This Air Fryer Broccoli recipe is the ultimate side dish for anyone looking for a healthy, flavorful, and quick way to prepare broccoli. Crispy on the edges and tender on the inside, this air fryer recipe uses simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic powder, and a touch of Parmesan for maximum flavor. In under 15 minutes, you can have perfectly roasted broccoli, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a side dish, or a low-carb vegetable option, this air fryer broccoli recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh broccoli florets (well-dried)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F.
2. Season the Broccoli:
- In a large bowl or a resealable bag, combine the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss or shake well to ensure the broccoli is evenly coated, ensuring the oil works into the crowns of the florets for crispiness.
3. Cook the Broccoli:
- Arrange the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single, flat layer.
- Cook at 320°F for 6 minutes.
4. Increase the Heat:
- After 6 minutes, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the broccoli is crispy around the edges.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the broccoli is done, remove it from the air fryer and, if desired, garnish with lemon zest and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Air Fryer Broccoli is the perfect combination of tender and crispy. Cooking at two different temperatures ensures that the broccoli becomes perfectly crisped on the edges while remaining tender inside. The addition of garlic powder, olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan or lemon zest adds a burst of flavor. It’s a quick, healthy, and delicious side dish that’s ready in under 15 minutes and pairs well with nearly any meal.
Tips
- Even Coating: Be sure to coat the broccoli florets well with olive oil to ensure even crisping. Using a resealable bag can help you toss the broccoli more effectively.
- Batch Cooking: If cooking a larger quantity, it’s best to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can result in uneven cooking.
- Temperature Adjustment: The two-stage cooking process (320°F followed by 400°F) helps to create the ideal crispy texture, so avoid skipping that step.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese Options: While Parmesan is a classic, you can try other cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Vegan: For a dairy-free option, simply skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. However, be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning, as frozen broccoli contains more moisture and may become soggy if not properly dried.
How do I make sure the broccoli gets crispy? The key is to make sure the broccoli is thoroughly coated in oil and placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket. The two-stage cooking process—starting at 320°F and finishing at 400°F—ensures it gets crispy without burning.
Can I add other seasonings? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or onion powder for a unique flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Side Dish: Serve this crispy broccoli as a side with grilled chicken, salmon, or steak for a nutritious addition to your meal.
- With Dips: Pair with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or garlic aioli for an extra layer of flavor.
- In Salads: Add crispy air fryer broccoli to a salad for a crunchy texture or as a topping for a roasted vegetable salad.
The Best Air Fryer Broccoli
4
servings10
minutes10
minutesIngredients
12 ounces fresh broccoli florets (well-dried)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for garnish)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F.
- Season the Broccoli:
- In a large bowl or a resealable bag, combine the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss or shake well to ensure the broccoli is evenly coated, ensuring the oil works into the crowns of the florets for crispiness.
- Cook the Broccoli:
- Arrange the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single, flat layer.
- Cook at 320°F for 6 minutes.
- Increase the Heat:
- After 6 minutes, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the broccoli is crispy around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the broccoli is done, remove it from the air fryer and, if desired, garnish with lemon zest and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
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