Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
Share and Spread Healthy Recipes!
With a deep char and crispy texture, this broccoli is irresistibly addictive. This easy side dish has simple ingredients, requires very little oil, and is ready in just minutes. Keep reading to learn how to make the best air-fried broccoli and answer the question—can you steam broccoli in an air fryer?
5 STAR REVIEW “I absolutely love this recipe! It came out crispy and was so easy!” -Lisa
Before losing 125 pounds, I ate frozen broccoli smothered in cheese sauce or several tablespoons of parmesan cheese and thought I was eating healthy.
Now that I have lost weight, I ditched the cheese and created this perfect air fryer broccoli recipe, and I love it. It’s a delicious way to enjoy it and I think you’ll find it’s a great side dish.
Before I show you how to cook broccoli in an air fryer and if it can be steamed, please take a quick second to subscribe to my Intentionally Eat newsletter. It’s full of tips and recipes to help you live your healthiest life, plus you’ll get an acid/alkaline chart to show you the healthiest foods to eat.
😍Why you will love this Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
- Crispy Texture: You get that roasted broccoli flavor with slightly charred edges and a delicious crispy exterior.
- Quick and Convenient: Cooking broccoli in an air fryer is fast and easy, with a cook time of just 8-10 minutes, and there’s no need to preheat the oven.
- Healthier Option: Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier choice while still delivering that rich, roasted flavor.
If you like air fryer vegetables, you will definitely want to make Fried Zucchini in an Air Fryer or cook this quick side dish of frozen veggies in an air fryer.
📃Ingredients and Substitutions
With just a handful of ingredients, you can make the best crispy broccoli. The printable simple recipe card below includes the full list of simple ingredients, quantities, and nutritional value information.
- Fresh Broccoli— 1/2 pound or about one small head of broccoli cut into small broccoli florets. It should be washed and NOT dried. The water allows you to steam broccoli in an air fryer.
- Avocado oil or a few sprays of your favorite oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste, or use this Homemade Salt Substitute.
- Optional
- Sugar – just a pinch of sugar helps caramelization
- Red pepper flakes – just a pinch for a bit of heat
- Lemon zest and juice
- Vegan Parmesan cheese
🥄How to Air Fry Broccoli
Follow these easy steps for the perfect healthy side dish. Here’s the simple cooking process and the best way to do it:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the broccoli into equal-sized florets and wash. Leave them damp and place broccoli in a large mixing bowl.
- Preheat: Air fryer to 400°F or according to the manufacturer’s instructions (my air fryer states 2-3 minutes preheat time).
- Season: Gently toss with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper, and sugar, if using.
- Air Fry: Add the broccoli to the air fryer tray and cook for 4 minutes.
- Toss: Using tongs, toss the broccoli. Then continue cooking for 5 to 8 minutes, until the broccoli has crispy edges and is tender when pieced with a fork. The cooking time will vary based on your air fryer model. Be sure to toss the broccoli every couple of minutes to prevent burning.
- Serve: If adding optional toppings, toss the broccoli with the lemon zest, lemon juice, vegan Parmesan, and/or red pepper flakes. Serve hot and enjoy!
Looking for more easy air fryer recipes
10 Surprising Things to Dehydrate in Air Fryer
How to Roast Red Peppers in Air Fryer
How to Dry Apricots in Your Air Fryer
Easy Air Fried Vegetable Samosas
❓Others have asked…
💓 Can you steam broccoli in an air fryer?
You can’t technically steam broccoli in an air fryer, but you can achieve a similar result by using a small amount of water to create a steaming effect. That’s why I recommend washing the broccoli and leaving it damp while cooking. This method won’t produce the exact same result as steaming, but it will create tender and flavorful broccoli.
If you want a more tender and a little less crispy broccoli, I suggest adding one or two tablespoons of water to the broccoli after cooking for 4 minutes.
If you use air fryer liners you can add water to the liner and then place the broccoli in the liner.
Whichever way you choose, the broccoli will not have the same texture as traditionally steamed broccoli. This air-fried broccoli will be crunchy and charred with incredible flavor.
5-Day Weight Loss Plan
This 5-Day Weight Loss Plan will jumpstart you to living your healthiest life.
🫙 How do you store leftover air-fried broccoli?
- Cool Down: Allow the broccoli to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Container: Place the cooled broccoli in an airtight container and refrigerate. It is best eaten within 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain its crispiness. You can also use a microwave, but it may make the broccoli less crispy.
- Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the broccoli, but be aware that it might lose some of its texture and crispiness when reheated.
Reheating Tips
To reheat leftover air-fried broccoli:
- In the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Reheat for about 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
- In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the broccoli on a baking sheet in a single layer. Reheat for about 5-7 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
- In the Microwave: Place the broccoli in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Note: this method may make the broccoli less crispy.
For more information regarding proper food storage, go to https://www.foodsafety.gov/
🥦Other Air Fryer Broccoli Seasoning Variations
Here are some seasoning ideas for air-fried broccoli, including Indian and Asian-inspired options:
Classic Seasonings
Sometimes, simple is best. I suggest following this recipe for the first time and then branching out to see if it is your perfect combination. You can take this easy recipe and then make it your own with some of these seasoning ideas.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Sprinkle a little vinegar over the air-fried broccoli for a bit of zip.
- Italian Seasoning: For a savory flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning or dried oregano. This is great when paired with an Italian dish like pasta.
- Breadcrumbs: You can use this air-fried zucchini recipe and substitute it with broccoli. It will add a delicious crunch.
Indian-Inspired
A delicious way to enjoy air fryer broccoli is Indian style. Here are some different ways to season the broccoli.
- Cumin and Coriander: Sprinkle with ground cumin, ground coriander, and a pinch of turmeric for a warm, earthy flavor.
- Garam Masala and Chili: Add a mix of garam masala and a dash of chili powder or paprika for a spicy, aromatic twist.
- Curry Powder: For a vibrant flavor, coat the broccoli with curry powder, salt, and garlic powder.
Asian-Inspired
Here are other easy ways to enjoy this easy air fryer broccoli recipe.
- Soy Sauce and Sesame Seeds: Toss with a splash of soy sauce or liquid aminos, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Ginger and Garlic: Season with ground ginger, garlic powder, and a dash of soy sauce for a flavorful Asian touch.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Brush with teriyaki sauce and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a sweet and savory flavor.
Recipe
If you like this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and tell me how it went in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound broccoli about 1 head
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- several sprays oil
Optional
- 1/8 tsp sugar
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tsp lemon juice juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp vegan parmesan, grated
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables: Chop broccoli into equal-sized florets and wash. Place in a large mixing bowl and leave damp.
- Preheat: Air fryer to 400℉ or according to manufacturer's instructions – approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Season: While preheating, toss broccoli with oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).
- Air Fry: Add the broccoli to the air fryer tray and cook at 375℉ for 4 minutes.
- Toss: Using tongs, toss the broccoli to prevent burning. If desired, add 1-2 tablespoons of water in order to steam broccoli in an air fryer. Continue cooking 5-8 minutes or until the broccoli has crispy edges and is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Add additional toppings if desired and serve.
Video
Notes
- After cooking for 4 minutes, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the broccoli in order to steam broccoli in an air fryer.
- If you use air fryer filters, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the filter and then add the broccoli. Cook as directed in order to steam broccoli in an air fryer.
Nutrition
Before I say goodbye, I encourage you to take a moment to find out how I went from morbidly obese and immobile to a 125-pound lighter health coach.
Related Recipes:
How to Roast Zucchini and Squash
About The Author
Although Cindy has lost 125 pounds, her path to success was not easy. Go here to read her incredible story, “From Morbidly Obese to Losing 125 Pounds and Becoming a Health Coach.” If you want to send Cindy a quick message, visit her contact page here.
Pin this for later
Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
