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Air fryer broccoli with tender green centers and crisp roasted edges in a ceramic serving dish

Air Fryer Broccoli with Deep Roasted Flavor Side Dish

Air fryer broccoli is a quick vegetable side with tender centers, crisp roasted edges, and deep roasted flavor. It is an easy choice for weeknight meals when you want a simple, satisfying broccoli dish.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 9 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Calories: 54
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • one 12-ounce (340 g) bag broccoli florets (or, one head of broccoli cut into about 3 cups of florets)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place the broccoli florets in a bowl. Add the water, oil, and salt, then gently massage the pieces for 30-60 seconds to coat them evenly and help them take on the moisture mixture.
Cooking
  1. Transfer the broccoli to the air fryer basket, leaving any remaining liquid in the bowl if some remains. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 5 minutes, then shake the basket briefly. The broccoli should be bright green at this stage.
  2. Continue air frying at 375°F (191°C) for 2 more minutes until the florets develop browned, crisped edges. Adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed to reach your preferred level of crispness.
Serving
  1. Serve the finished broccoli with a dipping sauce or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Notes

You can prepare the broccoli directly in the air fryer basket by coating it with oil and salt there, then adding the water below the grates so it stays in the air fryer during cooking. Air fryer sizes and temperatures vary, so smaller batches may work better depending on capacity. If the broccoli overlaps at the beginning, it can still work because the pieces will shrink as they cook. If the final roasting stage is not creating enough crispness, increase the temperature to 390 or 400. If you do not have a basket air fryer, complete the first step and transfer the broccoli to a baking sheet instead. The moisture coating helps keep the broccoli tender while it roasts.