Air Fryer Broccoli
Air fryer broccoli is a delightful way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable, transforming it with a crispy texture and savory flavor that’ll have you reaching for more. The air fryer works its magic, cooking broccoli in a way that captures its natural sweetness while adding a touch of irresistible char. You’ll love how quickly it comes together – from prep to plate in just 16 minutes! Plus, with a short list of pantry staples, this dish is as budget-friendly as it is delicious.
When I first discovered air fryer broccoli, I was a bit skeptical. Could a simple vegetable really get that delicious, crispy finish I often craved from my favorite restaurants? Much to my surprise, the answer was a resounding yes! After just one batch, my family and I couldn’t get enough of the light crunch and savory undertones. It has since become our go-to vegetable side, especially on busy weeknights when we want something quick yet satisfying. You really owe it to yourself to give this a try!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli
- Storing & Reheating
- Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Recipe FAQs
- Air Fryer Broccoli
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 16 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: A delightful blend of olive oil, garlic, and soy sauce creates a savory experience.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant green florets make for a stunning presentation on any plate.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a topping for your grain bowls.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and vegan, it accommodates many dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb. broccoli crowns: Choose fresh, vibrant crowns for the best flavor; frozen broccoli will work too but may yield different textures.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: This adds a luscious coating for even cooking and flavor enhancement; you can substitute with avocado oil if desired.
- 1 tsp soy sauce: Adds savory depth; swap for tamari to keep it gluten-free or coconut aminos for a sweeter profile.
- ¼ tsp garlic powder: A quick way to infuse garlicky goodness without the hassle of fresh cloves.
- ¼ tsp onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile; fresh onion can also be used but will alter cooking time.
How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400℉, which helps achieve that crispy exterior.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Separate the broccoli crowns into smaller florets to ensure even cooking and maximize crispiness.
- Season the Broccoli: In a mixing bowl, toss the florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon onion powder until they are well coated.
- Load the Air Fryer: Place the seasoned florets into the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s some space between each piece for optimal air circulation.
- Air Fry: Cook the broccoli for 6 minutes. After the first 3 minutes, give the basket a shake to ensure even cooking. If you prefer a crunchier texture, increase the cooking time to 8 minutes.
- Serve Warm: Once cooked, transfer the broccoli to a serving dish. Enjoy it warm, either plain or with a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze air fryer broccoli in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop it back in the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at 350℉ to regain some crispiness; however, keep in mind, the texture may soften slightly upon reheating.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you have more broccoli, cook in batches for the best results.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon before serving.
- Always shake the basket during cooking to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.
- If your broccoli appears a bit soggy, try reducing the oil slightly as well as ensuring the florets are well spaced out in the air fryer.
Air fryer broccoli is not only a tasty side dish but also a canvas for culinary creativity. You might find yourself experimenting with different spices or even serving it over a bed of grains or with your favorite dips. This method preserves the freshness while enhancing flavors, making it a staple to return to over and over.
Recipe FAQs
How long does it take to cook broccoli in an air fryer?
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
What sauces or toppings pair well with air fryer broccoli?
Can I prepare the broccoli ahead of time?
More Dinner Recipes
- Jambalaya
- Kale and White Bean Salad
- Classic Reuben Sandwich
- Sesame Ground Chicken
- Lentil and Cranberry Salad
👉 If you make my Air Fryer Broccoli recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — it really helps others discover the recipe.
Follow me on
Pinterest
for more easy recipes.
Air Fryer Broccoli
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Vegetable
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Broccoli is packed with irresistible flavor and takes just minutes to prepare. With fresh broccoli, olive oil, and spices, it’s a fantastic choice for a quick dinner or healthy meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. broccoli crowns
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400℉.
- Break the broccoli crowns into florets and mix with olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place florets in the air fryer basket, making sure there is space between them.
- Air fry for 6 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through. For crispier broccoli, extend cooking time to 8 minutes.
Notes
Adjust seasoning according to taste.
For a kick, add red pepper flakes before cooking.
Consider adding lemon juice after cooking for a fresh flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 42
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
