Whip up this easy air fryer broccoli side dish in 10 minutes or less! Crisp and fresh, without burning or undercooking. Make this easy side with one of our 30+ Best Low Carb Recipes tonight!
After making my air fryer zucchini chips the other day, I started thinking about making broccoli in the air fryer. This is a veggie we commonly make in our household and my air fryer is always saving me time.
Table of Contents
Recommended Ingredients
This recipe only requires two ingredients. I recommend adding a bit of oil to your air fryer, although it’s not necessary.
Baby broccoli or broccoli florets will work for this recipe.
Is broccoli keto?
While there are no “keto” foods, broccoli is definitely on the keto-friendly list of veggies, as it only has 3 g. net carbs per serving, fresh.
What are other veggies I can use?
Some other low carb veggies to fry include:
- peppers
- cauliflower
- asparagus
- green beans
- squash (zucchini, summer, spaghetti)
- mushrooms
Can I air fry frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli or other frozen veggies cook well in the air fryer.
How to make air fried broccoli
Broccoli is air fried in 3 simple steps.
- wash
- chop
- air fry (time is dependent upon frozen vs fresh)
What to serve with broccoli
I like to serve shredded parmesan cheese atop my broccoli or add it as a side with a healthy protein, like chicken, pork, or beef.
For stir-fry: If you’re cooking a protein, add in the broccoli for the last 10 minutes and you’ve got the easiest stir fry out there!
As a side: To liven up my veggies, I add shaved parmesan cheese or bacon bits/ cheese to them.
FAQ
How to store broccoli prior to air frying
I store my broccoli wrapped in a moist paper towel overnight or submerged in a ice water bath prior to cooking. I find this helps the broccoli keep it’s crisp flavor and helps to prevent burns while cooking.
Why does my broccoli burn in the air fryer?
If your broccoli is prone to burning when cooked in the AF, try cooking for a shorter period of time or cooking inside a tin foil pack. Air fryer cooking times are variable depending on the brand/ type you use.
Tips for the best broccoli using an air fryer
- do a test run to determine your air fryer settings if you’re afraid of overcooking
- store in a cold, ice water bath for at least a few hours before air frying – this helps broccoli hold on to moisture
- if cooking from frozen, extend time to approximately 13 minutes, making sure to check right before time is up
Air Fryer Broccoli {Fresh/Frozen/under 10 minutes}
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ lb broccoli florets
- 1 tsp salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp olive oil spray optional
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes or garlic powder optional
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
Fresh Broccoli
- Wash broccoli and chop. Toss in olive oil. Add salt and pepper, garlic powder to taste (optional).
- Add broccoli to air fryer and cook at 350°F for 10 minutes, tossing at 5 minutes.
- If more time is required, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Top with parmesan cheese (optional).
From Frozen
- Follow same instructions, except cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Notes
- do a test run with 1 floret to determine your air fryer settings and prevent overcooking
- From frozen: extend time to approximately 13 minutes, making sure to check right before time is up
- Want charred broccoli? I recommend cooking for additional 3-5 minutes.
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