Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli {4 Variations}

Have you experimented with using the air fryer for your veggies? Specifically broccoli? If you haven’t, this is a must! In as little as 10 minutes, you can make crispy air fryer broccoli, a side dish that even the kids will enjoy! 

Why Air Fryer Broccoli?

If I had to choose one vegetable to be my favorite, I think I would have to choose broccoli! Broccoli has always been a staple in my life because it’s nutritious and let’s face it it’s easy to make. Even easier now with the air fryer, same great taste in less time! 

What I also love is that you feel as though you are getting a crispy restaurant-style “fried” vegetable without actually frying it. Whether serving as a side dish for your family and friends at your next dinner, you know that what you are feeding them is made with healthy ingredients and everyone will rave at the crispyness of the broccoli itself! 

While there are many different styles and sizes of the air fryer, I have settled on the 3 QT Phillips Premium Airfryer found on Amazon! This Airfryer is easy to use and easy on the cleanup! Take apart the basket, place in the dishwasher (or hand-wash, this is what I prefer) and your clean-up is complete. 

Tips For Best Air Fryer Broccoli

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While there are many different ways you can prepare broccoli, here are a few of my top tips for the best air fryer broccoli: 

• Use broccoli florets that are cut into small, even-sized pieces. This will ensure proper cooking throughout the entire basket. 
• Toss broccoli florets into olive oil and seasonings of choice before placing into the air fryer. By mixing the broccoli, olive oil, and seasoning in a bowl before air frying, this will ensure a broccoli dish full of flavor! 

Best Air Fryer Broccoli Seasonings:

While broccoli is one of my favorite vegetables, I am well aware it’s not everyone’s favorite. This is why you have to be creative with the seasonings you add to your vegetables. Here are some of my favorite ways to change up the taste of your broccoli each time you make it!

1. Everything But the Bagel 

2. Garlic and Onion 

3. Balsamic Glazed 

4. Plain and Simple 

For the exact measurements and mixtures of the above seasonings, scroll down to the full recipe! 

How To Make Broccoli in the Air Fryer

No matter what seasoning you prefer to use on your broccoli, here are the main steps to adding toppings before placing in the air fryer.

Step 1: Cut your broccoli from the stem into smaller-sized florets. 

Step 2: Place broccoli florets into a medium-sized mixing bowl. 

Step 3: Sprinkle seasoning on top of the bowl of broccoli (see my favorite toppings below in the full recipe).

Step 4: Next, I add oil; I prefer to use either olive oil or avocado oil. I use avocado oil when I’m for a little more flavor and olive oil when I prefer plain and simple.

Once you have your broccoli florets cut and seasoned all you need to do is place the mixture into the air fryer basket.

No matter what type of oil is used, I typically use anywhere between 1-1.5 tablespoons of oil. I have found that you do not need much more than this when using an air fryer.

Some people prefer to use no oil at all and that works too! I prefer just a little oil on my broccoli but again do what’s best for you and your family! Toss the mixture together to ensure seasoning and oil are spread evenly throughout your batch of veggies!

Below you’ll find my four go-to seasoning blends when it comes to seasoning your broccoli in the air fryer.

PRO TIP: If you’re making a larger batch of broccoli or any type of vegetable for that matter, make sure you don’t overcrowd the basket. This will ensure that the vegetables will cook thoroughly and allow the broccoli florets to still remain crispy. 

Note that when you cook broccoli in the air fryer it takes no more than 10 minutes to be crisp and you will notice that the broccoli will shrink a significant amount. 

Every air fryer is different, but with my air fryer, I set it to 425 degrees and I cook for about 7-10 minutes. Depending on the size of your basket you will want to watch the time and heat of your air fryer.

Make sure to flip and toss your broccoli halfway through your time. The air fryer does circulate air all around the basket, however, I have found it helpful to flip the broccoli at the halfway point to cook each side evenly.

Other Favorite Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Crispy Chicken Fingers