Air Fryer Broccoli is crispy and cheesy for a quick and easy side dish to make in minutes!

Air fried broccoli on a white plate with parmesan on top

If you’re wondering how to air fry broccoli to get those crispy edges like roasting them in the oven in less time, this is it.

This air fryer roasted broccoli recipe is topped with parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for a healthy and easy side dish to any meal.

Air Fryer I recommend: Large, easy to clean, square basket, burner on top and bottom. Click to see it.

Ingredients needed to make air fryer broccoli in bowls

How to Cook Broccoli in the air Fryer

STEP ONE: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees, and 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 fresh broccoli 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: Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry broccoli for 8 minutes shaking the basket or turning the broccoli halfway through cooking.

STEP SIX: Remove the broccoli from the air fryer and add more parmesan on top to taste.

Store leftover roasted broccoli in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Cooked broccoli in air fryer with parmesan cheese

Tips To Make The Best Air Fried Broccoli

Cook roasted broccoli in the air fryer in a single layer for the most even cooking
Add the parmesan cheese prior to cooking or it will melt and slide off the broccoli
Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor, but the powdered parmesan cheese tastes great too
Keep an eye on the broccoli as it cooks and turn the temperature down to 360 degrees if you notice it browning too fast
Break the broccoli stalks into even-sized florets so they all cook evenly

What to Serve with Air Fryer Broccoli

air fryer broccoli on a white circular plate

Variations to This Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe

Add diced chicken into the recipe to make a chicken and broccoli dish — just drop the temperature to 360 degrees and cook until chicken is cooked thoroughly around 10 minutes
Add some fresh lemon juice or fresh lemon zest for a citrusy flavor
Switch out the parmesan for a teriyaki sauce or stir fry sauce
Add fresh minced garlic, garlic powder, or coat with a garlic sauce for a new flavor
Add cauliflower and cook both the broccoli and cauliflower in the air fryer together!
Use a store-bought vegetable seasoning for a more seasoned air fryer broccoli recipe — I like the Traeger Grills Seasoning Veggie Rub on my broccoli
Add extra red chili flakes for a spicy version

How Long to Cook Broccoli in the Air Fryer

This air fryer roasted broccoli recipe takes just 8 minutes to cook to tender perfection.

Roasted broccoli in air fryer basket cooked

Does Broccoli Burn in The Air Fryer?

If you’re not careful while cooking roasted broccoli in the air fryer, it can burn.

It’s important to check on the broccoli halfway through air frying and adjust the temperature down to 350 degrees if you notice the edges of the broccoli turning brown already.

The broccoli should get crispy edges, but not be burnt.

Is it possible to make air fryer broccoli from frozen?

Yes! It gives frozen broccoli a fresher and more delicious taste!

Preheat to 400 degrees
Place frozen broccoli in the air fryer and cook for about 20 minutes.

For a zesty version, try out my Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli recipe here.

Close up of air fryer broccoli on a wooden spoon

More Broccoli Recipes

More Easy Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes

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Air Fryer Weight Watcher Points per serving: 4