When it comes to most vegetables my go-to method of cooking is roasting. I love the sweetness it brings out in the vegetables. And while I’m not a fan of boiled or steamed broccoli I LOVE it roasted. After recently purchasing an air fryer I decided to try cooking broccoli in it. It’s now the only method I use. It cooks the stalks perfectly al dente while slightly charring and crisping the florets just the way I like it. Air fryer broccoli is so easy and a lot quicker than cooking it in the oven.
What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Air Fryer Broccoli?
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this broccoli recipe, most of which you probably have in your pantry.
- Broccoli – One whole head of fresh broccoli.
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic – 1 Clove.
- Chili flakes – Optional.
How Do You Make This Recipe?
It’s a very simple process. You don’t even need to preheat the air fryer. I like to start with raw broccoli (although you can cook frozen broccoli if you prefer – see below) cut into 1-inch pieces. After washing and draining the broccoli well, coat it with a little extra virgin olive oil mixed with garlic, chili flakes (optional), and S &P and mix until the broccoli is well coated. Add the broccoli to the fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400F (205C) and set the timer to 7 -10 minutes. Check for doneness after 5 minutes and continue cooking if it needs more or if you like your broccoli a little crispier. If you only have one layer of broccoli there is no need to turn the broccoli as the air circulates under the basket. However, if you have more you might want to shake the basket or stir the broccoli to ensure that it all cooks evenly.
Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 330 g (1lb) fresh broccoli (cut in medium-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tbsp (7g) chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) pepper
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl add garlic, chili flakes & salt & pepper to the EVOO & combine. Allow to rest for 10 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Add the broccoli to the bowl with the EVOO mixture and toss to combine well.
- Add the broccoli to the air fryer and set the timer for 10 minutes. Cook at 205C (400F) for 5 minutes then stir broccoli or shake the basket. Continue cooking for another 5 – 7 minutes until preferred doneness. The broccoli is done when the edges are crispy but the stalk is still fairly firm.
- Remove the broccoli from the air fryer & arrange on plates.
Notes
Variations;
There are numerous ways you can customize this recipe. Sometimes I like to grate fresh Parmigiano Reggiano on the broccoli after it comes out of the air fryer. You could also drizzle it with a little lemon juice and/or grate a little lemon zest on top. If you don’t like heat leave the chili flakes out, it will still be delicious. If you like things sweet you could add a little drizzle of honey to the cooked broccoli. It’s also nice tossed in a simple tahini dressing. Of course, you can also swap out the EVOO for your oil of choice such as coconut, avocado, or vegetable oil.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS; Can I make my broccoli extra crispy in the air fryer? Absolutely! Just cook it a little longer checking frequently for doneness until it's how you like it. Do I need to preheat the air fryer? There is no need to preheat if you are cooking raw broccoli, however, if you are cooking frozen broccoli you may want to preheat the fryer for a few minutes first (see below). Can I cook frozen broccoli in the air fryer? Yes but for best results don't thaw the vegetables first. Cook straight from frozen. Cook them at 400F (205C) for 10 minutes and then stir or shake the basket and cook again until desired doneness. This could be another 10 - 15 minutes depending on how much broccoli you are cooking and the size and wattage of your air fryer.
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For more easy vegetable recipes check out my Best Roasted Asparagus or Roasted Fennel With Parmesan recipes.
It’s been so long since I’ve had some fresh broccoli. I’ll have to give this air fryer version a try.
Amazing! You’ve made air frying broccoli a breeze, and my family is loving the crispy charred edges.
I love broccoli, but my husband hates it! I’ll try this air fryer recipe for him asap 😍.
This looks so good and I love roasted veggies so I am for sure trying this air fryer recipe next time I make fresh broccoli!
I just love crispy veggies. the crunchier, the better so yummy!
My family loves roasted broccoli. This seems like an easier way to make it.
I will have to make this. We love broccoli as a side dish here.
We all love broccoli here but I have never thought of making it in the air fryer. I’ll try it next time!
This looks so delicious and healthy! I definitely saved and going to try it this weekend. Thank you for this recipe.
I love Broccoli, the last time I tried to make broccoli in the air fryer I burnt it. I will have to try this recipe and try to make it again; I know that my boys would love it.
Yum! This looks amazing!
Oh, yum! I love broccoli and I love using my air fryer, but I just always oven roast the broccoli. Will have to try this next time.
We make this all the time though I have never added garlic before so should try it with
Your air fryer broccoli recipe was a game-changer! It turned out perfectly crispy and flavorful. Thanks for sharing this quick and healthy treat. Can’t wait to try more of your air fryer recipes!
I have broccoli in the fridge so I will definitely be trying this today! This looks incredible.
I have some broccoli in the fridge right now! I am making them for sure!
I loooove crispy veggies, especially when the outside is broiled just a little bit, I bet the air fryer does just the trick!
I must try this. This looks delish.
i always put the brocoli in the oven with cheese, but air frying it is a new idea to me. time to get my air fryer out and test it!