By Becky Hardin
Updated May 12, 2025
This Air Fryer Broccoli recipe makes the best, crispiest broccoli ever. It’s quick and simple to make, taking only minutes to cook with just a handful of ingredients. Plus, it’s healthy and delicious, and goes with all of your favorite meals!
Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make broccoli in the air fryer. In fact, all you really need is broccoli and oil, but I’ve added a couple of things into the mix for even more flavor.
This is such a simple recipe that’s easy to make with different flavor combinations. Try making Ranch Broccoli , by simply adding ranch seasoning , or you throw in bacon crumbles for a more savory dish. I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon juice and/or toasted breadcrumbs, or toss the cooked broccoli in Ranch or Caesar dressing. You could also mix the broccoli with sesame oil and soy sauce, cook, and top with toasted sesame seeds. Or, omit the Parmesan and toss with curry or za’atar seasoning. The options are endless!
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 1 head broccoli
- ▢ 1-2 tablespoons olive oil depending on size of head of broccoli
- ▢ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ▢ 2 cloves garlic minced
- ▢ 1-2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ▢ red pepper flakes optional, to taste
Instructions
- Cut the broccoli into even-sized florets. It will cook more evenly this way. then transfer to a large bowl. 1 head broccoli
- Add the oil and coat the florets evenly. Add the salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Toss until evenly coated. 1-2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 2 cloves garlic
- Transfer to an air fryer basket and be careful not to overcrowd. Work in batches if necessary. Otherwise, you’ll end up with steamed broccoli. Cook for 5 minutes at 360°F, then flip and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until desired doneness.
- Remove from the air fryer basket and top with Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes and enjoy. 1-2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes
Equipment
- Air Fryer (click for my favorite)
Becky’s Tips
- If adding seasonings, toss the broccoli with the seasonings before adding it to the air fryer, not after.
- For more tender, less crisp broccoli, add 1 tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli Step by Step
Chop the broccoli : Cut one head of broccoli into even-sized florets. It will cook more evenly this way, then transfer to a large bowl.
Add the seasoning : Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil and coat evenly. Then, add the 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Toss until evenly coated.
Transfer and cook : Transfer the broccoli to an air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed. Otherwise, you’ll end up with steamed broccoli. Cook for 5 minutes at 360°F, then flip and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until desired doneness.
Remove, garnish, and serve : Remove from the air fryer basket and top with 1-2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes.
How to Store
This is best eaten fresh. If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 350-400°F air fryer for 4-5 minutes.
Freeze in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag to store for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results. If reheating straight from frozen, increase the time in the air fryer (as instructed above), and expect a more steamed texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this crispy broccoli with broccoli cheese sauce . It goes great with Parmesan crusted tilapia and makes a great add-in for pasta dishes too, so try tossing it in with your Chicken Alfredo or Garlic Butter Noodles for more veggies.
No matter how you season it, you can serve up Air Fryer Broccoli with anything from Grilled Chicken Breast to Seared Ahi Tuna .
more broccoli recipes to try!
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup
Crispy Cheesy Roasted Broccoli
Spicy Cheesy Broccoli Recipe (Firecracker Broccoli with Cheese!)
Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer (click for my favorite)
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil depending on size of head of broccoli
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1-2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- red pepper flakes optional, to taste
Instructions
- Cut the broccoli into even-sized florets. It will cook more evenly this way. then transfer to a large bowl. 1 head broccoli
- Add the oil and coat the florets evenly. Add the salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Toss until evenly coated. 1-2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 2 cloves garlic
- Transfer to an air fryer basket and be careful not to overcrowd. Work in batches if necessary. Otherwise, you’ll end up with steamed broccoli. Cook for 5 minutes at 360°F, then flip and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until desired doneness.
- Remove from the air fryer basket and top with Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes and enjoy. 1-2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes
Notes
- If adding seasonings, toss the broccoli with the seasonings before adding it to the air fryer, not after.
- For more tender, less crisp broccoli, add 1 tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
