This simple air fryer broccoli has consistently been a big hit with my kids for the last couple of years. Since my kids love it so much, I don’t try to change it up. (I have flavor suggestions at the end of this post tho!) I tried serving broccoli in different ways – steamed, raw, or boiled with pasta – but this air-fried version is the only way my kids like it. Munchkin said she likes her broccoli a little burnt.
Apart from raw veggies, this is one of the easiest vegetable sides to make. Most of the time, I get broccoli florets in a bag (triple-washed.) Ideally, I would cut the bigger broccoli florets into smaller pieces and move them into a produce storage bin while food prepping. Broccoli will stay fresh much longer this way. But sometimes I leave them in the bag they came with until dinner time. I pour the broccoli florets into a large bowl, drizzle olive oil, sprinkle salt, and toss. I’ll pick up a small floret and taste it to see how much more olive oil and salt they need.
Then fill the air fryer basket leaving about 1″ room on top. Air frying time can vary from 10 to 12 minutes, depending on how much broccoli I have and whether the air fryer was preheated. I usually check around 6 minutes mark to shake the basket and gauge how much more time it needs.
Ideas for extra flavors
This air fryer broccoli recipe is easily adaptable to match your preference. Here are some ideas.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top after cooking
- Grate parmesan cheese or hard mozzarella cheese on top when the broccoli is still hot
- Sprinkle a bit of garlic powder while seasoning
- Sprinkle nutritional yeast while seasoning
- Sprinkle hot pepper flakes on top after cooking
Also, check out Easy 3 Ingredients Roasted Cauliflower.
Air Fryer Broccoli
This super simple air fryer broccoli is my kids' favorite side dish!
Ingredients
- broccoli florets
- olive oil
- salt
Instructions
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In a large bowl, place broccoli florets, drizzle olive oil, sprinkle salt, and toss. Taste and add more oil and salt to your preference.
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Fill the air fryer basket leaving about 1″ room on top. Air fry for 6 minutes at 400 F. Shake the basket and air fry for 4~6 minutes until the edges of the broccoli florets are browned and crispy.
