Air fryer broccoli is a quick, easy, and crispy side dish. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe delivers perfectly roasted, flavorful, and satisfying broccoli that's far superior to steamed. If you love the slightly charred flavor, that's easy to do and I tell you how.
Air-fried broccoli is the perfect accompaniment to any meal, from steak, and chicken to a hearty salad. Have you tried my steak bites in the air fryer recipe yet? Or the air-fried chicken bites? Both recipes are quick and easy and use bite-sized morsels of meat. No breading is used in either recipe.
If you are looking for another similar vegetable side, Cauliflower prepared in an air fryer is so delicious! If you are looking for a vegetable snack, you have to try these air fryer kale chips.
Table of contents
Why I love this recipe
Air-fried broccoli is a delicious and versatile side dish. I love the way the air fryer crisps up the broccoli while still keeping it tender inside.
Broccoli is a year-round staple that’s easy to find and affordable. It's the perfect accompaniment to any meal, from grilled chicken to a hearty salad.
Air-frying broccoli is simple and quick, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a healthy way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this!
This recipe is essentially a very simple three-ingredient recipe!
- 1 head of broccoli
- Olive oil
- Garlic salt
Optional toppings - parmesan cheese (grated or shredded, whatever you have at home)
A squeeze of fresh lemon on the roasted broccoli.
A little drizzle of balsamic vinegar is also delicious!
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400° degrees Fahrenheit
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Step 1
Cut florets off stalks and cut them into bite-sized pieces.Some people also peel the stalks/stems and cut them into ⅛ thick coins. I find this takes too much time, and my family prefers just the broccoli florets.
I place the prepared broccoli florets into a medium sized bowl and then drizzle the olive oil on the broccoli and add garlic powder.
Step 2
Spread evenly on a basket, leaving some space in between broccoli. If the basket is too crowded, the broccoli with become soggy and not crisp. You are better off making two batches rather than crowding broccoli.
Step 3
Place in oven and roast for 8 - 10 minutes. I turn it around the ½ way mark (about 4 minutes) I think it's perfectly done when some of the broccoli tips start to char. Watch the broccoli closely for the last few minutes. Some people like just a little char, others like a lot. But it goes from lightly charred to burned quickly! Watch this closely in the oven, especially during the last few minutes.
How to Serve
As, is, this is a delicious and flavorful side. I never thought I'd say that about broccoli!
Sometimes I eat it as my lunch and my kids have even had it for a snack. I just sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on it and drizzle with a little bit of lemon. So Good!
If you have leftovers, add to a salad. It ads so much flavor!
Storage
The roasted broccoli stores well in the fridge for up to three days if refrigerated in a sealed container. If heating, I recommend microwaving until just hot to avoid overcooking.
If in a sealed container or well-wrapped, roasted broccoli can also be frozen for up to three months. When reheated, the broccoli will be softer.
FAQs
No need to blanch. That comes from the days when vegetables were cooked until they were really soft.
Roasted broccoli starts getting charred (brown) around the edges. Make sure it's only the edges and then it's done.
Also, you can grab a fork and pierce it. The fork should go through with just a little resistance. You don't want it too soft and mushy.
Other delicious air fried sides
Printable Recipe
Delicious Air Fryer Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli cut into small florets
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil you can substitute avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt more or less, to taste
- Optional toppings - parmesan cheese grated or shredded, whatever you have at home
- Optional - A squeeze of fresh lemon on the cooked broccoli.
Instructions
- Preheat Air Frier to 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 - 4 minutes.
- Cut florets off stalks and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Some people peel the stalks/stems and cut them into ⅛ thick coins. I find this takes too much time and my family prefers just the broccoli florets.
- In a medium bowl, add the broccoli, oil, and garlic powder, and mix until the broccoli is lightly coated.
- Spread out in your air fryer basket. Make sure the broccoli florets are spaced so air can circulate around pieces. If they are too close, they may get soggy. Place into air fryer for 8-10 minutes. At the halfway mark, either shake or flip the broccoli.
- Watch closely the last few minutes. Some people like little to no char, vs. other folks like a good amount of char on the broccoli. I suggest if this is your first time trying air fryer roasted broccoli, try it with less.
Notes
Nutrition (I am not a nutritionist. These are estimates only)
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