To make broccoli in an air fryer, toss 1 lb of dry broccoli florets with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and air fry at 380°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway, until the edges are crisp and browned. Finish with parmesan and lemon. It takes about 15 minutes and comes to roughly 80 calories per serving.
1 lb (450 g) broccoli florets, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 medium crowns)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder (or 1 small clove, grated, added at the end)
1/2 tsp fine salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp finely grated parmesan
1 tsp lemon zest plus 1 tbsp lemon juice
How Do You Make Broccoli in an Air Fryer?
Prep: Cut the broccoli into even 1 1/2-inch florets, slicing thick stems lengthwise. Wash and dry them very well; wet broccoli steams instead of crisping.
Season: Toss the florets with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes until every piece is lightly coated.
Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for about 3 minutes.
Air fry: Spread the florets in a single loose layer, splitting them between both baskets of a dual air fryer. Air fry at 380°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway, until the tips are dark and crisp and the stems are just tender.
Finish: Sprinkle the parmesan over the hot broccoli and air fry 1 minute more to melt it.
Serve: Toss with the lemon zest and juice and serve right away.
Dual basket tip: Broccoli goes in basket 1 (380°F, 10 minutes) and our lemon garlic salmon or chicken breast in basket 2. Press Sync or Smart Finish and dinner is done at once.
New pick: COSORI TwinFry 9-Qt CAF-TF901Two zones let you cook this in one and a second dish in the other, then finish both together.
How Many Calories Are in Air Fryer Broccoli? (Estimated)
Per serving (1/4 of the recipe): about 80 calories, 4.5 g fat (1 g saturated), 8 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 4 g protein and about 360 mg sodium. These are estimates calculated from standard USDA values for raw broccoli, olive oil, parmesan and salt. Skip the parmesan to save about 10 calories per serving.
Bowls: add to brown rice or quinoa with crispy tofu and a soy ginger drizzle
Pasta: toss with whole-wheat pasta, olive oil and chili flakes
What Are Some Flavor Variations?
Asian style: skip the parmesan and toss with 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp sesame oil and sesame seeds
Spicy: add 1/4 tsp smoked paprika and extra red pepper flakes
Vegan: use 1 tbsp nutritional yeast instead of parmesan
Broccolini: air fry whole stalks at 380°F for 7 to 9 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you cook broccoli in the air fryer?
Air fry 1 1/2-inch florets at 380°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway. Smaller florets need 6 to 7 minutes; for very crispy tips go to 400°F for the last 2 minutes.
Why is my air fryer broccoli soggy?
Usually the florets were wet or the basket was crowded. Dry them well, use a single layer and split a big batch between two baskets.
Can you air fry frozen broccoli?
Yes. Do not thaw it. Toss frozen florets with oil and seasoning and air fry at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking twice. It will be less crisp than fresh.
Why do the tips burn?
The thin florets brown fast. Shake the basket halfway and pull it as soon as the tips are dark brown; if you add fresh garlic, add it at the end.
Is air fryer broccoli healthy?
Yes. We estimate about 80 calories, 4 g fat, 3 g fiber and 4 g protein per serving, with 1 tbsp of oil for the whole pound. These are estimates.
How do you reheat leftover broccoli?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer at 370°F for 2 to 3 minutes.
