Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
Dinner ready in under 10 minutes? Sign us up. This Air Fryer Broccoli recipe is about to become your new favorite side dish. It’s simple to make, uses minimal oil, and results in perfectly crisp florets every time. No more mushy broccoli battles on your plate – this method unlocks the hidden potential of this healthy green veggie, turning even broccoli skeptics into fans.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
- Fast and Furious Flavor: Dinner on the table in under 15 minutes? Yes, please! Air Fryer Broccoli cooks lightning-fast, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
- Crispy Perfection: Say goodbye to soggy, limp broccoli. The air fryer’s magic touch delivers perfectly crisp florets with a tender-crisp interior – a textural revelation for broccoli lovers.
- Healthier Than Oven Roasting: Ditch the extra oil – air frying uses minimal fat to achieve maximum flavor. This guilt-free side dish boasts all the nutrients of broccoli without the added calories.
- Beyond Boring Broccoli: This recipe is just the beginning! The air fryer unlocks endless possibilities for broccoli. Think garlic parmesan, lemon pepper, or even a spicy kick with chili flakes.
- Perfect for Picky Eaters: The addictive crispiness of air-fried broccoli can be a game-changer for even the most veggie-averse eaters. It might just become their new favorite side.
- Unlock the Veggie Drawer: Got a forgotten bag of broccoli lurking in the crisper? Air fry it! This recipe is a great way to use up fresh or slightly tired broccoli, preventing food waste.
- Meal Prep Magic: Prep a big batch of air-fried broccoli on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week. It reheats beautifully without losing its crispness, making it a meal-prep dream.
- Versatility is King: Air-fried broccoli isn’t just a side dish. Toss it into stir-fries, salads, or use it as a healthy topping for soups or pasta. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
For the best results, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes before adding the broccoli. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Floret Frenzy
Cut your broccoli into florets that are similar in size. This helps them cook evenly and prevents some pieces from burning while others remain raw.
In a bowl, toss the broccoli florets with avocado oil, salt, and black pepper. Be sure to coat them evenly for maximum flavor.
Single Layer Success
Arrange the seasoned broccoli florets in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to steamed broccoli instead of crispy perfection. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Shake and Bake (Sort Of)
Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or use tongs to toss the broccoli for even browning. This ensures all sides get crispy.
Once the broccoli is tender and the edges are beautifully crisp, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving dish.
Serve your air-fried broccoli hot as a side dish or enjoy it on its own as a healthy snack.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Air-fried broccoli is a budget hero! It’s cheap, nutritious, and transforms this green giant into a side dish (or snack!) that everyone will devour. But a few simple tweaks can take your air-fried broccoli from good to great.
- Oil Options: Avocado oil is great, but it can be pricier. Don’t worry! Regular olive oil works just fine. In a pinch, even a neutral cooking spray will do.
- Flavor Boosters: Salt and pepper are a classic combo, but explore your spice cabinet! Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a sprinkle of chili flakes can add a whole new dimension of flavor. Feel free to get creative!
- Leftovers? No Problem! Air-fried broccoli reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore its crispness.
- Frozen Broccoli? You Got It! No fresh broccoli on hand? Frozen works too! Skip defrosting – simply toss frozen florets with oil and seasonings and add a minute or two to the cooking time. Frozen broccoli is a budget-friendly option that’s always freezer-ready.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: This is key to achieving crispy perfection. Overcrowding steams the broccoli instead of crisping it. Cook in batches if needed.
- Size Matters (Sort Of): Aim for similar-sized florets to ensure even cooking. Larger pieces might need an extra minute or two.
- Shake It Up! Halfway through cooking, give your broccoli a good shake or toss with tongs. This ensures even browning and prevents uneven crispiness.
How to Store Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
So you’ve devoured most of your air-fried broccoli masterpiece, but a little bit remains.
Leftover air-fried broccoli stores surprisingly well, and with the right technique, you can enjoy those perfectly crisped florets for another day (or two!).
Transfer your leftover air-fried broccoli to an airtight container. This prevents moisture build-up, which can lead to soggy broccoli – the enemy of crispiness!
Place the sealed container in the refrigerator. Leftover air-fried broccoli will keep for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it in lunches, salads, or as a quick and healthy snack.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover broccoli again, the air fryer is your best friend. Pop the broccoli back in for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy once more.
Bonus Tip: If your broccoli seems a touch dry after reheating, a quick spritz of olive oil or a sprinkle of water can help restore its moisture without sacrificing crispness.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
Protein Power: Grilled Chicken or Fish: A classic pairing! Lean protein complements the broccoli perfectly, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Season simply with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs for a budget-friendly win.
Pasta Perfection: Simple Tomato Pasta: Toss cooked pasta with a quick tomato sauce made from canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The vibrant flavors will elevate your air-fried broccoli without breaking the bank.
Taco Time: Vegetarian Tacos: Air-fried broccoli adds a healthy twist to your tacos! Use black beans or lentils for a protein boost, top with salsa, avocado, and your favorite taco fixings.
More Easy Budget Friendly Recipes for You to Try at Home
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Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Cut the broccoli into florets, making sure they are similar in size for even cooking.1 head of broccoli
- In a mixing bowl, toss the broccoli florets with avocado oil, salt, and black pepper until well coated.2 tablespoons avocado oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Arrange the seasoned broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Place the basket into the air fryer and cook the broccoli for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the broccoli is tender.
- Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or use tongs to toss the broccoli for even browning.
- Once cooked, remove the broccoli from the air fryer and transfer to a serving dish. Serve hot as a side dish or a healthy snack.
Notes
- Oil Options: Avocado oil is great, but it can be pricier. Don’t worry! Regular olive oil works just fine. In a pinch, even a neutral cooking spray will do.
- Flavor Boosters: Salt and pepper are a classic combo, but explore your spice cabinet! Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a sprinkle of chili flakes can add a whole new dimension of flavor. Feel free to get creative!
- Leftovers? No Problem! Air-fried broccoli reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore its crispness.
- Frozen Broccoli? You Got It! No fresh broccoli on hand? Frozen works too! Skip defrosting – simply toss frozen florets with oil and seasonings and add a minute or two to the cooking time. Frozen broccoli is a budget-friendly option that’s always freezer-ready.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: This is key to achieving crispy perfection. Overcrowding steams the broccoli instead of crisping it. Cook in batches if needed.
- Size Matters (Sort Of): Aim for similar-sized florets to ensure even cooking. Larger pieces might need an extra minute or two.
- Shake It Up! Halfway through cooking, give your broccoli a good shake or toss with tongs. This ensures even browning and prevents uneven crispiness.
