Quick and simple to make, this Air Fryer Broccoli recipe is perfect for a dinner side dish, meal preps or to stir into pastas or salads.
Can we all agree that broccoli is the GOAT of vegetables? From Chicken Broccoli and Ziti to Air Fryer Broccoli Egg Rolls and Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels, there is no preparation we don't love in my house!
Sometimes though, I just need a simple side dish that can cook up, hands-free, in the air fryer while my main dish is cooking and that's when I turn to this air fryer broccoli recipe.
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If I were to be cooking for just myself, I'd add a lot of seasonings. However, because kids can be picky with bold flavors, this broccoli recipe is seasoned simply with salt and pepper.
Feel free to add things like garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper seasoning or give it some heat by tossing in a few red pepper flakes.
If you're new to cooking vegetables in an air fryer then head over and try these air fryer carrots too!
If you prefer broccolini over broccoli, you can try this recipe for Air Fryer Broccolini.
🥘Ingredients
Like I mentioned, this recipe is simple. I would bet you have all these ingredients in your house right now!
See printable recipe card at bottom for measurements and specifics.
- Broccoli - fresh broccoli, you can buy already cut in florets if you want but I prefer to buy a head of broccoli and save the stalk for soup.
- Oil - avocado or olive oil are great options
- Seasoning- salt and pepper (optional, garlic powder, lemon pepper seasoning, red pepper flakes etc.)
- Optional: fresh lemon juice to squeeze over the broccoli when cooked
🍲Cooking instructions
See the printable recipe card at bottom for specifics.
1: Cut broccoli into florets.
2: Coat the broccoli with oil.
3: Season with salt and pepper and any additional seasonings you might be using. Toss well.
4: Place the broccoli in air pre-heated air fryer and cook for 6-10 minutes. Toss or stir after 4 minutes. Check for level of doneness based on your personal preference of tenderness.
I like to prep my broccoli in the air fryer when using in recipes like this Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar.
❓FAQ
The broccoli is done cooking when it has reached your desired tenderness. Broccoli is safe to eat undercooked.
In the market for a new air fryer? I highly recommend the Cosori brand. I had my first Cosori for 4 years before it was recalled and then I purchased the newer model and it's so great. Quiet and easy to clean!
You know what else cooks up great in the air fryer? Zucchini! Another of my faves. If you want to see how to do that, visit this Air Fryer Squash and Zucchini recipe.
🔪Helpful Tip
Save the stems of your broccoli head. You can puree them into broth when making broccoli soup!
🍴Serving suggestions
- Prepare this broccoli as part of your weekly meal prep bowls.
- Serve along side steak, pork chops or chicken.
- If you're anything like me, you'll also enjoy it for breakfast but I know that I'm weird like that and it isn't everyone's jam.
- Toss prepared broccoli into pastas or casseroles.
Printable Recipe Card
Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli
- 2 tablespoons oil avocado or extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer for 4 minutes.
- Cut broccoli into florets. Place florets in a bowl and either discard or save the stalks for future use.
- Toss the broccoli florets with oil, salt and pepper and any optional seasonings you prefer.
- Add seasoned florets to pre-heated air fryer basket. Set temperature to 350 °F and time to 4 minutes. After four minutes are up, toss or shake and return. Add an additional 2 minutes. Check for doneness as this is a personal preference for texture, tenderness etc. If not done to your liking, return in 2 minute increments.
- If desired, when done, squeeze a little lemon juice over the top or even parmesan cheese.
mary says
This is so simple and easy. I leave mine in on the longer side because I prefer the roasted feel.