Air Fryer Broccoli

Name: Air Fryer Broccoli
Prep time: 4 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 12 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces broccoli florets (about 5-6 cups), cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper; optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice or grated Parmesan, for serving

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This easy air fryer broccoli recipe makes perfectly tender, crispy-edged florets in just 8 minutes, with endless seasoning options to go with just about anything.

Crispy, golden edges. Tender, flavorful centers. And a quick 8-minute cook time? Yes, please. ♡

This air fryer broccoli has become my go-to way to get a veggie side on the table fast — no preheating the oven, no roasting pans to scrub, and no soggy broccoli in sight. The air fryer works its magic to caramelize the edges while keeping the inside perfectly tender, giving you that irresistible roasted flavor in a fraction of the time. Plus, you can easily switch up the seasonings to pair with whatever main dish you’re serving!

We most often make ours with a bag of pre-cut broccoli florets (time-saver!), olive oil, salt, and pepper, served with a squeeze of lemon or some freshly-grated Parmesan. But I’ve included a few other fun options below if you’d like to customize the seasonings to pair with your entrée. However you make it, this air fryer broccoli recipe is always a winner!

Tips for Success

Here are a few quick tips to ensure your broccoli cooks up crisp, flavorful, and evenly every time.

Cut evenly. Try to keep your florets roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Don’t overcrowd. Give the florets space in the basket so the air can circulate. You may need to work in multiple batches if your air fryer basket is small.
Shake halfway. Give the basket a good shake around the 4–5 minute mark to help everything cook and brown evenly.
Adjust for doneness. Broccoli stems can vary in thickness, so feel free to add another minute or two if you prefer it more tender.
Serve immediately. Air-fried broccoli tastes best right out of the basket, when it’s still crisp on the edges. So serve it up and enjoy!

Seasoning Options

Once you’ve tried the classic blend included in the recipe below, feel free to try some of these other fun flavor twists:

Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a pinch of chili powder before air frying.
Smoky: Sprinkle on smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
Sesame: Toss with a drizzle of sesame oil, soy sauce, and sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds after air-frying.
Everything bagel: Toss with everything bagel seasoning before air-frying.
Buffalo: Toss with buffalo sauce after cooking for a spicy, tangy kick.
Cheesy ranch: Toss with ranch seasoning before cooking, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar while still hot.

FAQ

What’s the easiest way to cut a head of broccoli into florets? Here’s my favorite method (video included).

What air fryer do you use? This is the air fryer we currently own and use nearly every day. It has been great!

Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes! No need to thaw first — just toss with oil and seasonings, add an extra 2–4 minutes to the cook time, and shake the basket a few times to help release extra moisture.

How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to crisp it back up.

Can I make this without oil? Yes, though the texture will be less crisp. You can lightly mist with cooking spray instead to help with browning.

What sauces go with it? Air fryer broccoli pairs well with creamy sauces like ranch dressing, garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, tahini sauce, or Greek yogurt dip. It’s also delicious with drizzles of balsamic glaze, pesto, or chili crisp.