Broccoli in the Air Fryer
Boiled broccoli goes soft and grey, and oven-roasted broccoli takes 25 minutes. Broccoli in an air fryer gets crisp, charred edges and a tender stalk in about 8 minutes, with only a spoonful of oil. Here is how to cook florets, tenderstem and frozen broccoli, and how to stop the tips turning bitter and burnt.
- Temperature
- 190°C
- Total time
- 14min
- Prep
- 5min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 75kcal
Why the air fryer works for broccoli
Broccoli in an air fryer does what an oven does in a third of the time. The florets have lots of small crevices, and the fast-moving hot air dries and crisps them while the dense stalk softens in the middle. The result has the nutty, slightly charred flavour of roast broccoli without the long preheat or a full tray in the oven.
Air fryer broccoli is also very forgiving, and it gives you the crisp bite of fried broccoli with a spoonful of oil and no pan to wash. The method suits fresh florets, tenderstem and frozen broccoli with only small changes to the time, and it needs just a little oil. The two things that decide the result are how dry the florets are before cooking and how crowded the basket is, because wet or overlapping florets steam instead of roast.
How to make broccoli in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Cut the florets Cut the broccoli into florets about 4 cm wide, so they are all a similar size. Peel the thick stalk, cut it into 1 cm slices and keep them, because they roast well too.
- Dry well Rinse the florets and shake them dry, then pat them with kitchen roll. Water on the surface steams the broccoli instead of crisping it.
- Season Toss the florets in a bowl with the oil, salt and pepper until lightly coated. Keep the garlic aside for now, as it burns if it goes in at the start.
- Preheat and cook Heat the air fryer to 190 °C for . Add the broccoli in a single layer and cook for , shaking the basket after .
- Add the garlic Scatter the garlic slices over the broccoli for the last , so they turn golden and not bitter.
- Finish The broccoli is ready when the stalks are tender and the tips are crisp and charred in places. Squeeze over lemon and serve straight away.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Broccoli | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh broccoli floretsShake halfway | 190 °C | 8–10 min |
| Small florets | 190 °C | 6–7 min |
| Tenderstem broccoliLeave the stems whole | 190 °C | 5–7 min |
| Frozen broccoliNo need to thaw | 200 °C | 10–12 min |
| Broccoli with parmesanAdd cheese for the last 2 minutes | 190 °C | 8–10 min |
| Broccoli stalk slicesCut 1 cm thick | 190 °C | 9–11 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
Tips
- Roast the stalk too. Peeled and sliced, the stalk is sweet and tender, and it makes the portion go further.
- Add flavours late. Garlic, grated parmesan and chilli flakes burn in the first few minutes. Add them for the last 2 minutes.
- Cook in batches rather than packing the basket. A single layer with a little space between the florets is what gives you crisp edges.
Serving
Broccoli in an air fryer works as a side for pork chops, salmon fillet or roast chicken. For a vegetable-only dish, roast it with cauliflower and carrots and add a tahini or yoghurt dressing. Air fryer broccoli with soy sauce, sesame seeds and rice makes a quick supper, and there are more ideas on the vegetables page.
Storing and reheating
Cooked broccoli keeps for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat it, put it in the air fryer at 180 °C for 2–3 minutes until it is steaming hot all the way through (75 °C). It will not be quite as crisp as freshly cooked, so reheat it in a single layer without a lid.
Variations
- Garlic and parmesan: Sprinkle 2 tbsp grated parmesan over the broccoli for the last 2 minutes. This version is not vegan or dairy-free.
- Soy and sesame: Toss the cooked broccoli with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil and a few sesame seeds. This is not gluten-free unless you use tamari.
- Spiced Indian-style: Coat the florets in 1 tbsp yoghurt, ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp garam masala and a pinch of chilli before cooking. This version is not vegan or dairy-free.
Troubleshooting
- The tips are burnt but the stalks are hard
- The florets were different sizes or the heat was too high. Cut them to a similar size and lower the temperature to 180 °C for large, dense florets.
- The broccoli is soggy
- It was wet or the basket was too full. Dry it properly, spread it in a single layer and cook it in two batches if needed.
- The seasoning has fallen to the bottom of the basket
- Use enough oil to coat the florets before adding salt, and toss the broccoli once more halfway through so the seasoning clings to the crisp tips.
Frequently asked questions
How long does broccoli take in an air fryer?
Fresh florets take 8–10 minutes at 190 °C, shaken halfway. Smaller florets need 6–7 minutes, and tenderstem cooks in 5–7 minutes.
Can you cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer?
Yes. Cook frozen florets at 200 °C for 10–12 minutes without defrosting, shaking twice. Pat any ice off first. They come out softer than fresh broccoli but with browned tips.
How do you cook tenderstem broccoli in an air fryer?
Toss the stems in oil and salt and cook them at 190 °C for 5–7 minutes, turning once. Leave them whole, and add a pinch of chilli or a squeeze of lemon at the end.
Can you cook broccoli in an air fryer without oil?
You can, but it will be drier and the seasoning will not stick. A teaspoon of oil per portion is enough, or spray lightly, to keep it tender with crisp edges.
How do you cook broccoli in an air fryer without burning it?
Keep the florets a similar size, dry them well and cook at 190 °C or lower. Add garlic and cheese in the last 2 minutes only, as they burn first.
Rate this recipe
5.0 out of 5 · 96 ratings
