Air Fryer Broccoli

Caramelized for a crisp crunch, this air fryer broccoli recipe is an easy way to enjoy all of the health benefits that these green veggies have to offer. And in just 10 minutes!

I love air frying vegetables! Not only is it the healthiest way to prepare them, but it’s also the easiest – and, in my opinion, the most delicious! They develop a crisp, seasoned crust that adds a whole new layer of flavor and texture.

It’s no secret that this leafy green is great for you, but just how great is it? Well, it’s chock full of vitamins C and K, with a good deal of fiber to boot. From a dieting perspective, it also helps you feel full without eating too much, so you really get the best of both worlds!

With this air fryer broccoli recipe, you can keep as much of those vital nutrients as possible, while also preparing a delicious dish that’s easy as can be.

Here’s what I’m going to teach you in this post: 

• How to make a batch of air fryer roasted broccoli that’s buttery, garlicky, and full of everything you love!
• Some important things to keep in mind while making roasted broccoli in the air fryer
• A few answers to a few questions you might have about air frying your favorite veggies!

This air fryer broccoli recipe is incredibly easy, quick, and painless. But it’s still so tasty! Just a handful of ingredients makes a delicious yet healthy side dish that you and your family can enjoy year round. 

I made this recipe using the 5.8 QT Cosori Air Fryer. Its square basket makes it the perfect size for our family of 4.

How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli 

STEP ONE: While your fryer preheats to 400 degrees, cut the broccoli into florets — separating the fluffy head from the stalk. Set aside while mixing the butter.

STEP TWO: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes and combine with a whisk.

STEP THREE: Add the florets to the mixture and stir to coat. 

STEP FOUR: Sprinkle the grated parmesan on top of the florets and toss once more until thoroughly dusted with the cheese.

STEP FIVE: Lay the florets in the basket, trying to avoid too much overlap between the pieces. Cook for 4 minutes, shake the basket, and cook for another 4 — for a total of 8 minutes. (Note: If the vegetables brown too quickly, decrease the temperature to 360.)

STEP SIX: You can serve your air fryer roasted broccoli right away, adding more parmesan on top to taste. 

Does air frying broccoli lose nutrients? 

As you probably know, cooking, roasting, or baking vegetables in any way is always going to take away from their natural nutrients. Eating veggies raw is the #1 best way to get all of the health benefits in produce.

However, air fryer roasted broccoli retains more of these health benefits than if you were to boil, saute, fry regularly, or bake them. The interior of the vegetable is largely untouched, and so those nutrients are mostly protected. 

Is it possible to make air fryer broccoli from frozen?

You absolutely can! If that’s your intention, I would instead direct you to my walkthrough for making Frozen Broccoli in the Air Fryer.

But here’s the short version of making roasted broccoli in the air fryer from frozen: preheat to 400 degrees, and cook for 10 minutes on each side. And that’s it! No thawing, no nonsense.

Can I roast broccoli and cauliflower together? 

Absolutely! These two vegetables are similar in consistency, and that holds up after baking. Cauliflower takes a few more minutes to cook, so you may want to add them in a minute or two before adding the broccoli. Otherwise, simply follow the same recipe, but replace half of the broccoli with cauliflower. 

Or… double the seasonings, and add the same amount of cauliflower as broccoli! This makes a fantastic, healthy side dish to any family meal.

Can I add the parmesan cheese after cooking?  

I recommend following the recipe as described: add the parmesan before baking, and then topping more as desired after roasting the broccoli in the air fryer.

This is because the cheese melts onto and shrinks into the raw florets while they bake, while cheese added to already cooked veggies slides right off. So for a thorough coating that sticks, be sure to add it before cooking!

Other Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love:

• Air Fryer Dumplings
• Air Fryer Pierogies with Onions
• Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts
• Air Fryer Green Beans
• Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

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Air Fryer Weight Watcher Points per serving: 4