Easy Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe (Ready in Minutes!)

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 for this easy air fryer recipe. And the wonderful thing about this recipe is that it's really easy to modify.

Use your favorite seasonings (omit the squeeze of fresh lemon juice if you'd like but I highly recommend it!) and toss the broccoli florets into the air fryer basket for a healthy 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). But the air fryer works its magic wonderfully on vegetables, too! 

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

why you'll love air fryer broccoli

Quick prep and cleanup is just one of the things I love about this simple 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, and a wonderful alternative to oven-roasted broccoli.

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 tossed in a simple seasoning 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

What I love about this air fryer broccoli recipe is that there's very little prep time involved and the ingredient list is extra short!

• Broccoli : I always prefer fresh broccoli, cut into florets, but you can certainly use frozen broccoli, too. 
• Oil: A little bit of olive oil or avocado oil helps get that oven-roasted exterior. Coconut oil works too, but will lightly alter the flavor.
• Seasonings: A sprinkle of fine sea salt, black pepper, and garlic granules are all you need for flavor. 
• Fresh lemon: Optional, but recommended. Lemon complements the flavor of broccoli and brightens up this dish. 
• Nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese (optional): For extra deliciousness!

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 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 cooking process but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view all of the easy steps in the printable 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 your head of broccoli into medium-sized florets (bite-sized pieces) 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 or air fryer tray.
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 or they will steam each other instead of roasting. Air fry for 7-10 minutes, stirring halfway. They're done when you can pierce them with a fork and the edges crisp up. For even crispier results, cook up to 12-14 minutes. When done, squeeze the fresh lemon juice on top and sprinkle on nutritional yeast.

tips for cooking broccoli in the air fryer

• 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. The cook time will vary based on the size of the florets. 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. You can also season the broccoli with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

storing

• 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.

you might also 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.

• Broccoli almond soup, a light and refreshing soup that's low-carb and dairy-optional.