Transform ordinary broccoli into a crispy, flavorful delight with these 10 mouthwatering air fryer recipes.
Your air fryer can turn this humble vegetable into everything from basic roasted florets to Asian-inspired dishes and cheesy crowd-pleasers in minutes.
Get ready to discover recipes ranging from simple garlic-parmesan broccoli to spicy kung pao variations, complete with crispy edges and tender centers.
Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a healthy snack, these air fryer broccoli recipes will revolutionize how you prepare this nutritious vegetable.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Broccoli
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Broccoli is a perfect side dish that transforms ordinary broccoli into a crispy, flavorful delight.
This simple recipe combines fresh broccoli florets with savory garlic, rich parmesan cheese, and just the right amount of seasoning to create a dish that even vegetable skeptics will love.
Ingredients:
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Toss your broccoli florets with olive oil in a large bowl. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coating.
Place the seasoned broccoli in your air fryer basket and cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
In the last 2 minutes, sprinkle parmesan cheese over the broccoli and continue cooking until the cheese melts and slightly crisps.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest results, avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket.
Make sure the broccoli florets are similar in size for even cooking, and don’t skip the mid-cooking shake – it ensures all pieces get equally crispy.
Spicy Asian-Style Air Fryer Broccoli
Transform ordinary broccoli into a crispy, spicy Asian-inspired delight with this quick air fryer recipe.
This dish combines the perfect balance of heat and savory flavors, making it an excellent side dish for any Asian meal or a healthy snack that you can whip up in minutes.
Ingredients:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste
Toss your broccoli florets with sesame oil, soy sauce, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl until well coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Once done, sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest results, make sure your broccoli florets are completely dry before tossing them with the seasonings, and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
Simple Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Broccoli
Simple Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Broccoli is a quick and delicious way to enjoy your vegetables with minimal effort.
This recipe transforms ordinary broccoli into a crispy, zesty side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course.
The air fryer gives the broccoli a wonderful texture – tender on the inside with slightly crispy edges.
Ingredients:
• 1 large head of broccoli (cut into florets)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Optional: fresh lemon wedges for serving
Toss your broccoli florets in a bowl with olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings until well coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd.
Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the edges are crispy and slightly browned.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest results, ensure your broccoli florets are completely dry before adding the oil and seasonings. If they’re wet, they’ll steam instead of getting crispy. Also, don’t skip shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even results.
Cheesy Ranch Air Fryer Broccoli
Craving a quick and delicious vegetable side dish?
This Cheesy Ranch Air Fryer Broccoli transforms ordinary broccoli into a crispy, flavorful delight.
The combination of ranch seasoning and melted cheese creates an irresistible taste that even picky eaters will love.
Ingredients:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. In a large bowl, toss broccoli florets with olive oil, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Place the seasoned broccoli in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
During the last 2 minutes, sprinkle the cheese over the broccoli and continue cooking until melted and slightly crispy.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Cook in batches if necessary, and make sure the broccoli pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
If you prefer extra-crispy broccoli, add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Mediterranean Air Fryer Broccoli
Mediterranean Air Fryer Broccoli offers a delightfully crispy and flavorful way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable.
This recipe transforms ordinary broccoli into a Mediterranean-inspired dish with garlic, lemon, and herbs that will make you forget you’re eating healthy.
Ingredients:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Toss your broccoli florets with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Once done, sprinkle with lemon juice and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest results, make sure your broccoli florets are completely dry before tossing with oil and seasonings. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket – cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets perfectly crispy.
Honey Sriracha Air Fryer Broccoli
Honey Sriracha Air Fryer Broccoli transforms ordinary broccoli into a crispy, sweet, and spicy side dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
This quick and easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or when you’re craving a healthy but flavorful vegetable option.
Ingredients:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, Sriracha, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Add broccoli florets and toss until evenly coated.
Place in air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until edges are crispy and slightly charred.
Pro Tip: For maximum crispiness, make sure your broccoli florets are completely dry before tossing them in the sauce mixture, and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to achieve the perfect crispy texture.
Curry-Spiced Air Fryer Broccoli
Elevate your broccoli game with this quick and flavorful curry-spiced version that comes out perfectly crispy in the air fryer.
This recipe transforms ordinary broccoli into a exotic side dish that pairs wonderfully with any Asian or Indian-inspired meal, all while keeping things healthy and simple.
Ingredients:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ teaspoons curry powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Toss your broccoli florets in a bowl with olive oil until well-coated. Add all the spices and mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the edges are crispy and slightly charred.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest results, make sure your broccoli florets are completely dry before adding oil and spices. Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – giving the pieces some space allows for better air circulation and crispier results.
Buffalo Air Fryer Broccoli
Buffalo Air Fryer Broccoli is a game-changing way to enjoy your vegetables with a spicy kick.
This recipe transforms ordinary broccoli into crispy, tangy bites that pack the classic Buffalo wing flavor without the guilt.
Perfect as a side dish or a healthy snack, this dish takes less than 15 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup Buffalo wing sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. In a large bowl, toss broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Once done, immediately toss the hot broccoli with Buffalo sauce in a clean bowl until well coated.
Pro Tip: For maximum crispiness, don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary, and make sure your broccoli florets are completely dry before tossing them with oil. The drier the broccoli, the crispier the result!
Maple Bacon Air Fryer Broccoli
Satisfy your craving for both healthy and indulgent flavors with this Maple Bacon Air Fryer Broccoli.
This dish combines the sweetness of maple syrup with savory bacon, creating a delicious vegetable side dish that even picky eaters will love.
The air fryer gives the broccoli perfectly crispy edges while keeping the stalks tender.
Ingredients:
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes. Add chopped bacon and cook for another 4 minutes.
Drizzle with maple syrup and cook for a final 2 minutes until the broccoli is crispy and the bacon is fully cooked.
Pro Tip: For the best results, make sure your broccoli florets are similar in size to ensure even cooking. If you notice the maple syrup starting to burn, reduce the temperature slightly for the final cooking stage.
Teriyaki Air Fryer Broccoli
Elevate your veggie game with this crispy, savory Teriyaki Air Fryer Broccoli.
This quick and healthy side dish combines the convenience of air frying with the bold flavors of teriyaki sauce, creating perfectly caramelized florets that remain tender-crisp on the inside.
Ingredients:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
Toss your broccoli florets with olive oil, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger powder in a large bowl.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
During the last 2 minutes, brush the teriyaki sauce over the broccoli.
Once done, sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest results, make sure your broccoli florets are completely dry before coating them with oil, and arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches rather than overcrowding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you air fry broccoli for the perfect crispy texture?
Air fry fresh broccoli florets at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The edges should be crispy and slightly charred while maintaining a tender center.
What seasonings work best for air fryer broccoli recipes?
Combine olive oil with garlic powder, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or simple salt and pepper. You can also try Asian-inspired flavors like sesame oil and soy sauce.
Do you need to pretreat broccoli before air frying?
Toss your broccoli florets in olive oil and seasonings before air frying to ensure even cooking. There’s no need to blanch or steam the broccoli first.
What’s the best way to ensure your air fried broccoli doesn’t burn?
Cut florets into uniform sizes and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Check your broccoli at the 6-minute mark and adjust cooking time as needed.
Can you reheat air fried broccoli while maintaining its crispiness?
Reheat leftover air fried broccoli at 350°F for 2-3 minutes in your air fryer. This method restores the original crispy texture better than microwave reheating.
Final Thoughts
These air fryer broccoli recipes offer you a perfect blend of convenience and nutrition.
Whether you prefer classic garlic parmesan or spicy Asian-inspired flavors, you’ll find that air frying creates the perfect crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
Remember to avoid overcrowding your basket, shake or flip halfway through cooking, and adjust cooking times based on your preferred level of crispiness.
Keep your broccoli florets similarly sized for even cooking, and don’t forget to preheat your air fryer for the best results.
Now go ahead and transform this humble vegetable into your new favorite side dish!
