Air Fryer Broccoli

Name: Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 large head broccoli; 2 tablespoons oil (avocado or extra virgin olive oil); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

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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A white bowl of cooked broccoli florets. There is a lemon wedge inside bowl and the background is all white.

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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

A whole head of broccoli on a white plate. To the right of the plate is a salt and pepper shaker and below that is a ramekin with oil.

🍲Cooking instructions

See the printable recipe card at bottom for specifics.

A wooden cutting board with freshly cut broccoli florets on it.

1: Cut broccoli into florets.

A ramekin of oil hovering over a glass bowl that has broccoli in it.

2: Coat the broccoli with oil.

Overhead view of broccoli florets in a glass bowl being seasoned with salt in a measuring spoon.

3: Season with salt and pepper and any additional seasonings you might be using. Toss well.

Overhead view of broccoli florets in air fryer basket, not yet cooked.

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.

❓FAQ

How to tell when broccoli is done?

The broccoli is done cooking when it has reached your desired tenderness. Broccoli is safe to eat undercooked.

Close up view of cooked broccoli on a white platter. The background is all white.

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