Air Fryer Broccoli – WellPlated.com (2024)

If you love to pluck the darkest, crispiest veggies right from the pan, Air Fryer Broccoli is for you! Deeply charred and ultra crispy, this is broccoli at its most addictive, with very little oil required. Ready in just 10 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli

The way we chowed down on this air fried broccoli reminded me of the way I felt the first time we tried Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.

How can a vegetable taste THIS GOOD?!

• Crispy Deliciousness. If you’re a fan of broccoli with dark crispy edges (like Grilled Broccoli), you’ll go crazy for it in the air fryer.
• Faster Cook Time. Thanks to the air fryer’s high-powered convection fan, it makes the food you cook in it wicked crispy in a fraction of the time—just 10 minutes! Plus unlike Roasted Broccoli, you don’t need to wait for the oven to preheat.
• Healthy. This mega crisping power makes the air fryer an excellent way to create healthy versions of deep-fried favorites, Air Fryer French Fries and Air Fryer Potato Chips being primo examples.

This full list of air fryer recipes includes everything we’ve tried in our air fryer so far, plus yummy main dishes too.

How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli

Cooking perfect broccoli in the air fryer is quick, easy, and versatile!

The only hurdle is figuring out how to make the broccoli insides tender before the outsides burned—my first few batches were charred outside and too crunchy inside.

The answer: add water to the air fryer to help the broccoli steam as it cooks. Taa-daa! Water is how you keep broccoli from burning in your air fryer.

• You do not need to steam broccoli before air frying. Rather, add a few tablespoons of water to the air fryer prior to cooking. As the water evaporates, it will help the broccoli soften a little.
• Chop the broccoli florets SMALL (think broccoli bites). This will give the insides a chance to tenderize before the outsides completely char.

The Directions

1. Chop. Be sure to cut the florets small.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer. Add the broccoli and water.

3. Cook and Toss. Air fry broccoli for 8 to 12 minutes at 400 degrees F. Top as desired and ENJOY!

Recipe Variations

• Air Fryer Broccoli Parmesan. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan over the broccoli after air frying.
• Air Fryer Broccoli and Cheese. While the broccoli is hot, sprinkle on a few handfuls of a melty cheese, such as cheddar or gruyere.
• Lemon Air Fryer Broccoli. Top the cooked broccoli with grated lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• Spicy Air Fryer Broccoli. After the broccoli is cooked, toss it with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Balsamic Air Fryer Broccoli. Drizzle the cooked broccoli with balsamic glaze or aged balsamic vinegar.
• Air Fryer Broccoli with Breadcrumbs. Top with toasted breadcrumbs (be sure to try this Air Fryer Zucchini next; it has yummy breadcrumbs too).
• Asian-Inspired Air Fryer Broccoli. Toss the cooked broccoli with the teriyaki sauce from my Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry recipe.
• Air Fryer Broccoli and Potatoes. For the perfect veggie combo, pair this broccoli with Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries or an Air Fryer Baked Potato.

Storage Tips

• To Store. Refrigerate the broccoli in an airtight storage container for up to 5 days.
• To Reheat. Rewarm the leftovers in the air fryer or on a baking sheet in a regular oven at 350 degrees F.
• To Freeze. While the broccoli will become mushy when frozen, it can be done! Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Broccoli

• Salmon. It’s a classic pairing with broccoli. Try Baked Salmon, Grilled Salmon, or double up on the air frying with Air Fryer Salmon.
• Chicken Breast. For an ultra-healthy protein and veggie-packed dinner, enjoy Grilled Chicken Breast or Baked Chicken Thighs with your broccoli.
• Chicken Fingers. Kids will love this recipe alongside my go-to crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe or Air Fryer Chicken Tenders.
• Meatballs. Make it Italian night with Air Fryer Meatballs, Chicken Meatballs, or Turkey Meatballs.
• Other Air Fryer Vegetables. Mix your broccoli with a batch of Air Fryer Cauliflower for more variety.

• Air Fryer. This is the model I own and love.
• Measuring Spoons. Easy to use and store magnetic measuring spoons.
• Good Quality Chef’s Knife. One of my most loved kitchen tools.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

The secret to great broccoli is to AVOID SOGGY BROCCOLI.

• Use a High Temperature. 400°F is the best temperature for air frying broccoli.
• Do Not Crowd the Basket. If you try to cook too much broccoli at once, it will steam and become soggy. Cook the broccoli in batches, making sure it’s in a single layer.
• Shake the Broccoli a Few Times. This will make sure it cooks evenly.
• Expect Al Dente. Air fryer vegetables are more firm than their roasted or sauteed counter parts. If you’d like your broccoli softer, you can par-cook it, then blot dry before air frying.