Making broccoli in the air fryer might just become your new favorite way to make broccoli! Air fryer broccoli is the perfect combination of crispy and tender, without getting mushy. You won’t believe how easy it is to make this broccoli side dish.

Air fryer broccoli is the perfect dinnertime companion to meat entrees, pastas, and e even Air Fryer Hamburgers! There aren’t many meals that broccoli doesn’t go with. Think of it as the universally healthy side dish.

Looking to make frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli? Check out our Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli recipe to get the corresponding cooking times. 

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Broccoli

• More nutrients! When you boil veggies, up to 25% of the vitamins can be lost in the water. Making broccoli in the air fryer helps retain more nutrients and vitamins—so you get as much of that healthy green goodness as you possibly can!

• Just three simple ingredients! All you need is fresh broccoli, a bit of olive oil, and whatever seasonings you like. I love to add garlic powder or Italian seasoning, but you can add whatever spices you like.  

• Easy to customize! Anything you would season roasted broccoli with will be delicious with air fryer broccoli too. After it’s done in the air fryer, try adding ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese for parmesan broccoli, a pinch of red pepper flakes to add some spice, a handful of cheddar cheese, or drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette, lemon juice, or balsamic vinegar. 

If you like this air fryer broccoli recipe, you’ll love Air Fryer Broccolini (it’s like broccoli’s elegant cousin, and it comes out delicious in the air fryer!).

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Cut the broccoli into equal-sized florets. Keeping the pieces all about the same size will ensure that they cook at the same rate.

• Adjust the cooking time for firmer or roasted broccoli. After just 10 minutes in the air fryer, your broccoli will come out crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. If you want firmer broccoli, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. For a roasted finish, add 1-2 more minutes (this way, your broccoli will come out with more browned pieces and a delicious charred taste). 

• Any type of oil will work. I use olive oil, it’s tasty and always on hand in my kitchen. However, you can also use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or your favorite light-flavored oil. Don’t leave the oil out—it’s the key ingredient to making this broccoli delicious!

Don’t overfill the air fryer basket. You can overlap the broccoli florets in the air fryer, but you should avoid layering it too much or packing the basket full. The more room you leave around each piece of broccoli, the crispier it will get.

How to Store Air Fryer Broccoli

For best results, store your air fryer broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats best in the air fryer, but you can use the microwave instead, or enjoy it cold on a salad or in a grain bowl.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Broccoli

A side of broccoli really goes well with almost anything. I love pairing it with a delicious air fryer main dish like Air Fryer Salmon or Air Fryer Meatloaf with mashed potatoes. 

Make a kid-friendly weeknight meal and serve Air Fryer Hamburgers and Homemade Sweet Potato Fries with a side of broccoli.

Want to try something different? Try Broccoli Quiche Cups. You can even turn this recipe into an air fryer recipe using our air fryer conversion calculator!

More Fantastic Side Dish Options

• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: These homemade sweet potato fries are an unbeatable side dish. Crispy, flavorful, and perfect for your favorite dipping sauces, these fries are truly divine.

• Air Fryer Broccolini: This side dish is an elegant addition to your dinner table. With a subtle, earthy taste, this broccolini recipe with garlic and parmesan is sure to impress. 

• Air Fryer Biscuits: In just 10 minutes, these biscuits come out fluffy and golden brown. The air fryer might just be the best way to cook grocery store canned biscuits!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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We want our recipes to be as easy to follow as possible. That’s why we periodically update our recipes to share new tips and tricks and valuable information. But don’t worry, it’s still the same great air fryer broccoli recipe you know and love.