Name: Air Fryer Broccoli
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 12 oz broccoli; 5 garlic cloves (pressed); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lemon (cut into half); 2 tablespoons grated parmigiano reggiano (optional)

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Air Fryer Broccoli — pretty straightforward, right? Well yes, except…….in terms of a super healthy GREEN veggie, you can get on the table after work that everyone will actually eat. THIS IS THE G.O.A.T. Garlic and broccoli were made for each so you already know it’s going somewhere good.

We have this side dish so often that I pretty much make it on autopilot now. Air Fryer Broccoli is a staple in our house because it is so disproportionately delicious to the time and effort it takes to put together. In under 10 minutes, you have roasted broccoli that’s tender but still retains a bite. And the savory, crispy, almost nutty exterior from air frying has everyone reaching for more.

air fried broccoli picked up with a fork

Best of all, this recipe and technique will work for fresh or frozen broccoli simply by adjusting the cooking time, which is detailed below. You can start with whole heads of broccoli or those bags of fresh organic florets. This recipe is here to make dinner time easy, healthy, and yummy with whatever works for you!

Air fried broccoli is an absolute winner when paired with grilled fish or meat. It’s just as delectable alongside your favorite pasta dishes, especially with the Parmigiano addition! Serve with lemon wedges for a no-fuss, no-muss family favorite.

Ingredient spotlight

Broccoli:

A cruciferous powerhouse, Broccoli is full of anti-antioxidants that protect against cell damage and certain illnesses. Good source of calcium, vitamin C, and fiber.

Garlic:

Helps to flush out toxins from the body, lower cholesterol, and lower blood pressure. Also has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help in preventing dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Tips & Substitutions

Cut the broccoli into similar-sized florets so they all cook evenly
Use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead of fresh garlic
Frozen broccoli in an air fryer? - Yes! You can air fry frozen broccoli. Start by air frying the frozen broccoli for 7 to 8 minutes so that it thaws. Then add all the seasonings and cook broccoli as per this recipe at 350 for 8 to 10 minutes.
Don’t have an air fryer? - Preheat the oven to 400 F. Toss all ingredients, including Parmigiano if using, and line up the broccoli on a parchment paper-lined baking tray. Bake for 15 minutes at 400 F

How to Air Fry Broccoli

Cut broccoli into 1-inch wide and 2-inch long florets. Place in a medium bowl and add garlic, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix well coating the broccoli.
Preheat the Air Fryer to 400 F for 5 minutes. Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 350 F for 8 minutes.

Steps one through four of air fryer broccoli

Shake the basket halfway through. *Optionally sprinkle Parmigiano over the broccoli for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Serve hot with lemon wedges and enjoy!

Serving ideas

Air Fried Broccoli is a perfect side dish to pair with

Creamy Tomato Pasta or Penne Alla Vodka
Tandoori Salmon or Chicken Kabobs
Air Fried Tandoori Chicken or Fish Sticks

Storing

It's easy to make the air fryer broccoli a few hours ahead of your meal. Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes. Then when you are ready to eat pop the basket back in and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

Here are some more favorite Air Fryer Recipes

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4.75 from 12 votes

Air Fryer Broccoli

Air Fryer Broccoli in under 10 minutes! These delicious broccoli florets have a crispy exterior and the inside is tender with a bite

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time10 mins

Total Time15 mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Calories: 115kcal

Author: Archana Mundhe

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

Instructions

Rinse and pat dry broccoli. Cut into 1 inch wide and 2 inch long florets. Place in a medium bowl and add garlic, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix well coating the broccoli.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 F for 5 minutes.
Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer along with the lemon.
Air fry at 350 F for 8 minutes, shake the basket halfway through. *Optionally sprinkle Parmigiano over the broccoli for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Squeeze the lemon juice over the broccoli and serve hot.

Video

Notes

Substitutions:
Use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead of fresh garlic

Oven Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400 F
Toss all ingredients, including Parmigiano if using, and line up the broccoli on a parchment paper-lined baking tray.
Bake for 15 minutes at 400 F

Air Frying frozen broccoli in an air fryer?
Yes! You can air fry frozen broccoli. Start by air frying the frozen broccoli for 7 to 8 minutes so that it thaws. Then add all the seasonings and cook broccoli as per this recipe at 350 for 8 to 10 minutes.

Nutrition

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Author: Archana

Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.

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