Tender broccoli with the most delicious crispy edges, air fryer broccoli has got to be one of our favorite recipes! When you air fry broccoli it makes life just so simple and easy. It’s lightning quick too, so if you’re short on time, then this is the recipe for you!
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Why you’ll love this easy air fryer recipe
What ingredients do I need?
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
In the past when we wanted to cook broccoli, it would either be with the steamer or oven roasted broccoli. Well, there’s a new kid in town, as air fried broccoli makes the best crispy broccoli ever!
How to make air fryer broccoli with step by step instructions
A full printable recipe along with the measurements in both US customary and metric is available in the recipe card below.
Making our air fryer broccoli recipe is easy if you follow our simple instructions.
Preheat your air fryer to 400F/205C.
In a large bowl, add broccoli florets, vegetarian grated Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper and toss to coat.
Place 1 tablespoon of water in the bottom of the air fryer pan to prevent the broccoli florets from smoking.
Place the broccoli florets in your air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure that it’ll cook evenly, and air fry for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
When cooked, sprinkle a little additional vegetarian Parmesan cheese and serve immediately – enjoy!
We hope that you enjoy making and eating our air fried broccoli and would love to hear how you got on with making them.
Please leave a comment below and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Recipe notes and expert tips
What do I serve air fryer broccoli with?
We love to eat air fryer broccoli with a big plate of vegetarian shepherd’s pie, Quorn cottage pie, a delicious vegetable stew, or our four cheese lasagne.
But it’s equally as delicious eaten as a snack or appetizer.
We love to dip it in pesto aioli, raita, and garlic dip.
And check out over 70 vegetarian air fryer recipes!
Whatever way you choose to eat air fryer broccoli, you’re going to love it!
How to pick the best broccoli florets
Naturally, you’ll want to buy the best broccoli you can lay your hands on.
It’ll be perfectly crispy yet tender broccoli when cooked.
You need to be looking for dark green florets, if they are pale green, or worse, brown, then don’t buy them.
Don’t buy broccoli that’s got thick stalks as they can taste a little woody.
You want thin tender stalks.
If you want to make air fried tender stem broccoli, then just reduce the timings slightly.
Can I use Frozen broccoli?
Yes, you most certainly can!
If you do use frozen broccoli, then it won’t be necessary to put a tablespoon of water in the air fryer pan to prevent it from smoking.
Seasoning variations
We love mixing up the flavors on this easy recipe.
Next time, try adding a little garlic powder or onion powder to the mixing bowl.
Go Italian and add Italian seasoning, minced garlic, it goes great with the vegetarian freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Or spice it up with red pepper flakes.
A little lemon juice gives it a fresh citrusy taste or drizzle balsamic vinegar over it when cooked.
Why not go traditional and try this roasted tenderstem broccoli from Two Cloves Kitchen?
And while you have your air fryer out, try this air fryer okra recipe from Little House Big Alaska!
How can I store leftover air fryer broccoli?
Your delicious air fried broccoli florets store well when kept in an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
We don’t recommend freezing as we’ve found that it tends to go a little mushy when reheated.
More air fryer recipes for you to try
If you love our air fryer broccoli recipe, then you’ll love these easy air fryer recipes!
Air fryer broccoli
Ingredients
- 12 oz Broccoli florets washed and cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup Vegetarian Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400F/205C
- In a large bowl, add broccoli florets, vegetarian grated Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and toss to coat12 oz Broccoli florets, ¼ cup Vegetarian Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp Olive oil, Salt and pepper
- Place the broccoli florets in your air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure that it’ll cook evenly, and air fry for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through. When cooked, sprinkle a little additional vegetarian Parmesan cheese and serve immediately – enjoy!
Notes
Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, or onion powder (see seasoning variations for more options) Out of olive oil?
Use avocado oil instead Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Watch your broccoli
Different sized broccoli florets and different air fryer products can cook at different times – keep an eye on your food as you may need to cook a little more or less
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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Glenda says
Love this quick and easy broccoli recipe! It’s a perfect side for almost any main dish I prep. Thanks for the air fryer instructions.
Claire says
Why have I never thought of this before!!!! We love roasted broccoli in the oven or on the grill outside, but over the summer I don’t want the oven on and sometimes I really can’t be bothered with the grill!
I used normal parmesan cheese as that is what I had and the broccoli was just delicious!
Mandy from Splash of Taste says
Yes, sometimes you just want an easy option – so pleased you enjoyed it!
Kris says
This came out perfectly! Will definitely keep making it this way. Thank you!!
Mandy from Splash of Taste says
That’s so great to hear!
Lynn Polito says
These were so crispy! I couldnt believe how fast my kids ate them up! I’ll be making this recipe again and again!
Mandy from Splash of Taste says
It’s fantastic that your kids loved them!
Jere Cassidy says
I love this recipe for broccoli and I may never make it any other way. I added some parmesan on top for some great nutty flavor.
Mandy from Splash of Taste says
So pleased you loved it!