With this air fryer broccoli recipe, there will be no more complaints or excuses for not eating your vegetables. Ready in less than 15 minutes, it is perfect for a quick side dish or a snack.
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3 things to keep in mind when air frying broccoli.
- Keep It Simple: Remember the star of the dish is the broccoli. A little seasoning goes a long way.
- Use oil: Coating with oil will help the seasoning adhere and keep the broccoli more tender.
- Convenient: Broccoli in the air fryer is a time saver. No need to wait for the oven to warm up. It is a perfect recipe for those busy weeknights.
If you like quick and easy air fryer recipes did you know you can use it to roast pistachios and pecans?
Pro Tip
Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket & shake the air fryer halfway through the cook to ensure a more even cook.
Ingredients you will need
- Broccoli head: Cut it into bite-sized florets. This will help the bites to cook evenly.
- Olive oil: This is my preferred oil. You can use avocado, vegetable, or any oil you prefer.
- Salt: Table salt, the fine one, or use salt from a grinder if you like.
- Garlic powder: This is one of my favorite seasonings for its mild flavor and sweet undertone. You can substitute it with onion powder.
- Lemon pepper seasoning: Perfect blend of two of my favorite flavors lemon and pepper. It brings freshness (lemon) with a hint of spice (pepper).
- Parmigiano cheese: This is completely optional, but adding a sprinkle of fresh grated Parmigiano brings an extra layer of flavor that will make the broccoli bites disappear even faster.
Head down to the recipe card for specific ingredients and instructions.
How to air fry broccoli?
All you need to do is cut the broccoli into florets, season, and air fry. That’s it. I like to add grated Parmigiano to the broccoli as I serve it.
Variations
This recipe is a great base but don’t forget to have fun with the flavors. Change it up a little bit. Here are some of our favorite flavor combinations:
- Spicy: Two of my favorite spices to add some heat are red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce. Be careful a little goes a long way.
- Kid-friendly: Subititute the Parmigiano with shredded Colby Jack or Mozzarella.
- Deluxe: Instead of only using broccoli, add some cauliflower, onions, and bacon bits.
Storage / Rewarm
Storage: Although these are better when enjoyed fresh, you can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 to 2 days.
Rewarm: In an air fryer basket, set the temperature to 300 degrees F. and cook for 2 – 4 minutes.
FAQ
Broccoli is great when enjoyed with grilled chicken, salmon, or steak.
You can keep it simple with a dash of salt and pepper. Spice it up a bit with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Any of your favorite seasoning blends will work perfectly as well.
I have made this recipe both ways. When I used olive oil, I noticed the broccoli was more tender, crispier, and better seasoned.
Delicious main course idea to serve the roasted broccoli with.
If you like this air fryer recipe, check out some of our favorites.
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Air Fryer Broccoli
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Parmigiano cheese optional
- Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the broccoli into florets and place into a large mixing bowl.
- Add oil to coat the broccoli florets.
- Combine the salt, garlic powder, and lemon pepper to make the seasoning. Sprinkle the seasoning onto the florets.
- Place the broccoli into the air fryer basket and air fry at 390 degrees F. for 6 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cook.
- If you like the broccoli crispier you can cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Place the broccoli into a bowl and sprinkle with fresh grated Parmigiano.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
- All air fryers will cook differently depending on the size and brand. This recipe was done in a 5.8 Qt air fryer basket-style.
- Before serving the broccoli, sprinkle some fresh grated Parmigiano, it adds another layer of flavor that is just perfect.
- You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.
- If you want to rewarm the broccoli bites, place them back in the air fryer at 300 degrees F. for 2 to 4 minutes.
My family and I loved this recipe. You get a bit of char on the broccoli and it is so delicious! Thanks for sharing this recipe.