10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (2024)

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Air fryer broccoli is a healthy side dish you can whip up in a fraction of the time! That’s right! In just 10 minutes this broccoli turns ultra-crispy,

10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (1)

Air fryer broccoli is a surefire way to ensure you get vegetables on the table, no matter how strapped you are for time. In just 10, short minutes, this broccoli comes out as juicy and crispy as it would have if you roasted it in the oven.

What’s better? There’s no need to use a ton of oil in the air fryer. Just a couple of tablespoons of olive oil will do the trick. Now that’s healthy eating…

Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or planning to add crispy broccoli to your favorite pasta dish, this recipe will soon become your go-to. Grab a head of broccoli and let’s get started!

10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (2)

How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli

Air fryer broccoli takes only 5 ingredients and three easy steps to make. Below, find a quick rundown of the recipe.

  • Season the Broccoli: Grab a large bowl and pop broccoli florets inside. Toss the broccoli with seasoning and oil, evenly coating each floret.
  • Place Broccoli in Air Fryer Tray: Place broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  • Air Fry and Serve: Air fry for 8-10 minutes at 370°F, flipping halfway through. Enjoy!

Hot Tip: Uplevel the broccoli by adding freshly grated parmesan cheese in the last 4 minutes of air frying. Hello, cheesy crust!

10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (3)
10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (4)
10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (5)
10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (6)

Looking for an air fryer? Right now, I’m obsessed with my COSORI Air Fryer Max XL. It has 13 different presets and a tray big enough to feed 3-5 people. It’s perfect for a meal prep pro or a family of four.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Broccoli

Below, find a couple of tips to help you make the best air fryer broccoli.

  • Slice your florets into equal-sized pieces. To promote even cooking, slice your florets into as equal-sized pieces as possible. If you want to cut a corner, you can find pre-cut florets in the refrigerated aisle of the produce section.
  • Switch up the seasoning. Branch out from garlic powder, salt, and pepper and add any dry seasoning you like. Cumin, red chili flakes, and Italian seasoning are all great options. You could even squeeze lemon juice on top of your florets for a pop of citrusy flavor.
  • Use a bowl to season broccoli. Instead of seasoning broccoli directly on the air fryer tray, season it in a bowl first. This allows you to toss the broccoli in the oil and seasonings and distribute it more evenly, coating all the nooks and crannies of each floret.
  • Serve broccoli fresh. Air-fried broccoli is best served fresh. If you let it sit too long, it will lose its crispiness and turn a bit soggy.
  • Add a tablespoon of water for more tender broccoli. If you like broccoli to be a bit more on the tender side, add a tablespoon of water to the air fryer to help it steam.

Fresh Broccoli vs. Frozen Broccoli: It’s best to use fresh broccoli in the air fryer. While you can air fry frozen broccoli, it won’t get as crispy due to its higher moisture content.

Serving Air Fryer Broccoli

Serve air fryer broccoli anywhere you would serve oven roasted broccoli. Add it to a heaping bowl of shrimp fettuccine alfredo or pair it with a leg of lamb for a healthy dinner. You could even use cold leftover air fryer broccoli as a substitute to raw in our broccoli cauliflower salad – it will add such a nice touch!

Storing Air Fryer Broccoli

  • Refrigerating: Store air fryer broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep fresh for up to a week when stored properly.
  • Freezing: Freezing your air fryer broccoli is not a good idea. It doesn’t tend to reheat well and turns out mushy.

Reheating Tip: Pop the broccoli back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to make it crispy again. You could also reheat it in the microwave.

10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (7)

FAQ

Is broccoli good in the air fryer?

Broccoli is wonderful in the air fryer. It gets super crispy super fast.

Do you steam broccoli before air frying?

There’s no need to steam your broccoli before air frying it. If you like broccoli a little more on the tender side, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the fryer to create a steaming effect.

Can you air fry frozen broccoli?

You can air fryer frozen broccoli, but it won’t turn out as crispy. Use fresh broccoli whenever you can.

Can you put aluminum foil in the air fryer?

You can, but it’s not necessary. Aluminum foil can actually prevent the hot air from circulating, causing uneven cooking.

More Air Fryer Recipes

  • Air Fryer Chicken Wings – Crispy, no-guilt wings
  • Air Fryer Salmon – Flakey, moist salmon
  • Air Fryer Baked Potatoes – Crispy and moist
  • Air Fryer Shrimp – Plump, juicy shrimp

Recipe

10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (8)

10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe

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Servings

2 servings

Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin

Air fryer broccoli is a quick, healthy side dish! In just 10 minutes this broccoli turns ultra-crispy, while maintaining it's crunch!

Ingredients

US UnitsMetric

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, toss broccoli florets with salt, garlic powder, pepper, and olive oil. Use a spoon to distribute oil and seasoning evenly.

  • Place broccoli in the air fryer tray in a single layer. Air fry at 370°F for 8-10 minutes. Toss halfway through to promote even cooking.

  • Serve hot as a side dish to your favorite entrees.

Nutrition Facts

10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 185 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 2g10%

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 10g

Sodium 638mg27%

Potassium 550mg16%

Carbohydrates 12g4%

Fiber 5g20%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 1061IU21%

Vitamin C 152mg184%

Calcium 82mg8%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Posted July 13, 2021

About Author

10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (12)

Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.

  1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (13)

    Irina StilesJan 25, 2024

    Just got the same air fryer. Do you need to preheat it before making this recipe?

    1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (14)

      Natalya DrozhzhinJan 25, 2024

      Hey Irina, Preheating is not necessary. I hope you try out many of our other air fryer recipes as well! I LOVE using the air fryer!

  2. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (15)

    H. Jude BoudreauxDec 19, 2023

    Just got our new smokeless indoor grill and have been trying to find ways to use it to eat more Whole Foods. This was a hit with my kids even!

    1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (16)

      half-pintJan 27, 2024

      So funny! I made some broccoli w/a similar recipe (roasted; air fryers were not on the market then). My granddaughter was about 7 or 8. She came knocking on the bathroom door while I was showering and asked; "Nana, can I have some more broccoli?" She and her friends were all eating it! Of course she could have some! She still remembers it and likes it and is nearly 16 now.

    2. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (17)

      Natalya DrozhzhinDec 19, 2023

      I'm happy to hear it was a success with your family! Thanks for sharing.

  3. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (18)

    KarolSep 17, 2023

    Perfect and Delicious!

    1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (19)

      Natalya DrozhzhinSep 18, 2023

      Hi Karol, Thank you! Enjoy! 🙂

  4. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (20)

    SSSep 2, 2023

    delicious! I airfried from frozen, 400 deg for 10 minutes Thank you!

    1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (21)

      Natalya DrozhzhinSep 4, 2023

      Hi SS, I'm happy to hear it was a success! 🙂

  5. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (22)

    MerandaAug 8, 2023

    People in your comments are WILD! This is a simple, yet really great recipe!!! Thank you!!!

    1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (23)

      Natalya DrozhzhinAug 9, 2023

      Hi Meranda, Thank you for your supportive feedback. I really appreciate it! 🙂

  6. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (24)

    AKJul 20, 2023

    Delicious and really easy. Love how it's crispy on the outside (especially the florets) but tender inside. Reduced heat to around 350 degrees after cooking for around 6 minutes since they started to get pretty dark brown, but didn't burn and it was the perfect side dish. Thank you for sharing!

    1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (25)

      Natalya DrozhzhinJul 20, 2023

      Hey AK, Thanks for sharing your experience! Glad you had the perfect side dish to enjoy!

  7. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (26)

    JimJun 9, 2023

    Disappointed it didn't say anything about adding water in the Recipe I am also new to cooking so my broccoli came out very dry and very burnt maybe I was supposed to wash it immediately prior I don't know To add moisture I did add a teaspoonful of water to the bottom of my container To make it softer it was unbelievably hard to eat Texture And burnt
    There was another couple reviews complaining that the water wasn't in the ingredient list

    1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (27)

      Natalya DrozhzhinJun 9, 2023

      Hi Jim, I would highly recommend watching it as it cooks. It shouldn't come out burned. Not all air fryers run the same way, I have never air fried broccoli with water. Let me know if you do test it, I would love to hear feedback.

      1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (28)

        JimJul 22, 2023

        why haven't you tested Each recipe yourself before sending it out and letting all us inexperienced or inexperienced cooks figure it out for you ??
        Amazed that you get commission for recipes that aren't finished or tested by you

        1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (29)

          Leigh-Ann MurphyAug 11, 2023

          Don’t blame her for your user error. Watch your food every fryer is not the same

        2. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (30)

          Kathy HJul 23, 2023

          wow, she can't test every air fryer out there, they all cook differently . You need to check often to see how Your fryer is doing, maybe lower the temp if its cooking too hot & fast. Be nice, you are getting free recipes!

        3. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (31)

          Natalya DrozhzhinJul 23, 2023

          Jim, We have tested the recipe with the recommended air fryer in this post. It would be impossible for us to test it in every air fryer. Also, all of our recipes are free to public, unless you decide to get one of our ebooks. I am sorry you weren't satisfied with the outcome.

  8. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (32)

    DeniseMay 27, 2023

    The air fryer broccoli was delicious. It did cook quickly but I think it depends on the size of the broccoli used. I also will use less salt next time. I made shrimp broccoli Alfredo and my husband loved it.

    1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (33)

      Natalya DrozhzhinMay 27, 2023

      Denise, thank you for sharing this. Yes, the size does play a huge role and sometimes air fryers run at different temperature. Alfredo sounds incredible.

  9. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (34)

    lauraJan 8, 2023

    it burned before 5 min turn

    1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (35)

      Natalya DrozhzhinJan 9, 2023

      Hi Laura, I am so sorry to hear that. All air fryers are different. I am not sure why it would burn so quickly.

  10. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (36)

    Serpouhy NazarianNov 11, 2022

    Your instructions are too long.. l give up reading the recipe after while. They are great recipes but get to it faster..too long.

    1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (37)

      Natalya DrozhzhinNov 11, 2022

      Hi there Serpouhy, I am sorry you feel that way. I try very hard to be thorough in my recipes that way there is no confusion about the process. Thank you for understanding why it's important for me to list every step in detail. I hope you give our recipes a try, the end result is well worth the read. I appreciate your feedback, have a great day!

      1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (38)

        DebbieJul 24, 2023

        Click the jump to recipe link!!

      2. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (39)

        JenJan 16, 2023

        To the commenter: just hit the "Jump to Recipe" button if you don't want to read the blog. Pretty simple.

  11. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (40)

    Vivian OakesJul 14, 2021

    My favorite way to make broccoli now! My whole family loved it.

    1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (41)

      Denise FosterOct 2, 2022

      I like cooking Broccoli with the airfryer, it's a lot quicker. My fresh Broccoli was crushy cooking for 10min at 370 temp. I will have to add water to the bottom of the airfryer as instructed to create steam. To make the Broccoli more tender.

      1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (42)

        KimMay 21, 2023

        I didn't know or even think that you could put water in a air fryer and is it going to steam or fry the broccoli?

      2. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (43)

        Natalya DrozhzhinOct 3, 2022

        Hi Denise- thank you for the feedback! Yes, adding the water will help tenderize it more. Enjoy!

    2. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (44)

      Natalya DrozhzhinJul 14, 2021

      So glad to hear that, thank you for taking the time to comment!

  12. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (45)

    BetsyJul 14, 2021

    Oh, this is so good! The air fryer really does a fantastic job in bringing out some extra good flavor in the already flavorfuol broccoli! Perfect side dish.

    1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (46)

      Natalya DrozhzhinJul 14, 2021

      I am so glad you enjoyed the broccoli, thank you for your feedback!

  13. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (47)

    BethJul 14, 2021

    We loved this recipe to go with our dinner tonight! Such an easy and very flavorful recipe. We love that it's quick and simple. Thanks!

    1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (48)

      Natalya DrozhzhinJul 14, 2021

      We do too! Quick and easy recipes are the best!

10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why does my broccoli burn in the air fryer? ›

Extra-virgin olive oil – It helps the broccoli become tender as it cooks. Don't skimp on it – without enough oil, the broccoli will burn instead of browning.

How to barely cook broccoli? ›

Fill a large bowl with cold water and ice. Carefully lower the broccoli florets into the boiling water and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green and just barely tender. With a slotted spoon, remove the broccoli and immediately plunge into the ice water.

Does air frying broccoli lose nutrients? ›

Does air frying vegetables remove nutrients? All vegetables lose some nutrients when cooked, but when compared with other methods of cooking, air fried vegetables loses less nutrients. Are air fried vegetables healthy? Air frying is healthier than frying in oil.

How long to cook broccoli without losing nutrients? ›

Blanching is a quick dip in boiling water, followed immediately by cooling. You can also preserve both nutrients and the enzyme needed to form protective isothiocyanates if you steam broccoli for three or four minutes (just until crisp-tender) or microwave for less than one minute.

How do you keep broccoli crispy when cooking? ›

To keep broccoli crisp, don't overcook it. I prefer to either steam it or wok fry it to keep it from overcooking. It doesn't take very long in a wok, maybe a few minutes, and steaming takes about 5.

Why are my vegetables not crispy from the air fryer? ›

Don't overcrowd your insert, or else the air fried veggies will turn out mushy. Go light on the oil. Too much, and the vegetables will become oversaturated and not crisp up.

How do restaurants make broccoli taste so good? ›

How do restaurants make broccoli taste so good? As with everything made by chefs, they have unexpected (read: unhealthy) additions to their meals — mostly butter, oil and heaps of salt. An excellent tip for the perfect broccoli is the blanching step.

What is the most efficient way to cook broccoli? ›

Steaming broccoli is quick and easy, and it's considered one of the healthiest ways to prepare the vegetable. Instead of submerging the florets and stem into boiling water or roasting them in the oven, the broccoli is placed in a steamer basket over simmering water and covered with a lid.

Does broccoli get softer the longer you cook it? ›

The more you cook broccoli, the softer it gets. Eventually, it'll be like mush (i.e. baby food), if you overcook it. You do know you can eat broccoli raw, right. Most people give it a quick stir fry or blanch it briefly, which results in a somewhat harder texture when being served.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers? ›

Households are shelving their air fryers in favour of another kitchen appliance that is cheaper to run, and just as healthy.

Is there anything unhealthy about air fryers? ›

Air-frying equipment is not known to cause cancer, but the process of air frying does result in the formation of certain compounds, like acrylamide, that are linked to cancer development. Acrylamide is classified as a probable human carcinogen.

How to eat broccoli for weight loss? ›

The best time to consume broccoli is around breakfast or lunch so that your body has time to absorb it. You should eat it often as it is a green vegetable with various nutritious benefits. One can eat broccoli 2-3 times a week to lose weight. You can aim at consuming 400 grams of broccoli in a week.

Is Roasted broccoli good for you? ›

Roasted broccoli is a healthy side dish with major crowd appeal. Broccoli contains a lot of good-for-you fiber, vitamin C, and a surprising amount of protein, too. Who knew? If you've been in a rut with side dishes lately, or you're tired of steamed broccoli, you're going to love this simple side.

How do you keep vegetables from burning in an air fryer? ›

That's because these mini convection ovens rely on a constant flow of air to move the high-temp heat around the food for all-over crispness. To minimise the chance of food burning, make sure there are at least five inches of space on all sides.

Why do my vegetables burn in the air fryer? ›

The foods are too light

“So something lightweight like spinach, as it starts to fry, ends up getting up in the heating coil—and then it burns, setting off the smoke alarm.”

How do I keep my air fryer from burning food? ›

Cleaning the basket

An air fryer should also be cleaned after every use, even if you don't think it's necessary. Small crumbs can burn, become baked onto your food or catch fire. So when cooking with your air fryer, get into the habit of cleaning it, no matter what you are cooking.

How do I keep my air fryer from burning spices? ›

Instead, pour cooking oil (such as avocado oil or olive oil) into a spray bottle to use on your air-fried foods. Don't add dried herbs or spices to your air fryer. Instead, mix them with oil BEFORE spraying onto your food. This will prevent the dried herbs or spices from blowing around in your air fryer.

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