I was inspired recently to try a twist on Air Fryer Broccoli Recipes. Fresh broccoli florets, lightly tossed with olive oil and seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper—with a subtle hint of red pepper flakes—offer a crisp, irresistible flavor. This vegan side invites you to enjoy a bold burst of flavor.

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I’ve been experimenting in my kitchen lately and I stumbled on the most addictive way to enjoy broccoli using my air fryer. I honestly never thought that turning 1 head of broccoli cut into florets into a crunchy side dish could be this easy.

All you need is a little olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder and if you’re feeling adventurous, just a pinch of red pepper flakes for that extra kick. I prepped mine in less than 2 minutes and let the air fryer work its magic for only 5 minutes.

Seriously, it’s crazy how something so simple can taste so good. I’ve even looked into different ways of making frozen broccoli work like how to make frozen broccoli and air fry frozen broccoli recipes; these tips add a fun twist to a classic veggie.

Sometimes it feels like a small kitchen miracle every time I try these fresh spin on frozen broccoli. Give it a shot, you might be surprised how quickly it becomes your go-to side dish.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, the broccoli gets so crispy in the air fryer which makes it taste super good, and i love the mix of garlic powder, salt, and pepper that brings out its natural flavor. Second, it’s really fast and simple to make, which is awesome when im in a rush or just too lazy to cook something complicated. Third, i feel good eating it because its a healthy side dish that still tastes amazing, and i love that i can tweak the spice level with the red pepper flakes if i’m feeling adventurous. Lastly, it’s just fun to make and share with friends, it reminds me of those easy moments in the kitchen when everything just works out perfectly even if its not a masterpiece.

Ingredients

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Broccoli: Packed with fibre, vitamins and antioxidants.
It gives a nice crunch and lots of nutrition.
Olive oil: Adds healthy fats and a bit of richness to bring everything together.
Salt: Boosts flavor overall but you gotta be careful not to use too much.
Black pepper: Offers a subtle spicy kick along with some antioxidants.
Garlic powder: Brings an earthy, savory taste that makes the dish pop.
Red pepper flakes: Provides a touch of heat for those moments when you wanna spice it up.

Ingredient Quantities

1 head broccoli, cut into florets (about 3 to 4 cups)

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp garlic powder

Optional: a pinch red pepper flakes for a little kick

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

2. Wash and dry the broccoli then cut it into florets, you should get about 3 to 4 cups.

3. Place the broccoli florets in a large bowl.

4. Drizzle in 1 tbsp of olive oil over the broccoli.

5. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. If you want a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

6. Toss the broccoli very well so that all pieces get evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

7. Put the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

8. Cook for 5 minutes in the air fryer. Give the basket a shake halfway through the process to help it cook evenly.

9. Check if the broccoli is cooked to your liking, if not feel free to air fry it for an extra minute.

10. Remove and serve immediately while its crisp and hot. Enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer (make sure the basket is available)
2. Cutting board
3. Sharp knife
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Measuring spoons
6. Colander (for washing and draining the broccoli)
7. Spatula or tongs for tossing the broccoli

FAQ

Q: How should i prep the broccoli?

A: Make sure you cut the broccoli into roughly equal sized florets and pat them dry so the oil and seasonings stick better. Sometimes if they're too wet they end up soggy.

Q: Can i tweak the seasonings?

A: Yes you can totally adjust them. If you like more spice, add extra garlic powder or even a few more red pepper flakes.

Q: How long do i need to air fry it?

A: Generally, it takes around 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F. Give it a good shake halfway through to help it cook evenly.

Q: Do i need to preheat the air fryer?

A: It’s a good idea to preheat your air fryer for a couple of minutes. This helps the broccoli get nicely crispy once you add it.

Q: What common mistakes should i avoid?

A: Avoid overcrowding the basket cause it can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure theres enough space for air to circulate so each floret gets crispy.

Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado oil instead which has a similar flavor but with a twist
Instead of regular salt, sea salt works pretty cool if you’re looking for a more natural taste
If you’re out of garlic powder, try using minced garlic instead; you may need to adjust the amount for added flavor
For an extra spicy kick, if red pepper flakes aren’t available, a pinch of cayenne pepper can do the trick

Pro Tips

1. Make sure the broccoli pieces are cut into similar sizes so they all cook evenly; if they’re too varied you might end up with some burnt parts and some undercooked bits.
2. Preheat your air fryer long enough so it gets super hot before you add the broccoli; this little extra step really helps in crisping them up.
3. When you toss the broccoli in the oil and seasonings, really mix it well so every single floret is coated evenly, that way you get an even taste and texture.
4. A quick shake of the basket halfway through can make a big difference; it helps move the pieces around so none of them miss the heat.

Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe

Recipe by Bob Jones

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

kcal

Equipment: 1. Air fryer (make sure the basket is available)
2. Cutting board
3. Sharp knife
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Measuring spoons
6. Colander (for washing and draining the broccoli)
7. Spatula or tongs for tossing the broccoli

Ingredients

1 head broccoli, cut into florets (about 3 to 4 cups)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Optional: a pinch red pepper flakes for a little kick

Directions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Wash and dry the broccoli then cut it into florets, you should get about 3 to 4 cups.
Place the broccoli florets in a large bowl.
Drizzle in 1 tbsp of olive oil over the broccoli.
Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. If you want a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Toss the broccoli very well so that all pieces get evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Put the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook for 5 minutes in the air fryer. Give the basket a shake halfway through the process to help it cook evenly.
Check if the broccoli is cooked to your liking, if not feel free to air fry it for an extra minute.
Remove and serve immediately while its crisp and hot. Enjoy your meal!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.