Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli
Air fryer broccoli is ready in about 10 minutes and gives you what steaming never will: browned, crisp-edged florets with a nutty, roasted flavour and stems that stay tender-crisp. Drying the florets well and rubbing oil into the tops lets them brown instead of steaming or scorching. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the whole bowl.
Published
- Prep Time
- 5 mins
- Cook Time
- 10 mins
- Total Time
- 15 mins
- Servings
- 4 servings
How do you make Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli?
To make air fryer broccoli, cut 500 g of broccoli into 4-5 cm florets, wash and dry them well, then toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway, until the edges are browned and crisp and the stems are just tender. Finish with lemon juice and zest and serve.
- Total time
- 15 mins
- Calories
- 90 per serving
- Protein
- 4 g
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Air frying
Ingredients
Broccoli
To finish
Equipment
Air fryer · Chef's knife · Mixing bowl · Salad spinner or clean kitchen towel
Quick Directions
Cut and dry
Cut the broccoli into 4-5 cm florets with stems no thicker than about 1.5 cm.
Preheat
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3 minutes.
Season
Toss the broccoli in a mixing bowl with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper and chili flakes.
Air fry
Spread the broccoli in the basket in a single layer, working in 2 batches if needed.
Finish and serve
Tip the broccoli into a serving bowl, add the lemon juice and zest and toss.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect crispy air fryer broccoli.
Cut and dry
Cut the broccoli into 4-5 cm florets with stems no thicker than about 1.5 cm. Peel the thick main stem and slice it into 1 cm coins; they cook in the same time. Wash the broccoli, then dry it thoroughly in a salad spinner or with a clean towel, since wet florets steam instead of browning.
Preheat
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3 minutes.
Season
Toss the broccoli in a mixing bowl with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper and chili flakes. Use your hands to rub the oil into the tops of the florets so the tips brown rather than scorch.
Air fry
Spread the broccoli in the basket in a single layer, working in 2 batches if needed. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the floret edges are browned and crisp and a knife slides into the stems with just a little resistance.
Finish and serve
Tip the broccoli into a serving bowl, add the lemon juice and zest and toss. Taste for salt and serve straight away while the edges are crisp.
Recipe Tips
- Keep the florets a similar size. Large heads with thick stems burn on top before the stems are tender.
- Oil every floret well. Dry, light pieces can blow around in some air fryers and the bare tips char quickly.
- Add the lemon only after cooking; acid on raw broccoli dulls the colour and stops it browning.
Variations
- Parmesan: toss the hot broccoli with 25 g finely grated Parmesan along with the lemon (the dish will no longer be vegan).
- Asian style: skip the lemon and toss the cooked broccoli with 2 tsp soy sauce or tamari, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil and 1 tsp sesame seeds. Use tamari to keep it gluten-free.
- Fresh garlic: add 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves to the basket for the last 3 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 90 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbs | 9 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated fat | 0.7 g |
| Fibre | 3.3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 330 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat
- Re-crisp in the air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 2-3 minutes, or add cold to salads and grain bowls.
Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli FAQs
How long do you cook broccoli in the air fryer?
Fresh broccoli florets of 4-5 cm take 8-10 minutes at 190°C (375°F), shaken halfway. Small florets are ready in 6-7 minutes. Frozen broccoli takes 12-15 minutes at 200°C (400°F).
Can you air fry frozen broccoli?
Yes. Don't thaw it. Toss the frozen florets with oil and seasoning and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, shaking twice, until hot and browned at the edges. Frozen broccoli comes out softer and less crisp than fresh.
Why does air fryer broccoli burn before it is tender?
The florets are usually too large with thick stems, or the temperature is too high. Cut florets to 4-5 cm with thin stems, cook at 190°C (375°F) and make sure the tops are coated in oil, which protects them from scorching.
Can you use fresh garlic on air fryer broccoli?
Minced fresh garlic burns quickly in the hot, fast-moving air. Use garlic powder while the broccoli cooks, or add thinly sliced fresh garlic for only the last 3 minutes.
Is air fryer broccoli healthy?
Yes. A serving has about 90 calories and 3 g of fibre, and the whole batch uses just 1.5 tbsp of olive oil. Short, dry cooking also keeps the broccoli bright green and crisp.
Disclaimer
- Nutrition information is an estimate based on the listed ingredients. It changes with the brands, portion sizes and swaps you use.
- Read ingredient labels for allergens and for diet claims such as gluten-free or vegan. Products and their ingredients can change.
- Cooking times are a guide, since ovens, air fryers and slow cookers all run differently. Use a food thermometer and cook meat, poultry and fish to the safe internal temperatures in government food safety guidance.
- This recipe is general information, not medical or nutrition advice. If you have an allergy, a health condition or a special diet, check with a qualified health professional.
