Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli

This Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli is an incredibly easy and fast low carb and low-calorie side dish. Using the Air Fryer for this recipe will eliminate excuses for not eating your veggies! It is so simple and takes just 15 minutes to make.

Make this simple and sweet broccoli recipe al dente or crispy, depending on how you prefer your roasted vegetables. Hint: adding or subtracting a couple of minutes makes all the difference. Try both to taste test for yourself! 

🍽️ Why This Recipe Works

Texture | When you make this, you can control how tender or crispy you would like. Just check on it and find the perfect time that fits your liking.

Simple Ingredients | You don’t need much to make a tasty side dish. Raid your pantry and spice cabinet and you are set.

Seasonings | Consider changing up spices and seasonings to adjust the flavor. Cajun spice, parmesan cheese sprinkled at the end, season salt, etc. All are great alternatives for seasoning.

Frozen Broccoli | While fresh is best, you can easily use frozen broccoli. Just allow it to thaw in a bowl, and then season as directed.

🥦 Ingredients

This is another great way to cook a classic side dish that’s perfect for all occasions. Serve this with any of your favorite dishes for a low carb, low-calorie option.

Broccoli – The recipe calls for half of a head of broccoli for two servings, but if you need more, you can work it in batches. This is also a great dish for leftovers for easy lunch ideas too.

Minced Garlic – So much of the flavor comes from the garlic. It’s a wonderful addition to the already amazing broccoli. We usually use one teaspoon, but adjust to your liking.

Salt & Pepper – Play with it and add as much or as little salt and pepper as you like. We add some before we cook and a little bit more right before serving.

📝 Instructions 

Once you start making vegetables in the air fryer, it almost feels like a waste to do the step by step version of this recipe as it really is THAT easy!

It is great for anyone just starting out and wanting a successful recipe…you can do this one after you make Air Fryer Tater Tots! TO.DIE.FOR. 

Step One: Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets and put them in a bowl. 

Step Two: Spray a very light coating of olive oil on top of florets. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. If you plan on using garlic, toss some in now.

Step Three: Lay broccoli on a tray or in a basket with room in between so they get crispy from the air flow. 

Step Four: Heat up Air Fryer to 390 degrees and cook for 4-7 minutes depending on how crispy you like them. **4 minutes for us is a hint of crispy with a more al dente result** I used my Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer and I put the tray on the middle shelf. 

Serve and enjoy!

🍲 Variations

We love to make adjustments to recipes, just like you do. 

• Add a little bit of lemon for a fresh citrus taste 
• Open up your spice cabinet and start sprinkling. My husband loves Dizzy Pig’s Dizzy Dust so he sprinkles that on almost everything. 
• Toss with fresh herbs and olive oil 
• Top with cheese (cheddar or parmesan like you put on asparagus!) 

⏲️ Cooking Time

There are differences between the Toaster Style Air Fryer and a Basket Air Fryer (affiliate links). The Toaster style with the slide trays seem to cook faster.

I have the Instant Pot Vortex and my mom has the Ninja basket style.

This is why I like to give a range for cooking. Always, always, start with the lower time in the range. 

🍽️ What is Spray Olive Oil 

This is ingenious! Pam and Bertolli have put out spray cans of olive oil that is found next to the jars of olive and avocado oil in the grocery store. Having olive oil in a spray form is fantastic!

I use a small amount of the spray on the florets as it helps to get the broccoli extra crispy.  You certainly don’t have to use this, but I find it is an excellent alternative to simply adding a tablespoon to the dish and tossing.

I love these and am singing praises from the rooftops!

If you don’t want to go this route, you can always buy an olive oil spray mister. I’ve used these for years and love them! Use the normal jar of olive oil and pour it into these misters and spray using the exact same concept.

🥘 Meal Prep Instructions

Being a hard core meal prepper, there is always something to prepare ahead of time. For this recipe, there are two things that can make this go even faster:

• Wash the broccoli the day before
• Cut the broccoli florets off of the stalk and put them in a sealed container until ready to use. By doing this, I prep veggies for about 4-6 days. So prepping on Sunday will keep the food pretty good through Thursday. 

🐔Expert Tips

• Wash and dry broccoli.
• Season liberally for optimal flavor.
• Use fresh or frozen broccoli. I prefer the fresh.
• Cut the florets to a similar size, so it has an even cooking time.
• Do not use cooking spray on your air fryer tray, as it can ruin coating and rust.
• Consider adding cauliflower with the broccoli for added flavor.

🍋Recipe FAQs

🐔 More Air Fryer Recipes

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