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If you want a beautiful side of vegetables that's as easy and delicious as it is healthy, try out my favorite recipe for Air Fryer Broccoli! With only four ingredients and barely any prep, this is by far the easiest way to serve up some vegetables the whole family will love!
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Air Fried Broccoli
On busy days, I know how easy it is for the main course to threaten to become the only course for dinner. That's why I love this recipe for crispy air fryer broccoli! It only takes four easy ingredients and leaves you tons of room to try your own seasoning!
The first time I tried cooking broccoli in the air fryer, I was hooked. It's bright, crunchy, fresh, and so easy! The days of soggy, overcooked broccoli are over with this recipe. These air fryer broccoli bites are an instant favorite.
Plus, leftovers are perfect for adding to other recipes! Chop up the leftovers into smaller pieces and add it to Homemade Rice-a-Roni, or mix it into a fantastic salad!
Air Fryer Broccoli Ingredients
- Fresh broccoli
- Olive oil
- Black pepper
- Salt
How to Air Fry Broccoli
- Using a knife or kitchen scissors, cut bite-sized florets from the whole broccoli crowns, and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Add in the olive oil, salt, and pepper, then toss well to coat all florets evenly. Broccoli takes extra tossing as the leaves soak up oil.
- Transfer the coated broccoli to your air fryer's tray or basket in an even layer, then cook at 400°F for 8 minutes. Remove the basket and toss the broccoli, then return to the fryer and let cook another 8 minutes.
- Once finished, let cool and serve!
Air Frying Broccoli Tips
- Broccoli clings to oil, so make sure to mix it very thoroughly to ensure each floret is coated.
- This recipe has only the most basic seasonings, perfect for you to add your own favorite flavors!
- Make sure not to cut the florets too small, or they might slip through the holes in the basket. Similarly, if they're too big, they might not evenly cook. Bite-sized is perfect!
Broccoli in the Air Fryer FAQs
Nobody likes soggy, dull broccoli, and the air fryer is the solution to that! Air fried broccoli cooks while keeping a firm, crunchy texture perfect for smothering with sauce. With air fryer broccoli, temperature is also important for cooking it without it getting too soft. 400°F is perfect for florets.
Air frying takes very little oil, making this recipe extremely low-fat while preserving that delectable crispy crunch. Plus, no added flour means it's ultra low-carb and perfect for a keto meal plan.
Knowing how long to cook air fryer broccoli is key! Air fryer broccoli should be cooked at 400°F for 8 minutes, then the basket should be given a good shake to make sure it all heats evenly before cooking another 8 minutes.
Broccoli Seasonings
Because this recipe is so simple, it's perfect for dressing up with a sprinkle or a splash of your favorite seasonings! There are so many to pick from it's hard to list just a few. After all, what isn't good on broccoli? Here are some of my favorites!
- Lemon Garlic: Add a squeeze (2 teaspoons or so) of lemon juice and a teaspoon or two of garlic salt.
- Garlic Parmesan: Add 1-2 gloves minced or crushed garlic and a tablespoon (or more!) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Chili Spiced: Add 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, and a shake of chili flakes.
- Or of course, keep the seasoning simple and add a decadent Easy Cheese Sauce!
What to Serve With Broccoli
- Riced Potatoes
- Sautéed Spinach Recipe
- Creamy Asparagus Pasta
- Creamed Corn Casserole
- Instant Pot Carrot Soup
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Roasted Carrots Recipe
- More High Protein Side Dishes and Side Dishes for Hamburgers
This dish makes a great side dish for the holidays - try more of my Vegetable Side Dishes for Christmas and Easter Vegetable Side Dishes!
Did you try this recipe? Let us know in the comments below, and leave a rating! We love to hear from you.
Air Fryer Broccoli
Equipment
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 3 Broccoli crowns
- 2 Tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Using a knife or kitchen scissors, cut bite-sized florets from the whole broccoli crowns, and place them in a mixing bowl.3 Broccoli crowns
- Add in the olive oil, salt, and pepper, then toss well to coat all florets evenly. Broccoli takes extra tossing as the leaves soak up oil.2 Tablespoons Olive oil, 1 teaspoon Black pepper, 1 teaspoon Salt
- Transfer the coated broccoli to your air fryer's tray or basket in an even layer, then cook at 400°F for 8 minutes. Remove the basket and toss the broccoli, then return to the fryer and let cook another 8 minutes.
- Once finished, let cool and serve!
Notes
- Broccoli clings to oil, so make sure to mix it very thoroughly to ensure each floret is coated.
- This recipe has only the most basic seasonings, perfect for you to add your own favorite flavors!
- Make sure not to cut the florets too small, or they might slip through the holes in the basket. Similarly, if they're too big, they might not evenly cook. Bite-sized is perfect!
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