Discover a simple and tasty way to cook broccoli using an air fryer. This recipe is perfect for busy individuals looking for a healthy and quick vegetable side dish. Those crispy edges are everything!
I have been on an air fryer recipes kick lately and one night I wanted to try something different with our veggies. So instead of roasting our broccoli, I tried cooking it in the air fryer. I loved that I got similar results to roasting it but in a fraction of the time. You can make this recipe from start to finish in less than 15 minutes!
Ingredients for Broccoli in the Air Fryer
First we will air fry the broccoli with a little oil and salt, and we will toss it in a delicious maple garlic sauce. Here are the items you will need to make this recipe:
- Broccoli Florets: cut into similar bite-sized pieces
- Olive Oil: helps the broccoli get crispy around the edges
- Salt: adds flavor
- Garlic: adds flavor
- Maple Syrup: adds a subtle natural sweetness
- Sesame Oil: adds flavor to the sauce we toss the roasted broccoli in at the end
The measurements for everything can be found in the recipe card down below.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works great for this recipe. I would steam it until just heated through and then smash it as written in the instruction. Then proceed with the recipe as written to air fry it.
How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli
Here are the step-by-step directions for making this air fryer vegetable recipe:
- Steam: We are going to parboil the broccoli first to get it nice and tender before sticking it in the air fryer. Place the broccoli in a steamer basket in a large sauce pan with boiling water. Cover the pan and let it steam until tender.
- Flatten: Spread the steamed broccoli into a single layer on a cutting board or right in the air fryer basket and smash each one with the bottom of a sturdy drinking glass until it’s about 1/2 inch thick.
- Toss: Put the smashed broccoli into a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil and salt and then toss to coat. Return them to the air fryer basket or baking sheets in a single layer (you may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer) and cook at 400 degrees F for 8 minutes. You’ll want the edges to just start to get charred.
- Stir: In a small bowl, stir together the garlic, maple syrup and sesame oil and then drizzle it over the broccoli and toss to coat.
- Serve: Serve immediately while it’s crispy and hot!
The instructions can also be found in the recipe card down below so keep scrolling for the complete recipe.
Watch This Video to See How It’s Done…
Our Favorite Air Fryer
We are totally obsessed with the Instant Pot Omni 10-in-1 Air Fryer. Not only does it air fry, but it also bakes, roasts, broils and even dehydrates. I’m sure any air fryer would do fine with this recipe, but this particular one is our favorite!
What to Eat with Crispy Broccoli
We eat this crispy air fryer broccoli year round so it’s great as a side dish for anything from the grill to the oven and for any ol’ weeknight meal. It’s also a great option for the holidays to free up the stove top and oven! Here are some ideas:
It would also be great in a buddha bowl or as a topping for a baked potato bar. It’s so versatile, it can really go with anything!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Broccoli
There’s nothing difficult about this recipe, but I have found a few tips so that you have the most success…
- Cut the fresh broccoli florets into similar sized pieces so that they cook evenly.
- We love smashing the florets so that they get extra crispy, but you don’t have to smash them if you don’t want to.
- Try different seasonings on the broccoli like garlic butter, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, lemon pepper, Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Seasoning, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or sprinkle with parmesan cheese!
Made Ahead and Storage Tips
This is a great make-ahead recipe. Follow the directions exactly as written and let it cool completely. Then you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best results, reheat it in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 400 degrees F.
Unfortunately, air fryer broccoli doesn’t freeze well. It ends up totally mushy when it thaws.
Looking for a healthy and delicious way to cook broccoli? Try using an air fryer! This easy air fryer broccoli recipe will have you enjoying crispy and flavorful broccoli in less than 15 minutes.
More Quick and Easy Vegetable Side Dishes
Description
Discover a simple and tasty way to cook broccoli using an air fryer. This recipe is perfect for busy individuals looking for a healthy and quick vegetable side dish. Those crispy edges are everything!
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Place a steamer basket in a large saucepan and add water just below the steamer.
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Bring to a boil and add the broccoli. Steam, covered until tender, about 5 minutes.
3 Cups Broccoli Florets
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Spread onto the baking sheets and using the bottom of a sturdy glass, flatten each broccoli to 1/2 inch thick.Â
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In a large bowl, add broccoli and drizzle with the oil and salt. Toss to coat. Place back on the baking sheets and place in the air fryer to cook at 400 degrees F for 8 minutes or until edges are charred.
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil, 1/2 teaspoon Salt
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Meanwhile, stir together, garlic, maple syrup and sesame oil. Add broccoli and toss to coat before serving.
2 Cloves Garlic, 2 teaspoons Maple Syrup, 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
Calories: 50kcal