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GET IT NOWThis Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe Never Lets Me Down
This air fryer broccoli was one of the first air fryer recipes I created when I got this appliance years ago, and it’s still the #1 way I cook this vegetable. Whenever I have a standalone protein planned for dinner, especially when I’m focused on testing another dish, I need this kind of zero-thinking, simple veggie side.
I’ve tried roasted broccoli, sauteed broccoli, grilled broccoli, and even steamed broccoli… and while they all have their place, nothing checks all the boxes quite like this. Here’s why this air fryer broccoli recipe is always a winner:
- Perfectly tender, with crispier edges than other methods – Air fried broccoli comes out sweeter and more caramelized than any other cooking method I’ve made. I get browned edges on the outside and stalks that are tender on the inside, with less risk of overcooking. With most methods, the broccoli usually gets soft before it browns like this.
- Fastest side ever – With just 4 ingredients I always have on hand, I can whip this up in 10 minutes. It’s super easy and much faster than the oven.
- No checking on it – The air fryer is consistent and reliable, so I can set the time and forget about it.
- Goes with everything – I’ve served air fryer broccoli with chicken, steak, fish, you name it… and it never feels out of place.
If you need a quick, healthy side dish that goes with any main, throwing some broccoli in the air fryer is one of the easiest, tastiest options. Make it with me!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my air fryer broccoli recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Broccoli – I prefer to get a head of broccoli and cut it into florets myself (it’s more affordable and more fresh), but I’ve tested this with precut broccoli florets and they work fine. I find they’re not always cut the same size, so I usually still need to cut some of them to be uniform.
- Oil – I usually use olive oil, but avocado oil works great, too.
- Lemon Juice – I like a little lemon flavor in my air fryer broccoli, but feel free to skip it. You can also do a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end instead of adding it before cooking.
- Spices – My must-haves are garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you’re feeling extra, add paprika, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or even some grated parmesan cheese. I’ve also enjoyed this with a sprinkle of lemon pepper seasoning.
How To Cook Broccoli In The Air Fryer
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Season. Toss the broccoli in a big bowl with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I used a wooden spoon to mix below, but usually find tongs to be easier.
- Air fry. Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook until it’s crisp-tender with browned edges. Shake the basket halfway through.
My Air Frying Tips
- The size of the florets makes a big difference in timing. The cook time can vary depending on how you cut them. I recommend not too small, about 2 inches long and at least 1 inch across the heads. I find they burn too easily if the heads are very small!
- Cook your protein first. Since air fryer broccoli takes just 5 minutes, it’s the perfect timing to cook it while your chicken, beef, or fish rests after cooking.
- Don’t crowd the basket. A little touching is fine, but avoid overlapping for even cooking and better browning. I have this air fryer and this entire air fryer broccoli recipe fits in the basket in one go. If yours is smaller, just cook in batches, or turn the extra broccoli into slaw or broccoli fritters.
- Want less browning? One of my kids prefers very little browning, so for her I make a smaller batch at 350 or even 320 degrees F instead of the higher heat.
- How long to cook broccoli in the air fryer? I air fry broccoli at 380 degrees F for about 5 minutes, but I start checking at 4. The stems should have a little resistance and still look bright green. If the tops brown too fast, I just lower the heat and let it go a bit longer.
- Can you cook frozen broccoli in the air fryer? Yep, air frying frozen broccoli totally works, it just takes a few extra minutes. See how I air fry frozen broccoli here!
- Can you cook it with other vegetables? Yes, but it’s faster than most. I find the timing from my air fryer vegetables recipe is a good compromise that works for broccoli as well as other veggies. When I air fry broccoli together with just air fried cauliflower, I cut the cauliflower a little smaller than the broccoli florets.
Air Fryer Broccoli (10-Min Recipe)
My air fryer broccoli recipe is perfectly tender with crispy, browned edges! Make this easy, healthy side dish in just 10 minutes.
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F (193 degrees C).
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In a large bowl, drizzle broccoli with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
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Arrange the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Air fry for 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the air fryer broccoli is tender and the edges are browned. (The time can vary slightly depending on the size of your florets.)
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you air fry broccoli perfectly for the best texture.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: I highly recommend popping the broccoli in the air fryer again to reheat. It takes only 1-2 minutes, and for reheating I prefer a lower temperature (320-350 degrees F), so the florets don’t darken more.
- Freeze: You can freeze air fryer broccoli for up to 2-3 months, but I only do it if I have a lot left. The texture gets much softer.
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Easy Air Fryer Broccoli
Serving Ideas
What I love most about this air fryer broccoli recipe is that it works with everything. Try it with:
- Sauce – Air fried broccoli is delicious plain, but I love it even more dunked in garlic aioli or drizzled with pesto or tahini sauce.
- Chicken – I often make this easy side dish with air fryer chicken legs or air fryer chicken thighs for busy weeknights. That way there’s only one thing to clean and the broccoli cooks while the chicken rests. For something more unique, cook the veggies in parallel with my flavorful garlic butter chicken or chicken patties.
- Beef & Pork – For a nicer dinner, try my top sirloin steak, filet mignon recipe (my favorite cut), or seared pork chops. It’s also the perfect veggie add-in to my Korean beef bowls.
- Fish – The light lemon flavor in this air fryer broccoli makes it a natural match for my baked cod or parmesan crusted tilapia. For something richer, I highly recommend my sea bass or halibut recipes — both come with dreamy sauces that are amazing over the broccoli!
18 Comments
Pamela F
0Wow!! I’ve only steamed my broccoli… this way is so tasty… feels like I’m cheating. This is the only way I will be making broccoli from now on.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so glad you liked this one, Pamela! It’s my favorite way to make it, too.
Jan
0Easy & the lemon gives it a refreshing taste. I used more lemon than the recipe called for (guessed the amount rather than measuring haha) and it was a little to much
Valerie
0This turned out delicious, so much better than just salt/pepper that I usually just do. I think I will fine tune it a little for my preference to use just a bit less lemon juice and a bit more garlic powder. So simple in the air fryer. Thank you!
Katie
0The air fryer was made for broccoli. I love how crispy and delicious it makes it every time!
Amy L Huntley
0The air fryer broccoli is so amazing. The air fryer cooks the broccoli perfectly!
Kristyn
0One of the best recipes to make in the air fryer!! They are crisp & delicious!!
Shelby
0Broccoli is one of my girls favorites but I never thought of the lemon pepper seasoning, that was a great twist!
Diana
0I love roasted broccoli, but making it in the air fryer is quicker and easier! Love this recipe.
Maria
0How would this recipe work in an oven that has an air fryer feature?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Maria, Yes, that should work.
Toni
0Air frying is one of my favorite way to cook broccoli! Thanks for this!
Glenda
0This broccoli was so easy to prepare and my family devoured it. What a delicious side. Will be making this, again.
Amy Stewart
0This is the only way I will make broccoli from now on. I love the lemon!
Andrea Thueson
0This is my new favorite way to eat broccoli! So dang yummy.
Katerina
0Such a fantastic idea! I love this for dinner! Thanks for sharing!
Holly
0An amazing recipe for the air fryer! Thank you for sharing this!
Reagan
0What a great side dish. It’s so easy to make and so delicious.