Go Back
Air fryer broccoli with tender green florets and browned roasted edges in a bowl

Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe with Tender Roasted Broccoli

Air fryer broccoli is a quick vegetable side dish with tender centers, crisp roasted edges, and a savory finish. It is an easy choice for weeknight meals when you want a simple broccoli recipe with great texture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 9 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Calories: 54
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • one 12-ounce bag broccoli florets (or, one head of broccoli cut into about 3 cups of florets)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place the broccoli florets in a bowl. Add the water, oil, and salt, then separate the florets into smaller pieces and gently massage for 30-60 seconds until the broccoli becomes slightly brighter in color and evenly coated.
Cooking
  1. Transfer the broccoli to the air fryer basket, leaving any remaining liquid in the bowl behind. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, then shake the basket briefly. The broccoli should remain bright green and tender.
  2. Continue air frying at 375°F (190°C) for another 2 minutes until the florets develop browned, crisp edges. Adjust the cooking time or temperature slightly if needed to reach your preferred level of crispness.
Serving
  1. Serve the finished broccoli as desired with a dipping sauce or a light sprinkle of Parmesan.

Notes

You can prepare the broccoli directly in the air fryer basket by coating it with oil and salt there, then adding the water below the grates if your air fryer design allows. Air fryers vary in size and temperature performance, so smaller batches may work better depending on your model. If the broccoli overlaps at the beginning, it can reduce in size and form a single layer during cooking. If the final roasting stage does not create enough crispness at 375°F, increase the temperature to 390°F or 400°F. For air fryers without a basket, follow the preparation step and transfer the broccoli to a baking sheet instead. The added moisture helps keep the broccoli tender while it roasts.