The crisp and tender Roasted Broccoli recipe made in the Air fryer with very little oil is so delicious!
I've been loving my air fryer roasted cauliflower and air fryer roasted sweet potatoes lately, and air fryer broccoli has become a regular too! It's the perfect side dish or snack—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. All you need are broccoli florets and a few simple seasonings! Also, check my post on How to steam broccoli in the instant pot.
It's super quick to make and pairs perfectly with your favorite sauce or dip, like sriracha mayo, yogurt dip. You can also add it to salads, soups, or pasta to enhance the flavor!
If you like broccoli, then check out more Broccoli Recipes
Ingredients
You will only need a few basic ingredients to make this recipe.
- Broccoli – I made this recipe with fresh broccoli available in the supermarkets. Cut it into small-sized florets for even and quick cooking. You may also use frozen broccoli.
- Extra-virgin olive oil – This is ideal for roasting, adds richness, and helps to crisp up the broccoli in the air fryer. You may also use avocado or grapeseed oil.
- Spices – Added garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper. You may also use freshly minced garlic in this recipe if you don't have garlic powder in hand.
- Lemon/Lime Wedge – Fresh lemon juice and/or zest can be used at the end of roasting to give a zest flavor of citrus to the dish.
How to Make Perfect Roasted Broccoli in an Air Fryer
Prep: Cut 12 oz broccoli head into small-sized florets, roughly the same size for even cooking. Rinse the broccoli thoroughly with water and pat it dry on a kitchen towel.
Season: Place broccoli florets in a medium bowl. Add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and season with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Toss them well, until evenly coated with the seasoning. Using your hands works best for this.
Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Transfer the broccoli to the air fryer basket and spread them in a single layer (cook in batches if required).
Air Fry: Air fry them at 390°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes or until slightly brown and crisp. Shake the basket halfway through. Mine was cooked perfectly in 7 minutes.
Serve: Drizzle some freshly squeezed lemon juice on the roasted broccoli for extra flavor and serve immediately. It tastes best when it's hot.
How to Roast Broccoli in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spread the seasoned broccoli evenly in a single layer.
Cook for about 15-17 minutes or until slightly brown and crisp. You may have to turn them once halfway through.
Serving Suggestion
This air-fried broccoli can be enjoyed as an appetizer or snack. They can also be enjoyed as a side dish with Indian meals such as dal tadka and jeera rice. I also like to top it on soups and fettuccini pasta sometimes.
Storage Suggestions
Leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the texture of the broccoli won’t be crispy after refrigeration.
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or again. Air Fryer for about 2-3 minutes at 380 F.
Pro-Tips & Notes
- Cut them the same size: This helps for quick and even cooking.
- Work in batches. Make sure to spread the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each other. Cook in batches if needed.
- Shake the basket halfway: It's important to shake the basket halfway through to allow the broccoli florets to cook evenly.
- Serve them right away: This crispy roasted broccoli gets soggy as it sits and cools.
- The exact cooking time will vary based on the air fryer being used.
Seasoning Variations
- Lemon wedges and/or zest: Add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
- Balsamic Vinegar: You can toss 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar before roasting.
- Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese after roasting.
- Herbs: add a handful of fresh, finely chopped mint, parsley, or cilantro.
- Seasonings: You can sprinkle some Italian seasoning and red chili flakes before roasting.
- Spices: You can also add ground cumin, turmeric, red chili flakes, and garam masala for an Indian twist. Taco seasoning for a Mexican twist before roasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
YES! It is healthy because it uses very little oil compared to roasting in the oven or a pan, and it also crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
Yes, you can. There is no need to thaw or defrost broccoli before air frying. Use the same method and add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. Just keep in mind they won't crisp up as fresh broccoli.
Yes, you can. Follow the same steps for roasting broccolini in the air fryer.
More Air Fryer Vegetables
Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh broccoli florets cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon himalayan pink salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep:Cut the broccoli head into small sized florets, roughly the same size for even cooking. Rince the broccoli thoroughly with water, pat them dry on a kitchen towel.
- Season:Place broccoli florets to a medium bowl. Add olive oil and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss them well, until evenly coated with the seasoning. Using your hands works best for this.
- Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Transfer the broccoli to the air fryer basket and spread them in a single layer (cook in batches if required).
- Air Fry:Air fryer them at 390°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes or until slightly brown and crisp. Shake the basket halfway through. Mine was cooked perfectly in 7 minutes.
- Serve:Drizzle some freshly squeezed lemon juice on the roasted broccoli for extra flavor and serve immediately. Tastes best when it's hot.
Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spread the seasoned broccoli evenly in a single layer.Cook for about 15-17 minutes or until slightly brown and crisp. You may have to turn them once halfway through.
Video
Notes
Pro-Tips & Notes
- Cut them the same size: This helps for quick and even cooking.
- Work in batches. Make sure to spread the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket leaving some space between each other. Cook in batches if needed.
- Shake the basket halfway: It's important to shake the basket halfway through to allow the cauliflower florets to be cooked evenly.
- Serve them right away: This crispy roasted broccoli gets soggy as they sit and cool.
- The exact cooking time will vary based on the air fryer being used.
Seasoning Variations
- Lemon wedges and/or zest: Add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
- Balsamic Vinegar: You can toss 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar before roasting.
- Cheese: Sprinkle freshly-grated grated Parmesan cheese after roasting.
- Herbs: add a handful of fresh finely chopped mint, parsley, or cilantro.
- Seasonings: You can sprinkle some Italian seasoning and red chili flakes before roasting.
- Spices: You can also add ground cumin, turmeric, red chili flakes, and garam masala for an Indian twist. Taco seasoning for Mexican twist before roasting.
Nutrition
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