This air fryer broccoli is one of those easy vegetable sides I’d make when I want something quick without turning on the oven. The broccoli comes out tender with crisp edges, and the garlic, paprika, turmeric, and marjoram give it plenty of flavor without needing much prep.
It works with so many different meals, especially when I need an easy vegetable to serve on the side. If you want another simple air fryer recipe, try these Air Fryer Tortilla Chips. Keep reading to see how to get the broccoli tender with those lightly crisp, roasted edges.
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Video Tutorial
Try This Air Fryer Broccoli
If you usually roast broccoli in the oven, this air fryer roasted broccoli is an easy alternative. You still get that slightly crisp outside while the middle stays tender, but there’s no need to wait for a large oven to heat up.
The seasoning is what I like most here. Garlic and paprika are always good with broccoli, and the turmeric and marjoram give it a little more flavor without overpowering it.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick to prepare: There’s very little prep once the broccoli is cut into florets.
- Crisp and tender: The edges get lightly crisp while the broccoli stays tender inside.
- Well seasoned: Garlic, paprika, turmeric, and marjoram add plenty of flavor.
- Easy to serve: It works as a side with chicken, steak, or fish, or you can add it to pasta or a Buddha bowl.
Ingredients
- Broccoli: I cut the broccoli into small, fairly even florets so they cook at about the same rate. After rinsing them, I make sure they’re patted dry before adding the oil so they roast rather than sitting with extra moisture on the surface.
- Olive oil: I toss the florets with the olive oil in a large bowl so they get a light, even coating. This also gives the seasonings something to stick to instead of collecting at the bottom of the bowl.
- Garlic powder: I prefer garlic powder here because it’s easy to distribute over all the little florets. It gives the broccoli a savory garlic flavor and works especially well with the paprika.
- Paprika: This adds another layer of flavor without making the broccoli spicy. I like how it works with the garlic powder, turmeric, and marjoram while still letting the broccoli itself come through.
How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli
1. Separate the broccoli into small florets. Rinse thoroughly in cold water and pat dry gently using paper towels.
2. Set the air fryer to preheat at 360°F (180°C).
3. In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your chosen seasonings. Ensure all florets are evenly coated.
4. Place the seasoned broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If available, use a rack or grill accessory to prevent the broccoli from sticking to the basket's bottom.
5. Insert the tray into the air fryer and close it. Cook the broccoli for 15 minutes. For even cooking, periodically pause to shake the basket. Be cautious during this step as the air fryer walls will be hot.
6. Test the broccoli by piercing a floret with a fork or knife. It should be tender and have slight crisp edges. If necessary, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
7. Once the broccoli reaches your preferred texture, carefully remove it from the air fryer. You may optionally garnish with fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon juice for a umami flavor.
8. Serve and enjoy your savory, juicy, crispy air fryer broccoli! It's sure to be packed with flavor and become a delightful addition to your meal.
Recipe Tips
- Pat the broccoli dry after washing it so there isn’t excess water left on the florets.
- Toss everything thoroughly so there is enough oil and seasonings coating the broccoli evenly.
- Keep the broccoli in a single layer rather than packing the basket too tightly. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Shake the basket periodically so different sides of the florets are exposed to the hot air.
- Check the texture toward the end of cooking. Air fryers vary, so you may need a little more or less time.
What Can You Serve With This?
- Grilled chicken
- Steak
- Fish
- Pasta with Parmesan
- Gochujang sauce
FAQs
Cook it at 360°F (180°C) for 15 minutes, shaking the basket periodically. Give it another few minutes if you prefer the broccoli softer.
Pierce a floret with a fork or knife. I look for broccoli that’s tender in the middle but still has a little crispness around the outside.
Make sure the broccoli is patted dry and arranged in a single layer. Giving the florets enough room allows the hot air to circulate around them instead of having them packed together.
Recipe
Air Fryer Broccoli
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Strainer
- Large bowl
- Paper towels
- Spoon or tongs
- Knife or fork
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- pinch salt and pepper
Additional Seasonings
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon marjoram
Instructions
- Separate the broccoli into small florets. Rinse thoroughly in cold water and pat dry gently using paper towels.
- Set the air fryer to preheat at 360°F (180°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your chosen seasonings. Ensure all florets are evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If available, use a rack or grill accessory to prevent the broccoli from sticking to the basket's bottom.
- Insert the basket into the air fryer and close it. Cook the broccoli for 15 minutes. For even cooking, periodically pause to shake the basket. Be cautious during this step as the air fryer walls will be hot.
- Test the broccoli by piercing a floret with a fork or knife. It should be tender but retain a slight crispness. If necessary, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
- Once the broccoli reaches your preferred texture, carefully remove it from the air fryer. You may optionally garnish with fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Enjoy your savory, juicy, crispy air fryer broccoli! It's sure to be packed with flavor and become a delightful addition to your meal.
Notes
Cooking Time and Temperature
Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and cook the broccoli for 15 minutes, adding a few more minutes if you prefer it softer.Taste & Texture
Tender in the middle with crisp, roasted edges and a savory garlic and herb seasoning.Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Keep leftover broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Freezing instructions aren’t included for this broccoli, so I prefer making enough to enjoy fresh or within the next couple of days.
- Reheat: Put the broccoli back into the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through.
Serving Recommendations
- I like serving this with grilled chicken, steak, or fish when I need a quick vegetable on the side.
- Toss it through cooked pasta with a little olive oil and grated Parmesan for something a bit more filling.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Try smoked paprika, chili flakes, or lemon zest when you want to change the seasoning.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan over the broccoli during the final few minutes so the cheese has time to melt.
- For a sesame-soy version, toss the cooked broccoli with soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and sesame seeds.
- Cauliflower florets or Brussels sprouts can also be air fried using the same method.
Proper Storage Tips
- Let any leftover broccoli cool before putting it away.
- Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Eat the leftovers within 2 days.
Pro Tips
- Cut the florets into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Shake the basket a few times while the broccoli cooks.
- Finish with fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice if you want a fresher flavor.
Video
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