Description

This air fryer broccoli recipe delivers perfectly tender and slightly crispy broccoli florets seasoned with garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this easy, healthy side dish is ready in under 20 minutes and makes a delicious addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Broccoli and Seasoning

1 pound fresh broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Topping

1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, add during last minute of cooking)

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Prepare the Broccoli: In a mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything until the broccoli is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and cooking.
Cook the Broccoli: Air fry the broccoli for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure all pieces cook evenly and get crispy edges while remaining tender inside.
Add Parmesan (Optional): During the last minute of cooking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the broccoli to let it melt slightly and add a savory finish.
Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the broccoli from the air fryer and serve it hot for best taste and texture.
Optional Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or some lemon zest just before serving to brighten the dish.
Storage and Reheating: Store leftover broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.

Notes

Make sure the broccoli pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air flow and crispiness.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder taste.
If you don’t want to use Parmesan, nutritional yeast is a great vegan alternative for a cheesy flavor.
Use fresh broccoli florets rather than frozen for best texture and flavor.
This recipe can easily be doubled but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Adding lemon juice after cooking enhances the flavors without making the broccoli soggy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 3.5 oz or 100g)
Calories: 85
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 2mg

Keywords: air fryer broccoli, crispy broccoli, healthy broccoli recipe, quick side dish, air fryer vegetables