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Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe

This Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli recipe cooks in just 6 minutes. Tender with roasted edges, it tastes just like oven roasted broccoli in a fraction of the time.

Cooked Air Fryer Broccoli in a bowl with lemon slices for garnish.
This air fryer broccoli is super easy, healthy, and flavorful.

Video: Watch Us Make This Recipe

Air Fryer Broccoli

If you love roasted vegetables, this recipe was destined to meet you. It tastes just like your classic roasted broccoli but with much less elbow grease.

We’ve been making Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables for years, and its savory flavors never disappoint. While the oven is unparalleled for a large batch diversity of vegetables, the air fryer works wonders for super quick broccoli florets that taste like they’ve been oven roasted. Serve it up with all your favorite dishes such as this easy salmon recipe.

Cooked Air Fryer Broccoli florets on a fork.
Air fryer broccoli has all the makings of oven roasted broccoli, but easier.

What You’ll Love

  • Super Easy: With just a handful of simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this air fryer broccoli is easy to make on any busy weeknight.
  • Really Fast: With your air fryer set at 400F, it takes just 6 minutes of cook time.
  • Tastes Oven-Roasted: Air fryer broccoli tastes like oven-roasted broccoli, but in a fraction of the time.
  • Kids Will Eat it: With its lightly crisp edges and delicious flavor, the whole family will actually eat their broccoli.

Key Recipe Ingredients

Air Fryer Broccoli Ingredients: olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and broccoli.
Olive oil, garlic and onion powders. kosher salt, and black pepper are simple seasonings air fryer broccoli.
  • Fresh Broccoli Florets: Use fresh and not frozen broccoli florets. Be sure to cut/tear them into very small even pieces. This is key to having all the broccoli cook up evenly in 6 minutes.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use 2 TB oil or enough to lightly coat the broccoli.
  • Seasonings: We use garlic powder and onion powder in place of minced garlic and chopped onion, as the powder seasonings won’t burn in the air fryer. Minced fresh garlic tends to burn easier.
  • Garnishes: Feel free to serve with fresh lemon slices or a sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Super Easy Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl; toss well to fully incorporate seasonings into the broccoli florets.
  2. Pour a tablespoon of water into the bottom of air fryer pan – this small but important step prevents burning and smoking.
  1. Add broccoli mixture evenly into the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd – ensure broccoli is arranged in a single layer. Set to 400F for 6 minutes. Immediately remove basket when done.
  2. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh lemon juice or freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips For Success

Here are a few tips to ensure that the best air fryer broccoli emerges from your air fryer in just 6 short minutes:

  • Use broccoli florets that are cut/torn into roughly even-sized, very small pieces. Think mini-florets. Very small even pieces of broccoli will ensure even cooking and nicely roasted edges.
  • Toss the broccoli florets together with seasonings (olive oil, garlic and onion powders, kosher salt, and black pepper) in a bowl prior to transferring to air fryer basket. This allows all the nooks and crannies of the air fryer broccoli will be packed with flavor.
  • We use powdered garlic and onion in lieu of freshly chopped, as the powdered seasonings are much less likely to burn. Powdered seasonings also get into the nooks and crannies of the roasted broccoli florets perfectly.
  • Always cook broccoli in a single, even layer inside the air fryer basket; cook in batches, if needed. If broccoli is over-crowded, it won’t roast evenly.
  • Add just a bit (one tablespoon) of water to the bottom of the air fryer; this helps keep air fryer broccoli tender and prevents burning.
  • Use at least a 6-quart air fryer or larger, for feeding a family.
Air Fryer Broccoli florets in a bowl garnished with lemon slice.
Garnish broccoli with parmesan and lemon for extra flavor.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Broccoli

This dish is typically served as a side dish that is gloriously easy to pair up:

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you put a bit of water on the bottom of the air fryer pan?

A tablespoon of water helps prevent burning of the broccoli and prevents unwanted smoking of air fryer.

Can I make air fryer broccoli ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe can be made a couple of hours in advance, though it tastes best when served right away.

Why does it sometimes take the broccoli longer to cook?

If it takes broccoli longer than 6 minutes to cook, it could be due to overcrowding of the pan or the size of the broccoli florets. Be sure to cut/tear the florets into very small pieces so they’ll cook faster.

Can I add other vegetables to the broccoli?

This recipe is best adapted for broccoli florets, but you can replace half of it with small pieces of cauliflower if you’d like.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

We recommend using only fresh broccoli florets with this recipe, as frozen broccoli contains too much excess water content.

How long do you cook air fryer broccoli?

Broccoli takes only 6 minutes in the air fryer, as long as you cut the florets into tiny, even sized pieces. The extra-small florets will cook quickly and brown evenly.

Did you make this?

Please give us a rating and comment below. We love hearing from you!

Air Fryer Broccoli florets in a bowl garnished with lemon slice.

Air Fryer Broccoli

4.74 from 356 ratings
This Air Fryer Broccoli recipe cooks in just 6 minutes. It’s tender with deliciously roasted flavors. You’ve got to try it to believe it.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Amy Dong

Ingredients  

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl; toss well to fully incorporate seasonings into the broccoli florets
  • Pour 1 TB water into the bottom of air fryer pan (this helps prevent contents from smoking.)
  • Add broccoli mixture evenly into the air fryer basket. Set to 400F for 6 minutes. Once timer goes off, immediately remove basket and serve.
  • Optional: sprinkle with a dash of fresh lemon juice or freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Equipment

Notes

  • Try these air fryer french fries for a crispy, healthier french fries on the side.
  • Air fryer chicken wings are amazingly crisp, and takes less time than the oven.  
  • Use broccoli florets that are cut/torn into roughly even-sized, very small pieces. Think mini-florets. The tiny, even pieces will result in quick cooking and even browning. 
  • We use garlic powder and onion powder in lieu of freshly chopped, as the freshly minced garlic can burn easily. 
  • Toss the broccoli florets together with seasonings in a bowl prior to transferring to air fryer basket. This allows all the nooks and crannies of the air fryer broccoli will be packed with flavor.
  • Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of lemon juice, or even some lemon zest for bright flavors. 
If you enjoyed this dish, please come back and give it a rating. We ❤️ hearing from you. 
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Nutrition (per serving)

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 101mg | Potassium: 273mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 530IU | Vitamin C: 76mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian
Method: air fryer

More to Cook and Eat

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Recipe Rating




166 comments

    • Yu
    • 5 stars

    The cooking process was so easy, and it turned out super delicious. It is much quicker than my stir-fry broccoli. This is my new favorite way to cook broccoli! 🙂

    • Eden Westbrook
    • 5 stars

    Never knew how easy it was to make broccoli even better! Your recipe was simple and easy, even my son liked it!

      • Amy Dong

      Yay, that is a WIN! 🙂

    • krysten
    • 5 stars

    Broccoli is one of the only veggies I can get my kids to eat so I’m always gonna try a recipe that can get in their bellies as fast as possible and this technique did just that! Fast, and flavorful, not to mention the kids loved it! Thank you for this amazing recipe!

      • Amy Dong

      SO glad they loved this! 🙂

    • Hayley Dhanecha
    • 5 stars

    Such a great recipe for busy weekenights! Simple, easy and healthy.

    • Jamie
    • 5 stars

    The broccoli came out perfectly cooked and tender crisp just how I like it. It tasted great with a sprinkle of cheese!

      • Amy Dong

      So glad you enjoyed this!

    • Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer
    • 5 stars

    I loved the little crispy bits around the edges! This was seriously incredibly easy and perfect for a last-minute side dish or the base of a great lunch bowl!

    • Colleen
    • 5 stars

    This is the best way to cook broccoli. Quick, easy and so good. Thank you!

      • Amy Dong

      You’re so welcome!

    • Lisa
    • 5 stars

    This is my new favorite way to make broccoli! Perfect for a easy dinner side dish or I also like to add to my lunch salads.

      • Amy Dong

      So happy you like this, Lisa! 🙂

    • Maddy
    • 5 stars

    This is a great recipe with easy ingredients and flavor. Although it takes about 10 minutes in my oven air fryer (they do cook a little slower than basket air fryers), it turns out perfect every time.

    • Kristina
    • 5 stars

    I make this recipe at least twice a week. It’s my go to (we love broccoli) side dish. Very easy, very flavorful and even my little 5 year old has been requesting it.

    • veenaazmanov
    • 5 stars

    Thanks. The Air Fryer healthy and quick as well.

    • silvia
    • 5 stars

    Love it, super easy and fast, I can think of a hundred different combinations of spices to try on them. They make an amazing snack or side dish.

    • Jamie
    • 5 stars

    Aired fry broccoli is a healthy food that yummy might try this at home great recipe

    • DK Park
    • 5 stars

    This recipe is easy and a healthy one and actually enhances the broccoli flavor!

    • Luke Ratford
    • 5 stars

    We love the using our air fryer and this recipe looks great, i will try this out at the weekend with our roast dinner 🙂

    • Molly Kumar
    • 5 stars

    This was so easy to follow recipe and the broccoli came out absolutely delicious. Saving the recipe to try again.

    • Jacqueline Debono
    • 5 stars

    I’m a big broccoli fan and often roast or sauté it. This air fryer broccoli is a great alternative with less clean up and a much faster cooking time.

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