This air fryer broccoli is a quick and easy side dish with just a few ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch! This easy side dish comes together in less than 15 minutes and using the air fryer is WAY quicker than roasting broccoli in the oven!
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My Cossari 12 in 1 Air Fryer has been one of my very favorite kitchen purchases. I’m a little obsessed with it, frankly. I cook just about everything in this thing from Perfect Frozen Sweet Potato Fries to amazing Roasted Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo to BBQ Chicken! Everything comes out perfect and generally takes a lot less time than doing the same recipe in the oven.
This roasted air fryer broccoli is no exception. Super simple to air fry, then I top it with a lemony dressing and lots of Parmigiano-Reggiano! Super simple side dish on the table in about 15 minutes!
HOW TO MAKE BROCCOLI IN THE AIR FRYER
Preheat air fryer to 400. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, just turn it to 400 and give it about 3-5 minutes to come to temperature. Start by tossing the broccoli in a little olive oil, salt and pepper.
Then spread the broccoli evenly on an air fryer tray or basket. I love the tray on my Cosori Air Fryer because it allows you to spread ingredients in an even layer without overlapping. However, don’t worry if you have to pile it in a basket–it will still be fine! Air fry for 8-12 minutes depending on how crisp you want your broccoli. 8 minutes is al dente or crisp-tender and 12 minutes is very tender. You will see more dark marks on the broccoli as you come closer to 12 minutes. I roast mine for about 9 minutes.
NOTE: Cooking time will depend a lot on the type/brand of air fryer you have…along with the size of your florets. The first time you cook it, just keep an eye on it and adjust times as needed for your particular air fryer.
While the broccoli is cooking, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. When the broccoli is done cooking, pour the dressing down over the broccoli.
Top broccoli with Parmigiano-Reggiano (or regular Parmesan) and serve immediately.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I cook frozen broccoli in the air fryer?
You sure can! Place the frozen broccoli directly onto air fryer tray or basket. About 5 minutes into cooking, sprinkle on a little salt and pepper. Cook 5-8 minutes more depending on how you like your broccoli. Pour dressing over the broccoli and top with Parmesan!
Can I store air fryer broccoli?
It is best served immediately, but you can absolutely store it. Just use an airtight container and it will keep for about 2 days. If you plan to store it, I recommend storing the dressing along with it and pouring it on after reheating the broccoli in the microwave.
How long do you cook roasted broccoli in the air fryer?
This is dependent on how crisp or soft you want your broccoli AND the size of your florets. For fresh broccoli, 8-12 minutes seems to be the range. 8 minutes will yield crisp-tender broccoli with just a few char marks and 12 minutes will be much softer and tender with more brown char marks. My sweet spot is about 9 minutes.
Again, cooking time will depend a lot on the type/brand of air fryer you have…along with the size of your florets. The first time you cook it, just keep an eye on it and adjust times as needed for your particular air fryer.
More air fryer recipes you’ll love
- AIR FRYER ROAST POTATOES WITH CHIPOTLE MAYO
- EASY AIR FRYER FRENCH TOAST STICKS
- THE BEST AIR FRYER GARLIC BREAD
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The Best Air Fryer Broccoli
Ingredients
- 12 oz broccoli florets (about 6 cups or one 12 oz. bag of florets)
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, just turn it to 400 and give it about 3-5 minutes to come to temperature.
- In a large bowl, toss broccoli florets with 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper. Then, spread broccoli onto air fryer tray or basket.
- Air fry for 8-12 minutes (See Note 1).
- While broccoli is cooking, whisk together remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil, lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Remove broccoli from the air fryer and toss with the lemon/olive oil dressing. Top with lots of Parmesan and serve immediately.
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