Air Fryer Broccoli
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Air Fryer Broccoli comes together in just 8 minutes! It’s tender and crisp around the edges. Just like oven roasted broccoli, but better.
Looking for more air fryer vegetable recipes? You are really going to love these Air Fryer Zucchini Chips and these Air Fryer Pickles!
Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
If you love your veggies and are looking for a healthy side dish, this recipe was meant for you!
Vegetables are a staple in my house for both lunch and dinner. Why?
Because honestly, they are delicious and so full of color!
But also, there are so many health benefits to getting in your veggies, why not add them to your meals?
So you’ve probably been roasting your broccoli in the oven for most of your life, right? Or maybe you like to make a one pan meal out of some sheet pan chicken with broccoli all around.
This broccoli recipe is going to be a game changer for you. After trying this one, you might never want to make it the old way again!
Air Fryer Broccoli Ingredients
Healthy greens: you will need two heads of broccoli (about 2 cups) to make this delicious broccoli recipe!
Herb and spices: to get those amazing flavors, you will need garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Dairy: grated parmesan cheese.
Wet ingredients: for that final touch of flavor, you will need some lemon juice and for cooking you will need a touch of olive oil and water.
*for a detailed list of ingredients, see the recipe card down below.
How to make Air Fryer Broccoli
1. Prepare broccoli and seasoning. Preheat the air fryer to 390° F and cut the broccoli into small florets. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Season the broccoli. Place the broccoli florets in a mixing bowl and toss with olive oil, then add the seasoning mixture and toss to coat.
3. Cook the broccoli. Pour water into the lower basket and place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-6 minutes, until tender and slightly charred.
I served mine with these Honey Jalapeño Chicken Thighs and it was a delicious combination!
4. Serve the broccoli. Transfer the broccoli to a serving bowl and garnish with red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Tip!
Keep your broccoli in a single layer when air frying, this will give you the best (and most tender) broccoli!
What to Serve With Broccoli
Broccoli is one of my absolute favorite (and go-to) vegetables because it pairs so perfectly with beef, fish, chicken, and more!
Here are some of my favorite main dish recipes to prepare with your Air Fryer Broccoli.
- Grilled BBQ Chicken
- Jalapeño Lime Pan Seared Chicken
- Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa Beef
- Chimichurri Steak
- Slow Cooker Ribs
- Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon
Questions You Might Have
No, you can’t steam food in an air fryer. An air fryer is designed to circulate air around the food with a minimal amount of oil. A steamer heats water to create steam.
Deep frying broccoli requires a lot of oil and is not the healthiest way of cooking. However, air frying broccoli requires less oil and is a much healthier option. If you are looking for a really healthy option, boiling broccoli keeps in the most nutrients.
Yes, you can put aluminum in the air fryer. It makes the clean up easier, but make sure you poke holes in it so the air can still circulate.
Yes! I recommend adding the seasoning after cooking the broccoli in the air fryer for a few minutes to let it thaw out.
More Vegetable Side Dishes
- Crispy Roasted Mini Potatoes
- Healthy Green Bean Casserole
- Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
- Chili Lime Roasted Carrots
- Air Fryer Potatoes
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Air Fryer Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 large heads of broccoli, about 2 cups
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 lemon, juice
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390° F and cut the broccoli into small florets. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Place the broccoli florets in a mixing bowl and toss with olive oil, then add the seasoning mixture and toss to coat.
- Pour the water in the lower basket and place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-6 minutes, until tender and slightly charred.
- Transfer the broccoli to a serving bowl and garnish with red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
I have the air fryer oven and have trouble with the smoke during the process. Is there any way to avoid the drippings to not cause smoke? Can I use a foil lined pan underneath the basket?
Hi! I also have the oven type but I don’t use it much for the same reason. Mine lets out a lot of steam (not necessarily from drippings) and it bothers me too. You can try putting something on the rack below if yours has two racks but you don’t want to put anything that isn’t perforated directly under the food or it won’t crisp. Hope this helps 🙂
Oh yummmmmm! This broccoli recipe looks simple and easy but so healthy too! Can’t wait to try it with some chicken wings.
I love how you can make almost everything in the air fryer. This is such a delicious and simple recipe, great side dish.
Brilliant idea! Why did I not think of that? *gets air fryer out of cupboard *
I love this recipe the broccoli is so vibrant and full of fresh flavor great idea!
This is our new favorite way to cook broccoli! So delicious and easy! Making this to go with our lunch now!
Looks great and I want to make it but I’m curious about the tablespoon of water. What purpose does that serve please? TYIA
Hi Lisa – the tbsp of water creates a little bit of steam within the air fryer, just enough to steam your broccoli!