Air Fryer Broccoli is a super easy and quick side dish for any meal. Uses ONLY 3 main ingredients and cooks in ONLY 10 minutes in the air fryer. It's also Low-Calorie and Low-Carb!
My family and I are all fans of broccoli. I call that a mom-win! I usually make roasted broccoli because of the crispy, savory, sweetness that it becomes after baking for 25 minutes. Once I started air frying my broccoli I never roasted it again. It comes out the exact same way, only crispier and in half the amount of time. Need I say more?
If you love this side dish as much as my family does then you NEED to try my other delicious air fryer meals. Air Fryer Avocado Fries is another fantastic, healthy side dish that cooks in minimal time, or my Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets with pair perfectly with this broccoli dish.
Table of contents
Ingredients
Here are the minimal ingredients you will need to make crispy air fryer broccoli.
- broccoli - stems cut off and the broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces. When placed inside the air fryer basket lay your florets in a single layer. This will help cook your broccoli evenly.
- olive oil - when choosing which olive oil to use in your air fryer, it is best practice to use oil with a higher smoke point. Instead of adding extra-virgin olive oil, use light or extra-light olive oil because it has a higher smoke point. The oil also helps give your veggies those golden-brown edges.
- garlic powder - it's hard to find a spice that doesn't work well with broccoli, but I just happen to LOVE the taste of garlic. Garlic powder paired with salt and pepper is a great combination of spices that will help your broccoli taste richer and more flavorful.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to make air-fried broccoli
Step-by-Step directions for this broccoli recipe.
Step 1 - In a large bowl add your broccoli, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
Step 2 - Pour the broccoli mixture into the air fryer in a single layer. Air fry at 390 degrees for 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to be sure all sides cook evenly.
Step 3 - Serve as your new favorite side dish.
Optional - sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese on top or lemon zest or squeeze lemon juice over your broccoli. Yum! I like using this hand-held juice squeezer when adding lemon or lime juice to any of my food. If you want your food spicey you can even top your broccoli with some red pepper flakes.
Substitutions
Here are some substitution ideas for this vegetarian side dish!
- Broccoli - instead of using fresh broccoli, you can use frozen broccoli. If you opt for frozen broccoli over fresh, I've added the cooking steps below.
- Garlic Powder - I like garlic powder because it coats the broccoli well, but you can also opt for onion powder or even just salt and pepper and a little butter.
How to air fry frozen broccoli
- Spray the bottom of your air fryer with cooking spray and place the frozen broccoli on top of the olive oil. There is no need to thaw out your broccoli prior to this step.
- Now spray the tops of the broccoli with the cooking spray, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and give the basket a little shake to be sure the spices are mixed around.
- Air fry the broccoli at 400 degrees for 6 - 15 minutes. Make sure to shake halfway through.
If you're looking for another super easy air fryer side dish then you NEED to try my Super Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries!
Equipment
To make this healthy side dish that takes a quarter of the amount of time it takes to make oven-roasted broccoli, you will of course need an air fryer!
The one I own is a Ninja Dual Zone Basket Air Fryer! I love the dual-zone because you can air fry your side dish and your main course all at the same time.
If you're looking for an air fryer that is a bit smaller I would recommend this Ninja Mini Air Fryer that takes up much less space on your counter but cooks in the same amount of time or you can try this inexpensive Instant Pot Mini Air Fryer Combo if you are not looking to spend too much.
How can the kids help
I've said it before and I'll say it again cooking with your kids is more beneficial than you think. When your child helps you make the meal you want them to eat they are more likely to want to eat it if they assisted in preparing it. This simple dish is an easy one to include your kid in.
- Have your child add the cut broccoli to the large mixing bowl.
- Assist your children to also help with adding in the seasonings.
- Your child can also help dump the broccoli into the air fryer.
- If they are old enough teach them how to use an air fryer.
Tips and FAQs
You want to cut your broccoli into even-sized small pieces only using the florets. This will help your broccoli turn out evenly cooked with a soft texture roasted around the crispy edges.
Store your cooked broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you're ready to eat it again, toss it back into the air fryer to heat it up. Place in the air fryer at 350 degrees in an even layer for only about 2 - 3 minutes until warmed up.
It is possible to burn your broccoli in the air fryer! Make sure when you shake it halfway through check to see if it isn't already burning. If it is then turn your temperature down to 350 degrees for the remaining amount of time.
Other yummy and easy air fryer dishes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with my Healthy Air Fryer Broccoli:
If you give this recipe a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! Always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!
Air Fryer Broccoli
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 large heads broccoli stems cut off and cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1 - In a large bowl add your broccoli, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Step 2 - Pour the broccoli mixture into the air fryer in a single layer. Air fry at 390 degrees for 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to be sure all sides cook evenly.
- Step 3 - Serve as your new favorite side dish.
- Optional - sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top or squeeze some lemon juice over your broccoli. Yum! I like using this hand-held juice squeezer when adding lemon or lime juice to any of my food.
Notes
- You want to cut your broccoli into even-sized small pieces only using the florets. This will help your broccoli turn out evenly cooked with a soft texture roasted around the edges.
- Store your cooked broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you're ready to eat it again, toss it back into the air fryer to heat it up. Place in the air fryer at 350 degrees in an even layer for only about 2 - 3 minutes until warmed up.
- It is possible to burn your broccoli in the air fryer! Make sure when you shake it halfway through check to see if it isn't already burning. If it is then turn your temperature down to 350 degrees for the remaining amount of time.
- Have your child add the cut broccoli to the large mixing bowl.
- Assist your children to also help with adding in the seasonings.
- Your child can also help dump the broccoli into the air fryer.
- If they are old enough teach them how to use an air fryer.
Nutrition
Jillian is the creator of Jillian's Healthful Eats. She is the one who cooks all the meals, develops all the recipes, takes all the photographs, and washes all the dishes! She is a very busy wife and mother of 4 who enjoys cooking with her children and instilling in them her own love for health and nutrition!
Easy and Delicious!