The Best Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli

5 from 1 vote
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This is hands down THE BEST air fryer broccoli recipe to achieve the perfect tender-crisp, roasted broccoli. I have been making this recipe for years and it’s always a side dish that my whole family will devour. All you need are a few ingredients and less than 10 minutes to make broccoli your family will be asking for, not throwing in the trash.



 

Air fryer roasted broccoli is yet another reason why I can’t live without my air fryer. If you don’t have one of these awesome machines, I recommend getting one for your kitchen.

I have literally been making this air fryer recipe for years and have landed on this method to make the best roasted broccoli that doesn’t taste burnt and is perfectly crispy.

It makes the best side dish for a busy weeknight. I love serving it with things like meatloaf, sloppy joes, even stromboli.

Why you’ll love this broccoli in the air fryer recipe

  • Simple – This recipe can be made in minutes and is perfect for a busy night.
  • Delicious – A great way to get that oven roasted taste in a fraction of the time. No preheating required!
  • Family friendly – Even my kids who don’t love vegetables, love this broccoli.

Air fryer broccoli ingredients

This recipe will work with any air fryer. I am using a 5.8 quart basket air fryer.

  • Broccoli florets – Make sure to clean and dry the fresh broccoli completely. You don’t want it to be wet.
  • Olive oil – Olive oil helps to roast the broccoli. You will need about 2 tablespoons.
  • Seasoning – I am using salt and pepper for this simple recipe. You can choose to use your favorite seasoning blend.
A bowl of broccoli florets, olive oil, and seasonings.

How to make roasted broccoli in the air fryer

Scroll down to get the full printable recipe, ingredients, and video. 

This recipe couldn’t be easier to make.

Step one: Prepare – Cut the broccoli into florets. You want them to be similar in size so that they cook evenly.

Step two: Season – Place the broccoli, olive oil, salt, and pepper into a bowl. Toss to fully coat the broccoli with oil.

A bowl of broccoli florets.

Step three: Cook – Pour a little water in the bottom of the air fryer basket to help prevent smoking. Spread the broccoli out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380 degrees for 6-7 minutes.

Pouring water into an air fryer basket.
Broccoli florets in an air fryer basket.

Tips for the best air fryer broccoli

After testing the recipe over the years, these are some helpful tips to help you get the best tasting broccoli.

  • Make sure that each piece of broccoli is coated in the olive oil. This helps to prevent them from burning.
  • Don’t skip adding a little water to the bottom of the air fryer basket. This helps to prevent smoking and also helps to prevent any bitter taste.
  • Cut the florets in similar size pieces and spread them in a single layer. This ensures that they cook evenly.
  • The cooking time may vary depending on your taste preference and your air fryer. If you like crispier broccoli, add another 1-2 minutes of cook time.
  • Try adding a little fresh parmesan cheese or lemon juice to the broccoli after it cooks for extra flavor.
  • Other seasonings we like to use are seasoning salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning blend.
Roasted broccoli in an air fryer.

What to serve with air fryer broccoli

This makes a delicious side dish for many different meals. Here are a few ideas:

Common questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli is definitely the best choice to get the perfect air fryer roasted broccoli. If you are in a pinch, you can use thawed frozen broccoli. Just try to pat out any excess moisture with a paper towel.

How long to cook broccoli in the air fryer?

You will need to cook the broccoli at 380 degrees F. for 6-7 minutes depending on how crispy you like the broccoli.

How to store leftover roasted broccoli?

Let the broccoli cool and then store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cook in the air fryer at 350 degrees F. for 3-4. minutes.

Fork holding a piece of roasted broccoli.

More easy air fryer recipes

Plate of roasted broccoli.
5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli

By Heather
Learn how to make THE BEST air fryer roasted broccoli in minutes. Air fryer broccoli makes a delicious and easy side dish to any meal.
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 6 minutes
Total: 8 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 3-4 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon water for the bottom of the air fryer basket

Instructions 

  • Place broccoli in a large bowl. 
  • Pour the olive oil, salt, and pepper over the broccoli and stir until the florets are coated.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent smoking and to keep the broccoli tender-crisp.
  • Place broccoli in air fryer basket in a single layer. Set to 380 degrees and cook for 6-7 minutes, depending on how crispy you like the broccoli.
  • Remove from air fryer and serve. 

Video

Notes

  • Make sure that each piece of broccoli is coated in the olive oil. This helps to prevent them from burning.
  • Don’t skip adding a little water to the bottom of the air fryer basket. This helps to prevent smoking and also helps to prevent any bitter taste.
  • Cut the florets in similar size pieces and spread them in a single layer. This ensures that they cook evenly.
  • The cooking time may vary depending on your taste preference and your air fryer. If you like crispier broccoli, add another 1-2 minutes of cook time.
  • Try adding a little fresh parmesan cheese or lemon juice to the broccoli after it cooks for extra flavor.
  • Other seasonings we like to use are seasoning salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning blend.

Nutrition

Calories: 93kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 175mg | Potassium: 287mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 565IU | Vitamin C: 81.2mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 0.7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
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Recipe Rating




1 Comment

  1. 5 stars
    Easy recipe, but didn’t think of doing this myself. This method about doubles the flavor of the broccoli, and my son will tell you that the house will fill with its odor. Still slightly crunchy/chewy at the stalks, I like this method for broccoli a lot. Thanks!