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I love this quick and easy way of using the air fryer to prepare broccoli as a side dish. This air fryer broccoli is hassle-free, so tasty, and a simple side dish recipe that pairs well with everything.
Love making broccoli side dishes? You may also like my healthy broccoli casserole.
What is your favorite way of preparing broccoli? Some may just prefer steaming their broccoli whereas some would rather have it more on the crispy and crunchy side with a bit more flavor. Whichever way you prepare your broccoli, the end result will always be delicious. Air fryer broccoli takes less than 15 minutes to make.
This side dish is vegan-friendly, low in fat, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Not sure how to cut your broccoli head? Check out my tutorial on how to cut broccoli.
Recipe Summary
- Quick and easy: all it takes is 5 minutes of prep time to clean and chop the broccoli, and 8 minutes in the air-fryer. Hassle-free way of preparing your veggie side dish.
- Pairs with anything: This recipe is one of the most versatile side dish recipes that will go well with almost every main course or grilled protein of choice.
Ingredients you will need
Here is a quick list of ingredients you will need to make it. Full measurements are listed further down below in the recipe card.
- Head of Broccoli: you may use frozen or pre-packed chopped broccoli.
- Oil spray: it can be any kind, like olive oil or avocado oil.
- Garlic salt: if you have garlic powder then use salt as well.
- Black pepper
How to make air fryer broccoli
Preheat the air fryer to 350F.
Place the broccoli florets into a large bowl and spray with olive oil spray. While spraying, turn the florets on all sides to evenly coat. Sprinkle with the garlic salt and pepper, and thoroughly stir to coat.
Cook the broccoli in the air fryer, in 2 batches, for 6-8 minutes (depending on the size of your florets). Shake the basket halfway.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Once you rinse the broccoli, whatever water is left on the broccoli will cause the broccoli to be “steamed” in the air-fryer and prevent it from browning.
It all depends on how well done and crispy you want your broccoli to be. Most people like their side dish broccoli on the crunchy side and some like it on the well-done side. So it all depends on your preference. At about 350°F to 400°F, broccoli will need anywhere between 8-10 minutes. So halfway through, you may open the air fryer, give it a shake or toss, and check if they are done to your liking.
Both ways are healthy compared to deep frying. Whether you choose to air-fry or bake, you are making the right choice already.
You can air-fry vegetables anywhere between 350°F to 400°F for 8-10 minutes. The key is to pay attention to the types of veggies you are using because some will cook faster than others, and you can always open the air-fryer to check if they are done to your liking halfway through so they don’t burn.
More Side dish recipes
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Air Fried Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Baked Zucchini Chips
- Healthy Homemade Coleslaw Salad
- Garlic Roasted Broccolini
- Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad
- Easy Marinated Tomatoes
What to serve with air fryer broccoli
- Honey Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Baked Teriyaki Salmon
- Oven-Baked Chicken Cutlets
- Easy Chicken Quesadilla
- Creamy Chicken Fajita Skillet
- Keto Shrimp Skillet
- Parmesan oven-roasted Chicken
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Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
- Avocado or olive oil cooking spray
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 F.
- Place the 1 large head broccoli florets into a large bowl and spray with Avocado or olive oil cooking spray. While spraying, turn the florets on all sides to evenly coat. Sprinkle with the 2 teaspoons garlic salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and thoroughly stir to coat.
- Cook the broccoli in the air fryer, in 2 batches, for 6-8 minutes (depending on the size of your florets). Shake the basket halfway.
Notes
- if you don’t like broccoli, you may use cauliflower. Cook time will VARY.
- use any other seasonings of choice
- Nutrition facts are an estimation
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
One of my favorite recipes.