This Air Fryer Broccoli is everything you love about perfectly roasted vegetables…but with even more crispiness! That's right, all the deliciously charred goodness of oven-roasted broccoli, but faster and easier. You'll love how this no-fuss recipe comes together in under 15 minutes, giving you irresistibly crispy florets. It's a quick family dinner staple that'll make your weeknights a breeze!
This air fryer broccoli recipe is about to become one of your favorite air fryer recipes!
This ridiculously good side takes all the goodness of roasted broccoli and elevates it with a crispy, golden finish that you can't resist. It is perfectly crisp, tender, and ready in less time it would take you to cook broccoli in the oven!
It's a welcome change to your weeknight side dishes and also works for the holidays!
Looking for more broccoli recipes? For more easy side dishes, don't miss this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, Broccoli Apple Salad, and Broccoli Slaw. Looking for a hearty and comforting soup? It doesn't get any better than this Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup.
Ingredients
- Fresh Broccoli: You can cut a head of broccoli or buy pre-chopped broccoli florets. Frozen broccoli may also be used, but fresh is best if you want crispy broccoli.
- Avocado Oil: Olive oil works well, too.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Use a good quality for the best flavor.
- Sea Salt: Any fine salt can serve as a substitute.
- Black Pepper: I recommend freshly ground, but you can use pre-ground if you like.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Grated Romano cheese is a good alternative. Use rennet-free to make this vegetarian, or omit to make it vegan.
- Lemon Wedges: Finishing with a squeeze of lemon juice adds a fresh burst of flavor.
Step by Step
Why Does Broccoli Burn in the Air Fryer?
One of the most important ways to keep your broccoli from burning is to make sure you toss it with enough oil. Without oil, the broccoli burns rather than browns (I have tested this recipe in three different air fryers and haven't had a burning problem in any of them.)
If you still find that your air fryer makes the broccoli more crisp than you like, you have two options.
With a basket-style air fryer, try putting two tablespoons of water in the bottom of the basket and reducing the cooking time to 8 minutes. This will create more tender florets and should eliminate the burning issues.
The other option is to roast your broccoli at a lower temperature (350°F to 375°F).
Tips and Tricks
- Single-Layer Cooking: Arrange the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches, if necessary, will ensure each piece gets evenly crisped.
- Tossing Midway: Give the broccoli a quick shake or toss halfway through cooking. This promotes even cooking and prevents any pieces from burning.
- Experiment with Spices: Looking for a little extra kick? Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes.
- Storage: Store any leftover broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge. They reheat wonderfully in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F.
- Oil Alternatives: Feel free to use your favorite cookign oil. Olive oil, vegtable oil, and cococonut oil are all good options.
Air Fryer Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 ounces broccoli cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- For serving: lemon wedges
Instructions
- Place the broccoli in a large bowl. Add the oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the broccoli in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionaly, or until the broccoli is lightly charred.
- Transfer to a serving platter. While the broccoli is still warm, sprinkle with the parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges.
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