly, we whip this up almost every night lately.
The secret to this incredible air fryer broccoli lies in the technique: it achieves both tenderness and crunch simultaneously!
Air fryer broccoli can turn out dry and tough to chew. NOT ANYMORE, FRIEND! Here’s what makes a difference:
- A quick massage! Just like with kale. You’ll actually see the broccoli’s color brighten. You’re giving it a wake-up call!
- A splash of water! This water generates a steaming effect while roasting, keeping the broccoli tender and fluffy while also getting crispy! And I find this utterly exciting!
We pair this air fryer broccoli with every meal possible. It’s perfect alongside Marry Me Chicken, Date Night Rigatoni, Tomato Soup with grilled cheese, and even dipped in this incredible Gochujang Sauce. It also complements family favorites like Air Fryer Chicken, Air Fryer Tofu, and Air Fryer Salmon perfectly.
For those who love flavor (that’s me): I experimented with many additions. I tried versions with soy sauce, fresh and granulated garlic, various dry spices, lemon, butter, and even a parmesan panko twist. But in a rare moment of simplicity, I found that I truly enjoyed it best in its most basic form: salted, tender, and crispy.
The roasting process infuses it with such a rich, savory flavor that I genuinely believe it doesn’t require anything more. Feel free to top it with parm, lemon, or a sauce – but in my opinion, the pre-roast version stands alone beautifully!
I haven’t been this enthusiastic about a vegetable in ages. It’s delightfully quirky.
I hope you enjoy it.
P.S. Check out this list of all my top, most-loved easy dinners!
Frequently Asked Questions For This Air Fryer Broccoli
If I have an oven-style air fryer (not a basket), how can I make this?
Massage the broccoli florets with water and oil in a separate bowl for a minute before transferring them to the tray. I like to think of this as “marinating” the broccoli with moisture. It will retain that moisture (even if it doesn’t fully absorb) and helps keep it tender during roasting.
How can I make something similar using the oven (without an air fryer)?
We will test this and provide updates once we do! However, you could follow the same steps mentioned above for an oven-style air fryer and then just roast it in the oven. Stay tuned!
What air fryer do you use?
My favorite air fryer is the Ninja Pro XL! Here’s a link to purchase it on Amazon or Target. (affiliate links) It’s especially great for this recipe due to its spacious basket size, allowing for a single layer of broccoli.
Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Broccoli
Total Time:
9 minutesYield:
2–4 servings 1x
Description
This Air Fryer Broccoli is remarkably both tender and crispy simultaneously. Incredibly straightforward and completed in just 10 minutes! We’ve been enjoying it every single evening, and my kids absolutely go crazy for it.
Ingredients
Scale
Instructions
- Prep The Broccoli: Place florets in a bowl. Add water, oil, and salt. Break into bite-sized pieces and gently massage for 30-60 seconds, until the broccoli brightens slightly. You want it to absorb some of that water and oil mixture!
- Cook: Add broccoli to the air fryer. (There will still be a little water in the bowl; that’s perfectly fine.) Air fry at 350 for 5 minutes; give it a quick shake. It should be vibrantly green, resembling steamed broccoli.
- Crisp It Up: Air fry at 375 for an additional 2 minutes. Now it should start to appear browned, crispy, and roasty toasty. (You can tweak the time and temperature to achieve your preferred crispiness).
- Finish: You’re done! Yum! It’s fluffy and soft, yet crispy and browned at the same time. I adore this with a dipping sauce or just a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Equipment
Air Fryer
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The equipment section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.
Notes
You can skip the bowl part if you prefer and do this all directly in the air fryer – just massage the broccoli with oil and salt right in the basket. Then pour the water into the air fryer, so it collects below the grates and stays there during cooking. This is another way to achieve a very similar result (and save a dish).
All air fryers differ in both capacity and temperature. You may want to prepare this in smaller batches depending on your air fryer’s size. I use this air fryer.
If the broccoli overlaps in the basket at first, that’s okay – it will shrink in size to ultimately form a single layer during the last few minutes of roasting.
If you’re roasting at 375 and not achieving enough crispiness, increase to 390 or 400!
No basket air fryer? No problem! Just follow step 1 and then move to a baking sheet. Think of this as “marinating” the broccoli with some moisture. It will retain that moisture (even without complete absorption) and assist in keeping it tender while 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
Don’t Miss My Top 3 Air Fryer Recipes!
**Tasty and Simple Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe**
If you’re in search of a quick, nutritious, and flavorful side dish, you’ve found it with air fryer broccoli. This straightforward recipe turns fresh broccoli florets into crunchy, tender bites with minimal oil and maximum flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent, meal prepping, or aiming to add more veggies to your plate, this air fryer broccoli is essential.
—
### Why Opt for an Air Fryer?
Air fryers have become a kitchen favorite due to their ability to cook food swiftly and with less oil than traditional frying. They circulate hot air around the food, achieving a crispy texture without deep frying. When it comes to vegetables like broccoli, the air fryer amplifies their inherent flavor while providing a satisfying crunch.
—
### Health Perks of Broccoli
Before getting into the recipe, it’s noteworthy that broccoli is a nutritional gem. It’s packed with:
– **Vitamins C and K**
– **Fiber**
– **Antioxidants**
– **Folate and Potassium**
Including broccoli in your diet aids immune function, digestion, and even heart health.
—
### Ingredients
This air fryer broccoli recipe requires only a few basic ingredients:
– 1 head of fresh broccoli (about 4 cups of florets)
– 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes for added flavor
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### Instructions
**Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli**
– Thoroughly wash and dry the broccoli.
– Cut the broccoli into uniformly sized florets to ensure even cooking.
**Step 2: Season**
– In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
– Ensure each floret is lightly coated with oil and seasoning.
**Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer**
– Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
**Step 4: Cook**
– Place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for optimal crispiness.
– Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
– For extra crispy edges, cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
**Step 5: Serve**
– Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.
– Optional: Top with grated Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for added zing.
—
### Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli
– **Avoid Overcrowding:** Cook in batches if needed to prevent steaming instead of crisping.
– **Adjust Cooking Time for Texture:** For a softer broccoli, cook for 6–7 minutes; for a crispier result, extend to 10–12 minutes.
– **Choose Fresh Broccoli:** Although frozen broccoli is usable, fresh florets result in the best texture and taste.
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### Variations
– **Asian-Inspired:** Toss with sesame oil and soy sauce prior to air frying. Garnish with sesame seeds.
– **Cheesy Broccoli:** Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
– **Spicy Option:** Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for heat.
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### Final Thoughts
Air fryer broccoli is a delightful, easy, and healthy addition to any meal. It’s suitable as a side dish, a snack, or even a topping for grain bowls and salads. With just a few ingredients and under 15 minutes of your time, you can savor a nutritious dish that bursts with flavor and crunch.
So the next time you’re in need of a quick veggie fix, turn on your air fryer and give this broccoli recipe a go—you won’t regret it!