Air fryer broccoli effortlessly transforms your everyday vegetable into a crisp-tender delight, all in under 10 minutes. Perfect as a simple yet delicious side dish, this method brings out the natural flavors of broccoli while giving it a slightly crunchy texture.

• Cuisine: American
• Prep Time: 3 minutes
• Cook Time: 7-9 minutes
• Total Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: 4

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal prep time and effort for a quick side dish.
• The air fryer delivers perfectly crisp-tender broccoli without the need for blanching.
• Simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Easy to customize with your choice of spices.

Ingredients

• 1 head of broccoli: Provides the base vegetable. Trim into florets for even cooking.
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the broccoli become crispy. Substitute with avocado oil if needed.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Introduces a subtle garlic flavor. Use 1 clove of minced garlic as a substitute if preferred.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors. Sea salt works as an alternative.
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and flavor depth. Adjust to taste.

How to Make It

Step 1: Toss It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine your broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss until each floret is evenly coated. This step ensures every piece gets a bit of seasoning and helps the air fryer cook them uniformly.

Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection

Transfer the seasoned broccoli to the basket of your air fryer, spreading them out in a single layer for even cooking. Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to ensure all sides get crispy. For softer broccoli, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking to steam them slightly.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make the broccoli spicier?

To add some heat, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika when tossing the broccoli with oil and seasoning.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but allow a couple of extra minutes for cooking. Make sure to shake the basket well to prevent sogginess.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.