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Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe

This Air Fryer Broccoli recipe cooks in just 6 minutes. Learn the secret to gaining tender and roasted edges, just like oven roasted broccoli. Your family will actually want to eat this.

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

Why This Recipe Stands Out

  • Really Easy: With simple ingredients you likely already have, this air fryer broccoli is easy to dish up 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.
Cooked Air Fryer Broccoli florets on a fork.
Air fryer broccoli has all the makings of oven roasted broccoli, but easier.

Like Oven-Roasted, But Faster

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.

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.

prep Ahead

  • Tear fresh broccoli into mini-florets up to 3 days ahead of time and store in an airtight container in fridge until ready to use.
  • Buy freshly packaged, pre-torn broccoli florets without stems, and cut/tear them into mini-florets.

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 recipe that is gloriously easy to pair. Here are some ways we love serving broccoli:

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

4.78 from 426 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. 
  • This recipe is part of our Air Fryer Recipes Collection
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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

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