Easy Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli You'll Want To Make On Repeat

Looking for an easy weeknight veggie side that goes with everything? This air fryer roasted broccoli recipe is simple, fast and so tasty it will make your weekly rotation!

If you crave crisp, flavorful vegetables in minutes, this air fryer broccoli is about to become your new favorite side. It gets beautifully browned edges while staying tender inside, all with barely any effort. It will quickly become your favorite side dish with everything from chicken to salmon.

In less than 15 minutes, you'll have a side that's just as easy for a busy weeknight dinner as it is for a weekend meal. And if you're looking for more quick air fryer ideas, try my balsamic Brussel sprouts or easy air fryer asparagus.

Ingredients You'll Need

Keeping it simple is the key here-just a few ingredients come together for a side dish that's big on flavor and ready fast. Here's what you'll need to make it.

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• Broccoli: One head of broccoli cut into bite-sized florets. Choose a head that feels firm and has bright green color. Or take a short cut with pre-cut fresh broccoli florets from the produce section.
• Garlic oil: Bottled garlic infused olive oil adds great flavor and keeps things quick. You can also use plain olive or avocado oil with fresh garlic if you prefer.
• Salt and pepper: I like sea salt and fresh ground black pepper. (I keep them in these grinders for easy access.)

How To Make It

Start by heating your air fryer to 390°F for about 3 minutes, or according to your air fryer's instructions. This helps the broccoli cook evenly.

Cut the broccoli into small florets. Make sure they are all about the same size so they cook at the same rate.

Put the broccoli pieces in a large mixing bowl. Add the oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the broccoli is well coated.

Place the seasoned broccoli in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Don't crowd the basket. If it doesn't all fit, cook it in batches so it roasts instead of steams.

Cook the broccoli for 5 to 10 minutes, until the edges look crispy and the stems feel tender. Shake the basket or flip with tongs halfway through cooking for even browning.

Your broccoli is ready when the edges are crisp and the centers are tender-total time from prep to plate is under 15 minutes.

Flavor Variations

Switch things up with a few easy twists.

• Lemon Herb - Squeeze fresh lemon juice over hot broccoli, sprinkle with herbs, and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
• Add heat - Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or hot smoked paprika, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Spice it up - Try d spice: Try adding chili powder, everything bagel seasoning, herbs de Provence or garlic powder to amp up the flavor.
• Dip it - Serve with easy homemade ranch dip or creamy sesame dressing. for a fun appetizer.

Using Frozen Broccoli

Yes, frozen works too! No need to thaw it first-just cut any large florets so they're closer in size. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time to get them tender and crisp. You'll know they're done when the edges start to brown.

Tip: Use an olive oil sprayer to coat frozen broccoli for more even coverage.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover roasted broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Reheat leftover broccoli in the in the air fryer at 390° F for about 3-5 minutes, or until it's crispy and warmed through.

More Easy Broccoli Recipes

Oven-roasted broccoli: You can also roast broccoli in the oven, for an easy side dish. It can cook along with whatever you're making in the oven for a main dish.

Broccoli salad: This classic broccoli salad with bacon is a perfect potluck side dish the whole family will love.

Broccoli soup: This quick and easy broccoli soup uses simple ingredients like frozen broccoli, stock and ghee to make a creamy soup in minutes.