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    Home » Side Dishes

    Air Fryer Broccoli

    Published: May 16, 2021 · Modified: Jul 3, 2024 by Sula · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

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    pin for air fryer broccoli

    Today I am continuing the Air Fryer love with one of my favorite vegetables: broccoli. As you probably realize, broccoli has a “superfood” reputation, due to its high concentration of nutrients and antioxidants that support our health.

    Add in low calories, high fiber, and delicious taste and you have pretty much the perfect side to go with any meal!

    A plate of broccoli cooked in the air fryer.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients needed for Air Fryer Broccoli
    • How to make Broccoli in the Air Fryer
    • Why I Love this Recipe
    • Variations
    • More Air Fryer Recipes to Love
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients needed for Air Fryer Broccoli

    Don't you just love a short ingredient list? This is one of those.

    • Broccoli
    • Olive oil
    • Salt + pepper
    ingredient list: broccoli, olive oil, seasonings
    reminder to scroll to the recipe card for details.

    How to make Broccoli in the Air Fryer

    Air frying is quite similar to roasting, especially for vegetables. So the process is similar. Simply separate the broccoli into equal-sized florets, drizzle with olive oil and season with a little salt and pepper. Make sure you’ve tossed the florets around to evenly coat them all with a little oil.

    Then, place the broccoli in your Air Fryer basket and air fry for 8 minutes. Shake the basket about midway to help promote even heating.

    Give your broccoli a quick test to be sure it’s cooked to your satisfaction. Sometimes, if my florets are a little large, I end up adding another 2 minutes of cook time just to get the tenderness I want.

    Air fryer broccoli on a small white plate with pink and white flowers in the background

    Why I Love this Recipe

    I am a big fan of roasted vegetables. I’ve roasted (and posted) carrots, cabbage and Brussels sprouts. The combination of crispy edges with tender insides is irresistible to me.

    The Air Fryer gives the same effect. Tender broccoli with browned edges. Just like your oven. Except you don’t have to worry about hot spots and whether the pan needs to be turned.

    The oven is still going to be the best choice for very large batches of roasted vegetables, but for a few servings, the Air Fryer wins on ease, speed and convenience. Plus, it doesn’t heat up your house, and doesn’t compete with other menu items for the oven or microwave.

    If you're already using your grill (grilled chicken legs, anyone?), you can also make broccoli in foil on the grill. Another way to get tender and super flavorful broccoli without heating up the house!

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    a plate of air fryer broccoli, ready to eat.

    Variations

    I left this simple, with salt and pepper seasoning. But you can certainly mix up the seasonings a little if you prefer. Try a little garlic powder and onion powder. Or maybe you like a few red pepper flakes mixed in? I sometimes sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on the cooked broccoli. It’s pretty easy to make the taste your own, so don’t be afraid to try a few combinations.

    I use the Instant Pot Air Fryer lid, so my settings and results are based on that. If you use a different model (there are so many!) just pay close attention the first time you try this. When you toss the florets about midway through the cycle, they should be starting to soften, and the edges will be a little brown. If you see that, you are on the right track. 😀

    air fryer broccoli on a white plate, viewed from above

    More Air Fryer Recipes to Love

    The air fryer is my newest favorite way to make chicken thighs - crispy and delicious!

    Now you can also use it for vegetables, like this broccoli or even air fryer rutabagas!

    If you want an easy way to make frozen waffle fries, french fries, or onion rings, the air fryer wins again!

    And if you want one recipe to convince you that the air fryer is the greatest thing ever, try making taquitos with an Air Fryer. So amazingly good!

    This air fryer broccoli will be your go-to side all year long!

    📖 Recipe

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    Air Fried broccoli on a white plate
    5 from 77 votes
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    Air Fryer Broccoli

    Tender broccoli with crispy roasted edges in minutes using your air fryer!
    Prep Time2 minutes mins
    Cook Time8 minutes mins
    Total Time10 minutes mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 117kcal
    Author: Sula

    Ingredients

    • 10 ounces broccoli florets about 2 crowns cut up
    • 3-4 Tablespoons olive oil
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Drizzle broccoli florets with olive oil and toss to coat.
      10 ounces broccoli florets, 3-4 Tablespoons olive oil
    • Season with salt and pepper and toss again.
      Salt and pepper to taste
    • Place in Air Fryer basket. Set Air Fryer for an 8 minute cycle, 400F.
    • Toss the broccoli about midway through the cooking cycle.
    • When cycle is done, taste or use a fork to determine doneness. Larger florets might need an additional 2 minutes of cooking time.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 117kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 24mg | Potassium: 224mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 442IU | Vitamin C: 63mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Toni

      June 05, 2021 at 6:52 am

      5 stars
      One of my favorite side dishes! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 05, 2021 at 10:58 am

        You're welcome, enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Audrey

      June 04, 2021 at 2:17 pm

      5 stars
      This was so easy to make.

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 05, 2021 at 10:58 am

        We all need some easy things in summer, right?

        Reply
    3. Sara Welch

      May 24, 2021 at 12:49 pm

      5 stars
      Enjoyed this with dinner last night and it couldn't have been easier! Fast, delicious and the whole family loved it!

      Reply
      • Sula

        May 24, 2021 at 4:02 pm

        Yes I think I could have it every night!

        Reply
    4. Shadi Hasanzadenemati

      May 24, 2021 at 12:09 pm

      5 stars
      My family is going to love this, thank you for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Sula

        May 24, 2021 at 4:02 pm

        Enjoy!

        Reply
    5. Angela

      May 24, 2021 at 11:15 am

      5 stars
      8 minutes to get a healthy side dish on the table! Wonderful. They didn't come out soggy which is a problem I sometimes have when I steam broccoli. Love this cooking method.

      Reply
      • Sula

        May 24, 2021 at 11:44 am

        Yes, I agree, it's best to avoid soggy!

        Reply
    6. Vicky

      May 24, 2021 at 11:04 am

      5 stars
      I love making broccoli in the air fryer. It makes such crisp and yummy broccoli that even my kids love! Thanks for the yummy recipe!

      Reply
      • Sula

        May 24, 2021 at 11:44 am

        Enjoy!

        Reply
    7. Emily Flint

      May 24, 2021 at 10:27 am

      5 stars
      I like the burnt parts too and I was so pleased to find out my air fryer could create them! I will never be roasting broccoli in the oven again!!

      Reply
      • Sula

        May 24, 2021 at 11:43 am

        Makes the oven seem so obsolete doesn't it?

        Reply
    8. Jenny

      May 24, 2021 at 10:18 am

      5 stars
      The crispy, burned parts of broccoli are my favorite too! This method is more convenient than the oven and I love how the broccoli is tender with yummy, browned edges.

      Reply
      • Sula

        May 24, 2021 at 11:43 am

        Agreed, those browned edges really make it great!

        Reply
    9. Vincit Omina

      May 22, 2021 at 12:20 pm

      5 stars
      This is fast becoming one of my favorites. For some reason, I like the burned parts? Is that odd?

      Reply
      • Sula

        May 22, 2021 at 12:32 pm

        It's not odd, that's my favorite part too!

        Reply
    5 from 77 votes (68 ratings without comment)

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