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Make a quick and easy air fryer broccoli. With crispy edges and an aromatic garlic flavor, it makes for a healthy and delicious side dish or addition to grain bowls.
This air fryer broccoli will become your go-to side dish—with crispy edges, tender middle, and garlicky flavor, it has maximum flavor but requires minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and even guilt-free snacking.
Whenever I make it, I can’t help but enjoy it directly out of the air fryer basket. It is so delicious that I recommend you always make a double batch—it will be gone in a flash!
And if you love quick and easy side dishes, you’ll also enjoy my sautéed broccoli, roasted broccoli in the oven, and crispy air fryer cauliflower recipes—they’re just as simple and delicious as this air fried broccoli!
Air fryer recipe video tutorial
Ingredients
- Broccoli: Use a large head of fresh broccoli with a firm stem and bright green color. You can also use frozen broccoli florets, and there’s no need to thaw them first—just air fry directly, adding a few extra minutes as needed. If you thaw them first, the florets will be too soft to crisp up.
- Olive oil: You can substitute it with avocado oil or another light vegetable oil.
- Seasoning: I use garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You can also add other spices like onion powder or Italian seasoning.
- For serving: You can optionally add parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of lemon juice.
See the printable recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to air fry broccoli
Preheat the air fryer to 375ºF/190ªC.
Prepare the broccoli: Wash and pat dry the broccoli head, then cut it into even-sized florets. Check out my tips on how to cut broccoli easily—you need a sharp knife to cut where the florets branch out.
Next, place the florets in a bowl and top with the olive oil and seasoning. Toss well until all the florets are coated.
Air fry: Place the seasoned broccoli florets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer. If needed, work in batches so you don’t overcrowd the basket.
Then, air fry at 375ºF/190ªC for 6-8 minutes and shake the basket halfway through. Check how crispy the florets are, and if needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Note that the cooking time might vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the florets.
For softer results, add one tablespoon of water to the air fryer basket before cooking, then air fry as usual. Doing so will make the broccoli softer and a little more steamed rather than crispy.
Serve: The air fryer broccoli is now ready to serve! I enjoy it with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and red chili flakes and served with lemon wedges. It pairs perfectly with air fryer salmon and air fryer steak. You can also add it to your favorite grain bowl. Enjoy!
More air fryer vegetable sides
If you try this air fryer broccoli recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
Air Fryer Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli large, cut into florets
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional for serving
- parmesan cheese grated
- red pepper flakes
- lemon cut in wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375ºF/190ªC.
- Wash and pat dry the broccoli head. Cut it into even-sized florets and place them in a large bowl.
- Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until all the pieces are coated well.
- Place the florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Work in batches if necessary.
- Air fry at 375ºF/190ªC for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you like the florets more crispy, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- If you want, you can top the air-fried broccoli with parmesan cheese and chili flakes and serve it with lemon wedges. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Indeed, so quick and easy!