Learn how to make Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli in just 10 minutes! This simple vegetable recipe is a delicious, perfectly roasted, and healthy side dish for all your meals that is quick and easy to make!
Jump to:
- How Do You Make Broccoli Not Mushy?
- Broccoli and Cruciferous Vegetable Benefits
- What Do Broccoli and Broccolini Taste Like?
- Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower Cooking Tips
- What You Will Need To Make Air Fryer Broccolini
- Air Frying Broccoli 101
- BEST AIR FRYER TIPS
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- More Air Fryer Recipes:
How Do You Make Broccoli Not Mushy?
Air Frying broccoli is fantastic! It is fun to switch up your broccoli routine and guarantees 100% turnout. While the saute and steam method is excellent, sometimes we add just a little too much water, and the broccoli becomes too mushy and soft.
I think cooking broccoli in the oven is great, just not in the summer. I do not want to turn on my oven when it is 40 degrees outside!
Cooking broccoli or cooking broccolini in the air fryer seriously yields the best broccoli side dish! It is an excellent cooking method without using a lot of oil to get the job done right. Take this Garlicky Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts recipe a try!
You can use the same method with other Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflowers and make this air fryer cauliflower side dish. Broccoli and cauliflowers belong to the same Brassicaceae mustard family of vegetables.
Broccoli and Cruciferous Vegetable Benefits
The cruciferous vegetable is those with edible flower buds and stalks. The list includes arugula, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, horseradish, turnips, radish, watercress, collard greens, etc.
- Rich sources of fibre; vitamins C, E, and K, sulphur, carotenoids, folate, glucosinolates and minerals.
- Cruciferous vegetables may help prevent clogged arteries, reduce artery thickness and improve cardiovascular heart health.
What Do Broccoli and Broccolini Taste Like?
Broccoli - Earthy flavour, slightly bitter.
Broccolini - Mild and sweet with tender notes of pepper
Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower Cooking Tips
Air Fryer Broccolini is one of the simplest ways to indulge in roasted vegetables at a fraction of the time! This nutrient-rich vegetable dish is mess-free and will not heat up the house!
What You Will Need To Make Air Fryer Broccolini
Broccoli - Use broccoli florets or tender young broccolini stalks with fluffy tiny florets at the top to absorb flavours and seasonings.
Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil - Use one or two tablespoon of olive oil is enough to toss and evenly coat your vegetables.
Seasoning - The essential salt and pepper is a delicious start. Adding some garlic powder or paprika is a nice boost of flavour.
Water: Add two tablespoons of water to the air fryer. The extra water will help the air fryer not smoke and steam the broccoli tenderly.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?
Absolutely! Do not hesitate to cook frozen broccoli in air fryer. The excess water will work to help tenderize and steam the vegetable.
Air Frying Broccoli 101
How to cook corn on the broccoli in an air fryer? Here are some valuable tips for you to nail that perfect char.
- Remove the florets from your head of broccoli. Approximately 2-inch florets.
- Evenly coat the broccoli with olive oil. Cooking spray oil works too.
- Season the broccoli with salt and pepper, garlic powder and chilli powder if you prefer. Gently coat all sides.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
- Next, arrange the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. You are better off repeating this process if you can't fit in all the broccoli.
- How long to cook broccoli in the air fryer? Air Fry for 10 minutes (I use the Ninja Foodi, and I love it!). Flipping halfway and checking at the 5-minute mark.
- Carefully remove from the air fryer, serve and enjoy.
Enjoy your perfectly charred, roasted, healthy broccoli recipe with your favourite protein!
BEST AIR FRYER TIPS
If you've never cooked with an air fryer before, this small kitchen appliance can be a little intimidating. However, I swear by its convenience and versatility and its use of rapidly circulating hot air to cook crispy food without using too much oil!
Here are a few tips for anyone who has (or is planning on getting) an air fryer!
1. What is the best temperate to air fry broccoli?
It is best to air fry broccoli at 400F to mimic the high heat temperature of an oven. Don't worry! Your broccoli will still be tender with just the right about of char.
2. How long should I air fry broccoli for?
Depending on the size and how much broccoli you put into the air fryer, 10 minutes should cook it thoroughly with a slight char. This also depends on the model of your air fryer, so you may want to reduce or increase the air frying time by one to two minutes.
3. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Based on experience, you should always preheat the air fryer before filling it with food. By doing this, the air fryer's temperature is more consistent, and your food will cook more evenly. Simply preheat your air fryer for two to three minutes before cooking.
4. How to choose the right air fryer?
Choosing the right air fryer for your kitchen depends on your lifestyle, available counter space, and if you intend to cook small or big batch meals. For us, we like the supersized XXL units that are big enough to cook a small chicken or 2 lbs chicken wings inside like THIS air fryer!
Did you make this Healthy Vegetable Snack and Low Calorie Side Dish? I'd love to see how you went with my recipes! Leave a comment below or tag me on instagram @INSTANOMSS #INSTANOMSS
PrintAir Fryer Broccoli
Learn how to make Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli in just 10 minutes! This simple vegetable recipe is a delicious, perfectly roasted, and healthy side dish for all your meals that is quick and easy to make!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 persons 1x
- Category: Appetizers, Snacks
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli florets (approximately 3 to 4 cups)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp water
- ½ garlic powder (optional)
- sprinkle of lemon sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
- Remove the florets from your head of broccoli. Approximately 2-inch florets.
- Evenly coat the broccoli with olive oil. Cooking spray oil works too.
- Season the broccoli with salt and pepper, garlic powder and chilli powder if you prefer. Gently coat all sides.
- Arrange the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. You are better off repeating this process if you can't fit in all the broccoli.
- Set the air fryer to 400F for 10 minutes (I use the Ninja Foodi, and I love it!), flipping halfway and checking in at the 5-minute mark.
- Carefully remove the broccoli from the air fryer.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Finish and sprinkle with lemon sea salt, vegan parmesan cheese,or nutritional yeast if desired.
- This recipe was made in a Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Pressure, Slow Cooker, Air Fryer.
- For even cooking, don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer.
- Preheat the air fryer for a more even cooking heat distribution.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 84
- Sugar: 1.2 g
- Sodium: 313.6 mg
- Fat: 7.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.7 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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Shelby says
The simple seasoning was perfect for my kids! It was quick to whip up on a weeknight and everyone enjoyed it!
Nancy says
what did you do with all your free time?
jennifer says
I have always made a similar recipe to this on a sheet pan in the oven -- but I recently upgraded to a BIG air fryer which I can make enough at once to feed the whole family! I did like your tip about being able to use frozen -- I'm going to try that next!
Nancy says
a BIG air fryer is a must have!! it's my hero
Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says
My broccoli came out perfect! No more soggy broccoli in this house and my family thanks you!
Nancy says
amen to no soggy broccolis!
Cat | Curly's Cooking says
I absolutely love broccoli and crispy broccoli is even more delicious!
Nancy says
It's the best!!!
Janice says
I love my airfryer and this is a great recipe for everyday!
Nancy says
thanks Janice! happy air frying!
Rebecca - Glutarama says
What a clever idea, I've had broccoli roasted before but never air fried, the colours are amazing. Thank you for linking up to #CookBlogShare
Nancy says
it retains much of the nutrients compared to most of the other traditional methods
Lesley says
I love broccoli, just not when it goes mushy. What a great idea for keeping it lovely and crisp.
Nancy says
can't fault the kids when they say they hate mushy broccolis - amiright? 😀
Jo Keohane says
Simple yet delicious. Love it.
Nancy says
i live for simple tasty meals!
Donna says
Quick and easy, yum!
Nancy says
Thanks Donna!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
My mouth is watering. I have to make this tonight!
Nancy says
Craving for healthy!
Stine Mari says
Broccoli is my favorite side dish, so healthy and fresh, and I love that I can make them in the Air Fryer now!
Nancy says
Easy healthy side dishes FTW!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
The only one I tried, it burnt, but I will give it another go. Ninja foodi too, perhaps I need a lower temperature.
Nancy says
oh no!! don't forget to add a little bit of water to the pot!
Joshua says
No more mushy broccoli! It turns out great in the air fryer.
Nancy says
Yes! who likes mushy broc? no one!
Jamie says
So delicious and perfect as a side!
Nancy says
agree!! perfect for an easy side dish!
sam says
I love how easy this is! Super good too!
Nancy says
easy healthy and tasty!
Agnieszka says
Very helpful tutorial!
Nancy says
glad it was helpful!
Addie says
So crispy and delicious!
Nancy says
so glad it worked out!
Greta says
Such a good idea! I will try this tomorrow! Easy and healthy, it's just simple as that! Also perfect for my baby boy!!
Nancy says
Greata you're baby boy has good taste!
Melinda says
Love a new recipe that involves my favorite super food! Thanks for sharing.
Nancy says
Thanks Melinda!
Oscar says
I love air fryer broccoli, it's my favourite way to make it.
Nancy says
another way to use the air fryer amiright Oscar?
Choclette says
Love broccoli. Can't believe I haven't tried cooking it in an air-fryer before. Delicious.
Nancy says
It's a game changer! you must try this method!
Michelle says
Love making broccoli in the air fryer. It's such a breeze!
Nancy says
easy breezy! i like it!
Megan Ellam says
I love these easy recipes to help me use my air fryer more often.
Nancy says
The AF is our work horse!
Bernice says
Finally I have found a way that I can enjoy broccoli! Love this cooking method, it turns out perfect every time.
Nancy says
this easy no fuss method is my go to as well!
Jeannie says
so yum! I love a crispy Broccoli, glad I can easily make it in the air fryer
Nancy says
mess free and doesn't heat up the house!
jan says
I am so glad we found out how to make this type of broccoli. YUM!
Nancy says
my favourite way to air fry!
Denis says
Absolutely love how simple it is to make broccoli this way! Perfect for when you need broccoli quick!
Nancy says
i always keep a bag of frozen broccoli on deck!
Andrea says
Love this air fryer recipe! Such an easy way to enjoy broccoli! Love it!
Nancy says
It comes in handy when all the stove tops are used up too!
Sam says
This is delicious and I love how easy it is to make!!
Nancy says
cheers to quick easy recipes!
Lucas says
This recipe is a gem! So easy and healthy! Exactly what I was looking for.
Nancy says
Easy meals is what I live for~
Tavo says
Easy to make and delicious. I really enjoy making these hassle-free and nutritious recipes!
Nancy says
I agree!! easy, healthy and mess-free meals are amazing!
Anaiah says
I love that this air fryer broccoli still has it's crunch! Super easy and quick to make too.
Nancy says
i agree - crunchy with a tender center
Katie says
I am so addicted to this recipe! It’s so easy and so delicious!
Nancy says
i can't stop making it!
Shilpa says
Crispy and perfectly cooked. We loved it.
Nancy says
Isn't it delicious?