Air Fryer Broccoli with Lemon (Keto, Gluten-Free)

Air fryer broccoli is the easiest of easy side dishes. The broccoli magically turns out tender and crisp at the same time, and a squeeze of lemon adds a bold brightness to the dish that lightens up the broccoli flavor. Top it with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy, finishing touch.

Air-fried broccoli is the perfect way to get roasted, crispy broccoli in just a few minutes!

Simple ingredients are all you need to create this easy recipe. And the nice thing about this air fryer broccoli recipe is that it's really easy to modify.

Use your favorite seasonings (omit the lemon if you'd like but I highly recommend it!) and toss the broccoli florets into the air fryer basket for a quick side dish that is as versatile as it is delicious.

Air fryer recipes are in no short supply here on the blog (some favorites are these chipotle air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer Greek meatballs and air fryer rotisserie chicken - they each deserve all the heart-eyes. But don't be fooled, I also happen to air fry veggies quite a bit, too!

These air fryer onions and crispy air fryer cauliflower are also easy side dishes. And broccoli in the air fryer is also just as simple to make!

why this recipe works

Quick prep and cleanup is just one of the things I love about this easy air fryer broccoli recipe.

It is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to come up with a side dish, and fast.

The tender broccoli is lightly seasoned and is also kid-approved (note: it makes a fun finger food and works well with these air fryer chicken bites!).

Air fryer broccoli is:

• low-carb and keto friendly
• dairy free and gluten-free
• easy to make with only a handful of ingredients
• ready in minutes!

This crispy air fryer broccoli recipe is a no-fuss way to prep broccoli, especially on busy nights. It cooks for 10 minutes, tops.

It's seasoned with pantry staples like salt, pepper and a sprinkle of garlic powder. And it is a side dish for practically any kind of meal, whether it is this keto chicken parmesan or a Sunday pot roast with gravy.

the ingredients

We've enjoyed many easy air fryer recipes like air fryer cauliflower and air fryer Brussels sprouts (with miso glaze!). But the thing I love about this air fryer broccoli recipe is that there's very little prep time involved and the ingredient list is extra short!

• fresh broccoli, cut into florets
• olive oil or avocado oil
• fine sea salt
• black pepper
• garlic granules
• lemon
• nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese (optional)

And that is it.

Fun fact: my four-year-old daughter will tell anyone that broccoli is her favorite food which is a straight-up, bold-faced LIE, but I will say that this is a super kid-friendly recipe and a veg my kiddos will eat without complaints. While the nutritional yeast is entirely optional, it gives the broccoli a cheesiness that young eaters will enjoy (and never even know it is actually good for them!).

how to air fry broccoli

Air fryer broccoli is quick, basically the fastest and tastiest way to get a side of broccoli on the table!

Here's a quick look at the process but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view the full recipe card.

1. Cut the broccoli head into florets.  I've found that the best way to make broccoli in the air fryer is to cut the broccoli into medium-sized florets, but this is up to you. Larger pieces may need to air fry 1-2 minutes extra.
2. Toss the broccoli florets in oil and seasonings. You can do this in a large bowl or even in your air fryer basket (if you have that style of air fryer).
3. Air fry the broccoli. Place the broccoli in the air fryer in a single layer, making sure the pieces aren't crowded. They should be spaced out to allow the hot air to circulate around them, otherwise they will steam each other instead of roasting. Air fry for 7-10 minutes, stirring halfway. When done, squeeze the fresh lemon juice on top and sprinkle on nutritional yeast.

A quick note about the oil... I realize that a lot of the appeal with the air fryer is that it is marketed as an "oil-free frying" method. However, a little bit of a healthy oil not only adds some fat to the recipe (necessary for a keto or low-carb high fat lifestyle) but it also makes this air fryer broccoli extra crispy.

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tips for the best results

• Do you steam broccoli before air frying? Nope, there's no need to steam the broccoli before placing it in the air fryer. Air fryer broccoli turns out tender on the inside with slightly crisp edges- similar to roasted broccoli- all ready in a matter of minutes!

• How long to cook broccoli in air fryer? At 380°F, the broccoli will cook for about 8-10 minutes or until you can easily pierce it with a fork. If the broccoli florets are on the large side, add extra cook time in 1-2 minute intervals. And if the pieces are small, pause the air fryer after 6-8 minutes to check for doneness. Cook the broccoli to your own personal preference.

• The nutritional yeast is optional and can be substituted for a sprinkle of grated parmesan, sunflower cashew ricotta, or your favorite cheese sauce (if you're not vegan /dairy free). You can also season the broccoli with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

• Store leftover broccoli in an airtight container for up to five days.

This air fryer broccoli recipe is fresh, fast, and a super tasty, low-carb side dish!

It's perfect for meal prep and for busy nights when dinner feels like a major endeavor and luckily, it doesn't need to be. Best of all, it's a healthy vegetable side dish that the whole family will enjoy!

p.s. This keto chicken tortilla soup and these air fryer pork chops and onions are also perfect for those crazy busy nights.

More keto broccoli recipes you'll love...

• Keto broccoli salad with bacon and maple dressing is a fresh and flavorful salad loaded with salty bacon pieces, juicy blueberries and a creamy/sweet/maple dressing that brings it all together. It is perfect for summertime barbecues and makes an easy, next-day, work-from-home lunch.

• Keto broccoli soup with jalapeño! It's smooth, creamy and full of flavor with just the right amount of heat. This vegan, low-carb and gluten-free soup is also simple to make!

• Keto teriyaki chicken meatballs and broccoli makes a delicious, protein-packed dinner that comes together quickly.