Fast, easy, and insanely crispy! Our Air Fryer Broccoli recipe turns this healthy veggie into a side dish superstar. Budget-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights, it's a must-try!
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
Cut the broccoli into florets, making sure they are similar in size for even cooking.
1 head of broccoli
In a mixing bowl, toss the broccoli florets with avocado oil, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
2 tablespoons avocado oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Arrange the seasoned broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Place the basket into the air fryer and cook the broccoli for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the broccoli is tender.
Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or use tongs to toss the broccoli for even browning.
Once cooked, remove the broccoli from the air fryer and transfer to a serving dish. Serve hot as a side dish or a healthy snack.
Notes
Oil Options: Avocado oil is great, but it can be pricier. Don’t worry! Regular olive oil works just fine. In a pinch, even a neutral cooking spray will do.
Flavor Boosters: Salt and pepper are a classic combo, but explore your spice cabinet! Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a sprinkle of chili flakes can add a whole new dimension of flavor. Feel free to get creative!
Leftovers? No Problem! Air-fried broccoli reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore its crispness.
Frozen Broccoli? You Got It! No fresh broccoli on hand? Frozen works too! Skip defrosting – simply toss frozen florets with oil and seasonings and add a minute or two to the cooking time. Frozen broccoli is a budget-friendly option that’s always freezer-ready.
Don’t Crowd the Basket: This is key to achieving crispy perfection. Overcrowding steams the broccoli instead of crisping it. Cook in batches if needed.
Size Matters (Sort Of): Aim for similar-sized florets to ensure even cooking. Larger pieces might need an extra minute or two.
Shake It Up! Halfway through cooking, give your broccoli a good shake or toss with tongs. This ensures even browning and prevents uneven crispiness.