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This air fryer broccoli is simply the best! Using a special but easy method to get the broccoli tender without being burnt, like so many other air fryer broccoli recipes, this side dish is just like a delicious oven-roasted broccoli but in a fraction of the time.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- Air fryer broccoli is so simple, and it gives you incredibly crisp, flavorful broccoli florets in just 10 minutes! I use a two-temperature cooking method that ensures the broccoli is delightfully tender while also being super crisp.
- You can easily double or triple this recipe for even more perfect broccoli. Just work in batches as needed so you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- This side dish is super versatile and it pairs well with a variety of recipes! I’ll make a quick batch of air fryer broccoli anytime we’re having Marry Me Chicken, Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms, Filet Mignon with Garlic Herb Compound Butter, Blackened Salmon… anything, really!
Key Ingredients
Broccoli Florets – Use evenly-sized florets so they cook evenly. The smaller they are, the crispier they’ll get. I prefer fresh broccoli here, but you could also use frozen – just thaw it overnight in the fridge first, and make sure to dry it really well.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – The trick to really, really crispy broccoli florets is to coat the broccoli in a little oil! I like to use EVOO here but avocado oil would also work. You want to be extra sure to work the oil into the crowns of the broccoli so everything crisps evenly.
Seasonings – Nice and simple, we’re using salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. The garlic powder is nice because it coats the broccoli well and it won’t burn in the air fryer like garlic cloves can. If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes go really well with air fryer broccoli!
Chef’s Tips
- The two-temperature method fixes the problem of getting overly crispy broccoli that’s not tender. You might be tempted to stick with just one temperature for the whole cooking process but I really recommend following the method I used here for the best air fryer broccoli EVER!
- If you’re using frozen broccoli florets and want to cook them straight out of the freezer rather than waiting for them to thaw, start with them in the air fryer. At the 6-minute mark, when you turn up the heat, that’s when you’ll toss them in your oil & seasoning mixture and return them to the air fryer. That way the seasoning can really coat them – and stick. You may need to cook the from-frozen broccoli a few minutes longer to get the florets really crispy.
- Adding parmesan? Be sure to sprinkle it over the florets as soon as they come out of the air fryer. Since they’ll still be hot, the cheese will melt a little, and it’s just delicious. Use a fresh parmesan that you grate yourself, rather than the pre-packaged grated cheese. The fresh cheese melts better and doesn’t have the additional fillers that the pre-packaged stuff has.
Other Air Fryer Veggies You Have to Try
- Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Roasted Air Fryer Carrots
- Air Fryer Cauliflower with Lemon-Garlic Aioli
- Air Fryer Baked Potato
Recipe By: Cheryl Malik
4.80 from 5 votes
The Best Air Fryer Broccoli
Prep 10 minutes minutes
Cook 10 minutes minutes
Total 20 minutes minutes
This air fryer broccoli is simply the best! Using a special but easy method to get the broccoli tender without being burnt, like so many other air fryer broccoli recipes, this side dish is just like a delicious oven-roasted broccoli but in a fraction of the time.
4 servings
Equipment
air fryer
Large bowl (or zippered plastic bag)
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh broccoli florets dried well
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- zest of 1 lemon optional, for garnish
- freshly grated parmesan cheese optional, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 320° Fahrenheit. In large bowl or bag, combine broccoli florets, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat broccoli well, making sure to work oil into crowns of broccoli to ensure they crisp well.
Place seasoned broccoli florets in air fryer basket in one flat layer. Place in air fryer and cook at 320° for 6 minutes.
After 6 minutes, increase air fryer temperature to 400° Fahrenheit. Cook broccoli at 400° for 3 to 4 minutes or until florets are crispy on edges. Remove broccoli from air fryer, garnish with lemon zest and grated parmesan if desired, and serve warm.
- The two-temperature method fixes the problem of getting overly crispy broccoli that’s not tender. You might be tempted to stick with just one temperature for the whole cooking process but I really recommend following the method I used here for the best air fryer broccoli EVER!
- Parmesan: Totally optional, but I love cheesy broccoli so I had to recommend it! If you’re paleo, on a Whole30, or vegan/dairy-free, skip the parm or use an appropriate substitute.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size: 1servingCalories: 91calProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 174mgPotassium: 271mgTotal Carbs: 6gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gNet Carbs: 4gVitamin A: 530IUVitamin C: 76mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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Cheryl Malik
In addition to being a certified health coach, certified yoga instructor, and mom of 3, Cheryl is also the recipe developer, editor-in-chief, food photographer, and passionate foodie behind 40 Aprons. Having spent the last 10+ years as a food blogger, she's become known for her flavorful recipes, detailed instructions, gorgeous photography, and down-to-earth approach to food and cooking in general.
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Way too long in the air fryer!
Reply
So sorry, Nanette! Did you adjust the cooking time as needed based on your specific air fryer, and cook the florets only until the edges were crispy, as mentioned in the instructions?
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Great results every time! I love roasted broccoli and this recipe is done so fast. Not too charred or undercooked. I use precut and washed organic broccoli for a quick weeknight side.
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Thank you, Julie!
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It took way longer to cook than stated. The stems were still so hard.
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Hi, Kristina! I’m so sorry to hear this, and would love to troubleshoot it with you! Did you preheat your air fryer to 320° Fahrenheit? After the 6 minutes of cook time at 320°, did you increase the air fryer temperature to 400° Fahrenheit and cook for 3 to 4 minutes? Let me know if I can help!
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Delish way to cook broccoli. Perfect crunch.
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We agree! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
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Exactly the flavor I was going for. Thanks for the simple, yet delicious recipe!
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So glad you enjoyed it, Angie!
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I usually don’t like broccoli, but this was delicious! Will definitely be pinning and making again.
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So happy to hear it, Jenifer! Thanks so much for the review!
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I cut this recipe in 1/2. Used 6 oz of broccoli instead of 12 oz. It totally burned. Should I have cut the cooking time in 1/2? I am new to air fryer cooking. Thanks
Reply
Hi Paula, sorry to hear about the burning! If the amount of broccoli was halved, then yes, the time should definitely be lessened. The 6 minute cook time was based off of 12 ounces of broccoli. You could try 3 minutes next time!
Reply
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Meet Cheryl
Passionate foodie, certified health coach, serial entrepreneur, and mom of 3.
I've been developing and sharing delicious, approachable recipes on 40 Aprons for more than a decade. My goal is simple: take the chore out of mealtime by creating recipes that anyone can cook and that never skimp on flavor.
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