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Get It NowThere are so many delicious ways to cook broccoli — grilled broccoli, quick Instant Pot broccoli, oven roasted broccoli, buttery sauteed broccoli — but this air fryer broccoli recipe is by far the fastest, without sacrificing taste! It takes just a couple minutes of prep and cooks in around 5 minutes. Plus, roasting broccoli in the air fryer is the perfect trifecta of delicious, easy, and healthy. It’s also a great way to ease into making air fryer recipes if you’re new to this appliance.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
- Easy vegetable side dish
- The fastest way to cook broccoli
- Crisp-tender texture with browned edges
- Just 4 ingredients
- Naturally whole30, paleo, grain-free, gluten-free, low carb, keto, and just plain healthy
- Great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and potassium

Ingredients You’ll Need
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for cooking broccoli in the air fryer, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Broccoli – Buy a bunch and cut the florets yourself (see how I do it quickly in my broccoli cheese soup YouTube video), or you can buy pre-cut broccoli florets, just make sure that you trim them to a uniform size so they cook evenly. For the best air fryer broccoli, I recommend using fresh broccoli, but technically you can make frozen air fried broccoli as well by adding a couple of minutes to the cook time.
- Olive Oil – Or avocado oil.
- Lemon Juice – Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor or bottled for convenience. I love a little lemon flavor in my broccoli, but you can also omit this and use only the olive oil if you’re not a fan.
- Spices – Garlic powder, sea salt & black pepper. Feel free to mix up the seasonings, too! Other good additions include onion powder, paprika, lemon pepper seasoning (skip the lemon juice in this case), red pepper flakes, or even a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.

How To Cook Broccoli In An Air Fryer
This section shows how to make air fryer roasted broccoli, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Preheat. Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F.
- Season. In a large bowl, drizzle broccoli with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper and toss to coat evenly.
- Air fry. Arrange broccoli in the air fryer basket, in a single layer. Air fry for about 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the broccoli is tender and the edges are browned.
TIP: Do not crowd the air fryer basket. Work in batches if the florets don’t all fit in a single layer. It’s okay for the broccoli to be touching, but for even cooking and optimal browning, you don’t want pieces on top of each other. Or, use extra broccoli to make broccoli slaw.


How Long To Cook Broccoli In The Air Fryer?
Broccoli in an air fryer will take about 5 minutes to cook at 380 degrees F. The time can very by a couple of minutes depending on the size of the florets. You can check on them at 4 minutes and every minute or two after that, until they are done to your liking.
How To Cook Frozen Broccoli In The Air Fryer?
Frozen broccoli can be cooked in the air fryer the same way as fresh broccoli; it will just take a few extra minutes. Do not thaw the broccoli–you can season and cook from frozen.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers: Store the cooked veggie leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat broccoli in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes, or in a 350 degree F oven for 5-10 minutes.
- Freeze: Freeze any leftovers from this air fryer broccoli recipe in an airtight container for 2-3 months.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Broccoli
- Top Sirloin Steak Recipe
- Baked Lemon Cod
- Spatchcock Chicken
- Pan Seared Pork Chops
- Butter Garlic Chicken
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
If you like this broccoli air fryer recipe, try some of these other air fryer recipes:
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Chicken Legs or Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Whole Chicken In The Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
- Air Fryer Carrots
Recommended Tools
- Air Fryer – This is my favorite air fryer that I always recommend. It has a large basket that fits a lot and cooks evenly.
Easy Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
Broccoli in the air fryer makes the perfect healthy side dish, and this air fryer broccoli recipe is ready in 7 minutes, with just 4 ingredients.
Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn Safari reader mode OFF to view ingredients.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F (193 degrees C).
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In a large bowl, drizzle broccoli with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
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Arrange the broccoli florets in the air fryer, working in batches if needed, depending on the size of your air fryer basket. Air fry for 5 minutes, until broccoli is tender and the edges are browned. (Time will vary depending on the size of your florets.)
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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15 Comments
Valerie
0This turned out delicious, so much better than just salt/pepper that I usually just do. I think I will fine tune it a little for my preference to use just a bit less lemon juice and a bit more garlic powder. So simple in the air fryer. Thank you!
Katie
0The air fryer was made for broccoli. I love how crispy and delicious it makes it every time!
Amy L Huntley
0The air fryer broccoli is so amazing. The air fryer cooks the broccoli perfectly!
Kristyn
0One of the best recipes to make in the air fryer!! They are crisp & delicious!!
Shelby
0Broccoli is one of my girls favorites but I never thought of the lemon pepper seasoning, that was a great twist!
Diana
0I love roasted broccoli, but making it in the air fryer is quicker and easier! Love this recipe.
Maria
0How would this recipe work in an oven that has an air fryer feature?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Maria, Yes, that should work.
Toni
0Air frying is one of my favorite way to cook broccoli! Thanks for this!
Glenda
0This broccoli was so easy to prepare and my family devoured it. What a delicious side. Will be making this, again.
Amy Stewart
0This is the only way I will make broccoli from now on. I love the lemon!
Andrea Thueson
0This is my new favorite way to eat broccoli! So dang yummy.
Katerina
0Such a fantastic idea! I love this for dinner! Thanks for sharing!
Holly
0An amazing recipe for the air fryer! Thank you for sharing this!
Reagan
0What a great side dish. It’s so easy to make and so delicious.