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Introducing my Air Fryer Broccoli recipe! This quick side dish is ready to enjoy in just 5 minutes! With just 4 simple ingredients, this air fry broccoli is an easy side dish sure to give you the best results even if it is your first time making it! Plus, it’s absolutely delicious and really takes broccoli to the next level!
Recipe Difficulty – Very Easy
Table of Contents
Why this recipe works
Not sure how to cook broccoli in air fryer? I’ve got you covered! The cooking process is so simple and my easy recipe will make you a pro! If you are a fan of oven roasted broccoli, get ready for your world to be changed! It is a quick way to get crispy edges and tender broccoli in a fraction of the time.
The great thing about having a simple recipe is that it is easy to mix it up and create different variations! Just a few additions and you can have a totally different dish such as parmesan broccoli or chilli and garlic broccoli! If you’re trying to give a friend broccoli who isn’t usually a fan, this may very well change their mind!
These crispy broccoli bites are delicious, quick, and great to level up an easy weeknight meal. This healthy side dish pairs well with so many great meals! Try serving them with my Sweet Chilli Salmon Fishcakes or Grilled Salmon Burgers. This is seriously the best crispy broccoli and I can’t wait to hear how you like it!
Ingredients to make Air Fryer Broccoli
- Broccoli – One large broccoli head will give you all of the fresh broccoli florets you need for this crispy air fryer broccoli. If you have some spare then try my Broccoli Stir Fry.
- Olive Oil – gives flavour as well as helps crisp up the broccoli.
- Lemon Juice – You could use bottled or fresh lemon juice. Either way, it adds a bright flavour and pairs so well with the broccoli.
- Garlic Granules – are a delicious flavour addition and help make this the best air fryer broccoli.
- Chilli flakes – add a little bit of spice and a great flavour, but don’t worry it’s not too overbearing!
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions
- Broccoli – It can be fun to try out different types of broccoli with this recipe! Consider trying my air fryer tenderstem broccoli or purple broccoli (also known as purple sprouting broccoli).
- Olive Oil – Avocado oil or other oils with a high smoke point will work great in place of olive oil.
- Garlic Granules – Lemon zest can be used in place of the garlic granules.
Variations
- Spicy – Swap the chilli powder for red pepper flakes for a spicier broccoli. You could also increase the quantity of chilli flakes if you preferred.
- Deluxe – There are so many ways to turn this easy air fryer broccoli deluxe. Try experimenting with garlic powder, garlic salt, onion powder, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, etc. Garlic and Chilli Broccoli is a popular combination as well! To really take this broccoli to the next level, I also love to grate vegan parmesan on top!
- Kid friendly – Sprinkle some vegan parmesan cheese on top during the last couple of minutes of cook time and provide a yummy dip to make this air-fried broccoli kid-approved! Another great option is to toss the broccoli in ranch seasoning. Serve it with some Vegan Mac and Cheese for bonus points!
How to make Air Fryer Broccoli
Step 1: Firstly, chop the broccoli into florets.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and mix until the broccoli is completely coated.
Step 3: Put the broccoli in the bottom of the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 200C (390 degrees F) for 5 minutes. Make sure to keep a little bit of space between florets to allow the hot air to get all around the broccoli.
Hint: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the florets or if you want al dente versus more tender broccoli. Different types of air fryers may also vary in cook times.
Leftovers
You can store leftover fried broccoli in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days. To reheat it, put the broccoli back in the air fryer for 2 minutes until they are hot.
Air Fryer Broccoli Tips
Here are a few tips to make the best air fryer broccoli first time!
Tip 1: If washing your broccoli, make sure to pat it dry first to remove any moisture. The less moisture the crispier the edges will be!
Tip 2: Chopping the broccoli into equal sized florets helps it to all cook evenly and not burn. I aim for big florets as smaller ones can burn too easily.
Tip 3: Make sure to give the broccoli space in the air fryer so that it cooks evenly. Having broccoli too close together in the air fryer will not give it the space to get nice and crispy.
Recipe FAQs
Cooking broccoli can be done in so many different ways! Steamed broccoli, roasted tenderstem broccoli, boiled broccoli, fried broccoli, etc. My personal preference is air fryer broccoli. It takes just a few easy steps, much faster and is absolutely delicious!
If you have trouble with things burning in your air fryer, put a tablespoon of water into the air fryer basket as it can help the broccoli keep some moisture.
The sky is the limit when it comes to air fryer vegetables! Air fryer Brussels sprouts, air fryer cauliflower, etc. If you can cook it in the oven, give it a try in the air fryer!
It is! Air frying is a delicious way to end up with the best broccoli without compromising nutritional value!
More Air Fryer Vegetables
- Air Fryer Cauliflower how to cook crispy coated cauliflower every time!
- Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes a fun a quick side dish to try.
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob crispy on the outside and juicy inside in just 10 minutes!
- Air Fryer Roast Potatoes made in half the time and just as tasty.
- Air Fryer Jacket Potato crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
- Air Fryer Chips the best homemade air fryer chips that you NEED to try.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries healthier and easy to make.
- Air Fryer Salmon the perfect main to go with this broccoli recipe and you can cook it all at once in the same air fryer.
- Air Fryer Sausages how to cook sausages perfectly in your air fryer.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges a healthy air fryer side dish to try!
- Air Fryer Baby Potatoes for a delicious crispy potato side dish!
- Air Fryer Kale Chips for a healthier air fryer snack.
- Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes for a fun side side for any meal!
- Air Fryer Aubergine for a new way to enjoy aubergines.
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Air Fryer Broccoli
Equipment
- Chopping Board
- sharp knife
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 large broccoli head
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 juice of lemon
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- pinch salt & pepper
Instructions
- Firstly, chop the broccoli into florets (see tips for the size).
- Then, in a large mixing bowl add the broccoli along with the other ingredients and mix until the broccoli is evenly coated.
- Finally, evenly distribute the broccoli across the air fryer tray and cook at 200C / 390F for 5 minutes.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This was super quick and delicious!
Thanks Gabby 🙂
This was super easy and delicious!
Thanks Hannah 🙂
A great way to make a boring ingredient more fun! I definitely won’t be boiling broccoli again anytime soon!