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Learn how to make quick and easy air fryer broccoli that tastes incredibly delicious. Ready in less than 8 minutes, you’ll never make broccoli any other way again!
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this air fryer broccoli recipe
We’re here to show you that air fryers aren’t just for protein. We love to use it for all the vegetables! This includes Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and, of course, broccoli.
- It’s quick and easy. Like green beans or cauliflower, this cooks in less than 10 minutes.
- Budget-friendly. It’s made using simple everyday use spices and ingredients that are affordable.
- Healthy. Broccoli is naturally low in calories and fat, and when seasoned properly, it tastes so darn sinful!
Without the hassle of messy oil and complicated cleanup, this recipe is perfect for serving as a side dish or appetizer, and honestly, it goes well with anything. I mean, cook up your dinner in the air fryer too to pair with this, like chicken breast, steak, salmon, or pork chops!
Ingredients needed
This recipe calls for very simple ingredients that you’ll likely already have on hand. Here is what you’ll need:
- Broccoli. Use fresh broccoli florets and cut them to the same size.
- Olive oil.
- Sugar. Gives the broccoli a lovely crispy texture.
- Salt and pepper. To taste.
- Red pepper flakes. Gives a spicy flavor to the broccoli.
- Lemon slices and fresh parmesan. To serve.
How to make air fryer broccoli
- Prep the broccoli. Start by adding broccoli, olive oil, sugar, salt, red pepper flakes, and pepper to a mixing bowl. Rub broccoli with the spices well before cooking.
- Air fry broccoli. add broccoli to the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Season and serve. Drizzle some lemon juice, add some fresh parmesan, and serve immediately.
Flavor variations
Like any good vegetable, you can jazz up its flavor with just a few tweaks. Here is what we’ve tried:
- Add some spice. Cayenne, red pepper flakes, and black pepper are all fantastic options.
- Use different oils. Sesame oil gives it a nutty flavor, and truffle oil makes it much more decadent.
- Add some sauce. Toss through balsamic vinegar, katsu sauce, bulgogi sauce, or Worcestershire sauce. We love to drizzle some hot honey sauce on top to truly transform this dish.
- Sprinkle some cheese. Freshly grated parmesan or sharp cheddar takes this humble vegetable to the next level.
Storage instructions
To store: Put the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled broccoli in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven, skillet, or air fryer.
Recommended tools to make this recipe
- Air fryer. The signature kitchen gadget to create this magic! This will be a staple in your kitchen!
- Tongs. To flip the broccoli during the cooking process.
- Mixing bowl. To season the broccoli.
Recipe tips and tricks
- Cut the broccoli florets to the same size to ensure all the florets cook evenly without burning.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer so that all the broccoli gets cooked quickly. It’ll allow the hot air to cook your recipe better and faster.
- Adding the sugar caramelizes the edges to make them extra crispy- you won’t taste the sweetness (we often do this with sauteed bok choy or brussels sprouts, too!).
- Cook the broccoli in batches if you are making a larger serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
This kind of broccoli tastes like roasted broccoli, except it has crisper edges and is more tender overall.
Yes, you can steam vegetables in the air fryer. However, they will taste even better, as no condensation builds up when steaming.
Yes, it’s also vegan and keto friendly too.
Air Fryer Broccoli
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add the broccoli into a mixing bowl. Toss through the olive oil, then sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F for 5 minutes.
- Add the broccoli and cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
