In less than 10 minutes, you can have the crispiest, most delicious Air Fryer Broccoli recipe on your plate! This quick and easy side dish is tossed with fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright, flavorful twist.
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Why Air Fryer Broccoli is the Best Side Dish
When I first started using my air fryer (almost 5 years ago now?!), I was tossing in everything I could think of—making homemade Air Fryer French Fries, trying my hand at Air Fryer Chicken Wings, and even making Air Fryer Fried Fish!
But broccoli? I wasn’t so sure.
I always loved roasted broccoli, but getting that perfect crispy texture in the oven was tricky. Either it wasn’t crispy enough, or I’d end up almost burning it just to get those golden-brown edges. But once I threw broccoli in the air fryer? Total flavor upgrade.
In just 5 minutes, you get crispy florets, tender stems, and tons of flavor—all without turning on the oven. Plus, the air fryer locks in just the right amount of moisture, so you never end up with dry, sad broccoli.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Broccoli: One large head, cut into bite-sized florets. Try to keep them similar in size so they cook evenly.
- Olive oil: Just enough to coat the florets and help them crisp up. Avocado oil also works great.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
- Salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the broccoli.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory bite. Skip if you prefer a dairy-free version.
- Lemon zest: The secret ingredient that brightens up the whole dish!
Want to change things up? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli
Please see the recipe card below for full instructions and ingredient amounts.
Step 1: Prep the Broccoli. Cut the broccoli into small, even florets. Rinse and dry them thoroughly—excess moisture can keep them from crisping up.
Step 2: Toss with Seasonings. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the broccoli and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and give it another quick toss.
Step 3: Air Fry. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for at least 3 minutes. Spread the broccoli in a single layer in the basket—don’t overcrowd! Air fry for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- For extra crispy edges, bump the heat up to 390°F for the last minute of cooking.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches. Once crispy, remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with lemon zest and extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately!
If you loved this air fryer broccoli, you may also be a big fan of this air fryer cauliflower!
What can I serve with air fryer broccoli?
This dish pairs perfectly with French onion chicken, Lemon Dill Salmon, Oven Cooked Filet Mignon, or even tossed into a grain bowl for an easy meal. It’s also great with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or served alongside your favorite dipping sauce!
FAQs
Yes, you can air fry frozen broccoli. However, it may not achieve the same level of crispiness due to the higher moisture content. To mitigate this, avoid thawing before cooking and consider increasing the cooking time by a few minutes.
Preheating isn’t mandatory but is recommended for the best results. A preheated air fryer ensures that the broccoli starts cooking immediately, leading to a crisper texture.
Ensure the florets are evenly coated with oil, and avoid overcooking. If you prefer slightly tender broccoli, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking to create a steaming effect
Store any leftover broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and retain crispiness, place the broccoli back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes.
Other Easy Broccoli Recipes
Still have a bunch of broccoli lying around? Here are a few more easy broccoli recipes you might enjoy:
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Air Fryer Broccoli (10-minute Recipe)
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Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli florets about 4-5 cups
- 2 tablespoons oil avocado or olive
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- ½ teaspoon salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest optional
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese divided, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for at least 3 minutes.
- Whisk together the oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the broccoli florets and stir until they are well coated in the sauce. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and toss to coat.1 pound broccoli florets, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 clove garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Add the broccoli to the heated air fryer and cook for 4-5 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. *For extra crispy edges: Turn up heat to 390°F, give the basket a good toss, and return broccoli to the air fryer for an additional minute.
- Serve the broccoli with freshly grated lemon zest and the remaining Parmesan cheese.½ teaspoon lemon zest, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Notes
- Storage: Let the broccoli cool completely before storing to prevent it from getting soggy. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, air fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
- Cut evenly: Keeping florets the same size ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Dry completely: Any moisture left on the broccoli can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
- Shake the basket: This helps everything cook evenly and get that golden-brown texture.
- Bump up the heat: For an extra crispy finish, increase the temperature to 390°F for the last minute of cooking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can you use frozen broccoli?
I would not recommend this as the frozen broccoli will have excess liquid that will end up making it soggy. You can always defrost it first, drain/dry it, and then use it though!
I used frozen and it came out just fine 🙂
Can you use frozen broccoli?
If you do I would thaw it and drain it before air frying. Otherwise you’ll end up with too much liquid and get soggy broccoli 🙂
it was my first air fryer attempt at broccoli. Ok. Needed more oil/lemon.
Glad you enjoyed it! And yes, you can definitely add more oil/seasonings as you wish. The recipe is super adaptable. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
So, I just got a Ninja air fryer and it’s all new to me. If I cut the recipe in half, does it change the cooking time at all?
If you have half of the recipe in there you’ll want to start checking on the broccoli a minute or so sooner. If you have less in your air fryer the food normally cooks up a little faster!