Garlic Broccoli in Air Fryer Recipe

If you've decided to join the Air Fryer club, you might be interested in cooking ALL the things in your air fryer at the moment. I know, because I got mine a while ago, and every so often I think the same thing. One of my favorite things to do with it is cooking Broccoli in the Air Fryer!

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Broccoli
• About the Ingredients
• How to cook broccoli in the air fryer (Step by Step)
• Storage & Reheat
• FAQ
• Broccoli in Air Fryer Recipe
• More Delicious Broccoli Recipes!
• Pin for later!

Cooking broccoli in the air fryer makes the broccoli super crunchy and also gives a similar flavor to oven roasted broccoli. A little brown on some edges and everything!

Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Broccoli

• Ready in 15 minutes - Faster than oven-roasted broccoli but with the same crispy edges and caramelized flavor.
• Super simple - Just broccoli, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. No fancy steps or ingredients.
• Perfect texture - Tender in the center with delicious browned, crunchy bits on the edges.
• Healthy and nutrient-packed - Broccoli is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants and fiber.
• Pairs with everything - Works with chicken, steak, tofu, noodles, rice bowls, or as an easy weeknight veggie side.
• Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved - Even people who "don't love broccoli" tend to enjoy this version.
• Great for meal prep - Stays tasty in the fridge and reheats well in the air fryer.

About the Ingredients

Broccoli

You'll need about 1 pound of broccoli florets. Cut them into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Air frying brings out a naturally sweet, roasted flavor-and because the florets get direct airflow, they get crispier than stovetop or steamed broccoli.

Olive Oil

Just 2 tablespoons is enough to coat the florets and help them brown.
You can substitute:

• Avocado oil
• Vegetable oil
• Canola oil

Avoid using too much oil - the air fryer works best with light coating.

Garlic Powder

This helps distribute garlic flavor evenly over every piece of broccoli. It also creates those lightly browned, savory roasted spots.

Fresh Garlic

Minced garlic adds extra aroma and depth. If you prefer, you can use:

• Pre-minced jarred garlic
• Extra garlic powder
• Roasted garlic for a milder flavor

Salt & Pepper

Classic seasoning - adjust to taste.
Feel free to add extras if you like, such as:

• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Lemon pepper
• Parmesan cheese
• Everything bagel seasoning

How to cook broccoli in the air fryer (Step by Step)

Okay - let's get to the good stuff. How do we actually make this recipe?

Ingredients

• 1 pound broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper as desired

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine broccoli, olive oil, garlic powder, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Mix well.

Add broccoli to air fryer in an even layer. If you have too many, you could stack but just know that only the parts that's touching air will get more 'roasted' and brown.

Close the air fryer and cook on 400°F for 15 minutes, but every 5 minutes, take the basket out and shake it to redistribute the broccoli florets. You can also use a wooden spoon to mix it around if shaking it doesn't work ou super well for you.

Remove from heat when done!

Storage & Reheat

How to Store Air Fryer Broccoli

Leftover broccoli keeps surprisingly well:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended. Cooked broccoli becomes soft and watery when thawed.

How to Reheat

• Air Fryer (best): 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed and crisp again.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a small skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
• Microwave: Works, but broccoli will soften (30-second bursts).

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! No need to thaw-just add 1-2 extra minutes. Frozen broccoli won't get as crispy but still tastes great.

Can I add other seasonings?

Absolutely. Try lemon pepper, smoked paprika, chili flakes, Parmesan, everything bagel seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or nutritional yeast.

Why is my broccoli burning?

It may be cut too small or your air fryer runs hot. Shake more frequently or reduce to 380°F.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Not required, but preheating for 2-3 minutes gives slightly crispier edges.

Can I cook other veggies with it?

Yes - cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms all work. Just cut them to similar sizes so they cook evenly.

More Delicious Broccoli Recipes!

Stir Fry Broccoli with Garlic - A quick and delicious broccoli stir fry ready in under 10 minutes. Tender-crisp broccoli cooked with plenty of garlic for a simple, flavorful veggie side.

Broccoli Pork Stir Fry - Juicy pork stir fried with crisp broccoli in a savory sauce. Easy, satisfying, and perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry - Marinated chicken cubes stir fried with crunchy broccoli in a tasty Chinese-style sauce. A classic, cozy, and super flavorful dish.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry - Ground beef stir fried with garlic, onions, and broccoli in a savory-sweet sauce. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

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