If you’re looking for a quick, healthy side dish that’s packed with flavor and ready in minutes, this air fryer broccoli recipe is your answer. With just a few simple ingredients and your air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, tender broccoli in under 15 minutes — no deep frying required!
This easy air fryer broccoli recipe uses minimal oil and delivers restaurant-quality results every time. Whether you’re a beginner or an air fryer pro, this foolproof method will become a staple in your weekly routine.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
- Quick: Ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Healthy: Uses only 1 tablespoon of olive oil for a guilt-free side dish.
- Versatile: Great as a side, snack, or salad topping.
- Easy Cleanup: Use a silicone baking mat to keep your basket clean and non-stick.
Want more crispy results? Pair it with the best air fryer for crispy food.
Easy Air Fryer Broccoli: Crispy and Healthy
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Tongs
- 1 Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika optional
- Salt to taste
- Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast optional
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 2-3 minutes.
- In a bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and salt until evenly coated.
- Place broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and lightly browned.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast before serving if desired.
- Serve immediately as a healthy side dish or snack!
Notes
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli
Follow these simple steps to get perfectly crispy and flavorful broccoli every time:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Line the air fryer basket with a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Arrange broccoli in a single layer in the basket — avoid overcrowding for maximum crispiness.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through or flipping with air fryer tongs.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli
To ensure your air fryer broccoli turns out extra crispy and delicious, follow these expert tips:
- Dry the broccoli thoroughly after washing to avoid steaming instead of crisping.
- Use a light coating of oil — try using an oil spray bottle for even distribution.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow proper airflow.
- Season creatively with parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or chili powder for added flavor.
- Adjust cooking time depending on your model — see our Troubleshooting Guide if needed.
Top Accessories to Improve Your Air Fryer Experience
Elevate your cooking game with these must-have accessories for making air fryer broccoli:
- Silicone Baking Mat – prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
- 【Protects Counters From Heat Damage】Amerbro heat resistant mat for countertop prevents heat damage to your marble counte…
- 【1022℉ Fireproof】Different from other felt material mats, our heat resistant mat for air fryer is made of fiberglass, he…
- 【Easy To Clean And Organize】This air fryer mat is not only water and oil resistant, it is very easy to clean, after use,…
- Air Fryer Tongs – ideal for safely flipping broccoli without burning yourself.
- Premium Materials: EEKEDO kitchen tongs are constructed with food-grade stainless steel and silicone. Carbon free.Thicke…
- 600ºF High Heat-Resistant: The silicone tongs feature BPA free silicone tip that will not scratch your nonstick cookware…
- Locking Mechanism: This Cooking tongs have a ring pull locking mechanism, pull the ring for lock to save space, and push…
- Oil Spray Bottle – ensures even oil coverage with less mess.
- Lifetime Assurance: We stand behind the quality of our olive oil dispenser bottle. If you’re unsatisfied or face any iss…
- Dual Dispensing: This 2 in 1 oil dispenser and oil sprayer allows you to spray or pour with ease. It’s a versatile oil d…
- Precision Spray Nozzle: The olive oil spray bottle features a nozzle that delivers a fine mist or steady stream, offerin…
- Air Fryer Basket Liner – reusable and eco-friendly alternative to parchment paper.
- Heat Resistant & Reusable air fryer liner 4 to 7 QT – Our silicone air fryer liners reusable are made of safe food-grade…
- Non-Stick And Easy to Clean Square Air Fryer Liners – Reusable silicone air fryer liners. Compared to other round air fr…
- Perfect Replacement for Flammable Parchment Paper Sheets – Compared to air fryer parchment paper liners that easy to bur…
- Silicone Molds – great for shaping broccoli bites or mini frittatas.
- AWESOME SILICONE LINER: 2 Pack Reusable durable silicone liners protect the lan that of your airfryer. It keeps the food…
- EASY TO CLEAN AND DISHWASHER SAFE: The Silicone liner keeps the basket clean and can be hand washed or put in the dishwa…
- BPA FREE & DURABLE: Made of safe food-grade durable silicone, non-toxic, odorless, heat resistant up to 450 ℉. You can t…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in an air fryer. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through. No need to thaw first.
How do I store leftover air fryer broccoli?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes for best results.
Is air fryer broccoli healthy?
Yes! It’s low in calories and fat, rich in fiber and vitamins, and requires very little oil compared to traditional frying methods.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Having trouble getting crispy results? Here are some common fixes:
- Broccoli not crispy? Make sure it’s dry before cooking and don’t overcrowd the basket. Try using a non-stick silicone mat.
- Burning edges? Lower the temperature to 360°F and check frequently. See our guide on common air fryer issues.
- Uneven cooking? Flip halfway through using tongs designed for air fryers.
Conclusion
This air fryer broccoli recipe is a quick, healthy way to enjoy a crispy, flavorful side dish in under 15 minutes. With minimal prep and the right accessories like a silicone baking mat, you’ll have perfect results every time. Try it tonight and explore more air fryer recipes like our baked potato in air fryer or shop the best air fryer accessories to level up your cooking!
