The exact cook time can vary. Read below for our tips!
If you’re looking for a simple side dish that goes well with lots of different mains, air fryer broccoli is a classic option.
You can make it with either fresh or frozen broccoli, the only difference is the cooking time (and fresh broccoli might end up slightly crispier)! Other than broccoli, you only need oil, salt, and spices of choice.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make broccoli in the air fryer:
- Broccoli – Either a fresh head of broccoli or frozen broccoli florets.
- Oil – We use avocado oil, but you can also use sunflower oil, canola oil, or olive oil.
- Salt – Adjust to taste.
- Garlic powder – Or granulated garlic.
- Black pepper – For a hint of spice; adjust to taste.
Recipe Tips
- When using fresh broccoli, cut it into even pieces so they cook evenly.
- Make sure to pat the broccoli dry after rinsing it. This way you can avoid extra moisture getting into your air fryer.
- You can change up the spices to suit your personal preferences. For a hint of spice, you could add some cayenne pepper.
- If using frozen broccoli, there’s no need to defrost the frozen broccoli first.
- Unlike fresh broccoli, frozen broccoli might not get super crispy. This is due to the additional moisture content in the frozen version. Keep that in mind and don’t overcook it – otherwise, it might get too mushy.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or the broccoli may not cook evenly.
- Shake the broccoli frequently during air frying. Also, keep a close eye on it as it can burn quite quickly.
Step by Step Instructions
If you enjoy visuals, then have a look at this section where we’ll show you exactly how to make air fryer broccoli with the step-by-step process photos.
Start by preheating the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the meantime, cut the broccoli into small, even florets if you’re using fresh broccoli. If you’re using frozen broccoli, it will already be pre-cut.
Rinse the broccoli and then pat the pieces dry. This is important since you don’t want extra moisture in the air fryer.
Now add the fresh or frozen broccoli as well as oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder to a mixing bowl and toss.
Once it’s time to add the food, evenly spread the broccoli pieces out on the air fryer tray so they don’t overlap.
Air fry the broccoli at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes or until tender. Shake the air fryer basket every 2-3 minutes.
Since every air fryer is slightly different, your broccoli might be done after 5 minutes or need a little bit longer. When making fresh broccoli, ours is usually done at the 6-minute mark.
When making frozen broccoli, the cooking time can range from 8-12 minutes.
Remove the broccoli from the air fryer and sprinkle with more salt and/or pepper if desired. Enjoy!
Storage Tips
If you have leftover broccoli, you can store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Just keep in mind that the broccoli may get mushier over time due to the moisture content.
To reheat this frozen broccoli, you can use the air fryer at a lower temperature such as 280 degrees Fahrenheit or the microwave (but it won’t get crispy again in the microwave).
Related Recipes
Looking for more great air fryer vegetables? Check out these classic recipes:
Air Fryer Broccoli (Fresh or Frozen)
Ingredients
- 1 medium to large head broccoli, or about 1 pound frozen broccoli florets
- 2 teaspoons oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, more or less to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, more or less to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes or until it indicates that it is preheated.
- Meanwhile, cut the broccoli into small, even florets if using fresh broccoli. Rinse it and pat the pieces dry.1 medium to large head broccoli
- Add the fresh or frozen broccoli, oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder to a mixing bowl. Toss until the broccoli is evenly coated.2 teaspoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- Add the broccoli to the air fryer and gently shake the air fryer basket so that the broccoli pieces settle in one even layer without overlap.
- Air fry at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes (for fresh broccoli) or 8-12 minutes (for frozen broccoli), or until the broccoli is tender and slightly crispy. Shake the air fryer basket every 2-3 minutes. Since every air fryer is different, the cooking time can vary slightly.
- Once done, remove the broccoli from the air fryer and serve it as a side dish.
Video
Notes
- If your head of broccoli is quite small, use less salt and spices.
- Make sure to pat the broccoli dry after rinsing it. This way you can avoid extra moisture getting into your air fryer.
- You can change up the spices to suit your personal preferences. For a hint of spice, you could add some cayenne pepper.
- If using frozen broccoli, there’s no need to defrost the frozen broccoli first.
- Unlike fresh broccoli, frozen broccoli might not get very crispy. This is due to the additional moisture content in the frozen version. Keep that in mind and don’t overcook it – otherwise, it might get too mushy.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or the broccoli may not cook evenly.
- Keep a close eye on the broccoli as it can burn quite quickly.
Nutrition
This nutritional information has been estimated by an online nutrition calculator. It should only be seen as a rough calculation and not a replacement for professional dietary advice.
This recipe was first published in February 2021 and updated in March 2024.
