10 Best Air Fryer Broccoli Recipes

When it’s a busy weeknight and you need to get a healthy dinner on the table stat, an air fryer is your new best friend. Not only does this kitchen gadget shave off half the cooking time, but it also eliminates the need for tons of excess oil. With the right heat setting and just a light spray of neutral oil, you can still obtain that crispy consistency that makes fried veggies so popular.

Using your favorite air fryer, it only takes 10 to 20 minutes to roast broccoli whereas in the oven, it could take 40 (or more). But, let’s be honest — looking at broccoli in the fridge doesn’t always spark inspiration, so it’s important to get creative and mix up how you serve it. Here are 10 air fryer broccoli recipes that are sure to become your new go-tos.

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1. Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli

Courtesy of Gimme Delicious

Broccoli is the perfect side for a shot of fiber and iron, and it only takes a few minutes and minimal ingredients to make it delicious, thanks to the air fryer. Simply toss your broccoli florets in some oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Throw it in the air fryer for a few minutes, until it’s perfectly crisp, and watch it disappear.

Try the recipe from Gimme Delicious.

2. Air Fryer Broccoli with Lemon Tahini Sauce

Courtesy of Real Food with Altitude

Would you eat more broccoli if you could dip it in lemon tahini sauce? Yeah, us too. Tahini pairs well with broccoli thanks to its nutty and tangy flavor, and lemon adds extra zest to freshen the dish.

Try the recipe from Real Food with Altitude.

3. Cheesy Air Fryer Broccoli

Courtesy of The Stay at Home Chef

Broccoli and cheddar are a classic combo, so it’s no wonder they go so well together in this side dish. There’s a fine line between crispy and burnt cheese, so keep an eye on the cheese bubbles as you fry for 15 to 20 minutes. If you prefer a plant-based option, try some vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Sprinkle some chili flakes or hot paprika on top for a little heat. 

Try the recipe from The Stay at Home Chef.

4. Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli 

Courtesy of Nutmeg Nanny

Tender, marinated beef adds protein to one of our favorite air fryer broccoli recipes. As it fries, the broccoli absorbs all the flavor from the marinade: soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and Sriracha. Serve the dish over a bed of fluffy rice and top with sesame seeds or green onions. 

Try the recipe from Nutmeg Nanny.

5. Air Fryer Tempura Broccolini and Sweet Potato

Courtesy of One Bite at a Time

Tempura without the splatter of frying oil is one of the reasons we love our air fryers. For this dish, quickly whip up tempura batter with wheat flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and ice water. Bread your protein of choice — like shrimp or salmon — along with broccolini and sweet potato, and get ready for a meal with serious crunch.

Try the recipe from One Bite at a Time.

6. Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan 

Courtesy of Evolving Table

You’ve probably tried broccoli and cheese together — it’s a popular combination for any broccoli side dish. In this recipe, fry your broccoli with lemon and Parmesan cheese for an extra tangy bite. Cook until slightly crispy so you don’t burn the cheese. 

Try the recipe from Evolving Table.

7. Air Fryer Broccoli with Spicy Sauce

Courtesy of Pickled Plum

If you like spicy foods, you will definitely enjoy this air fryer broccoli recipe. While the broccoli cooks, combine Sichuan chili flakes, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss the crispy cooked broccoli in the sauce just before serving. Tip: Add a drizzle of honey to the sauce for balance.

Try the recipe from Pickled Plum.

8. Air Fryer Indian Broccoli

Courtesy of Living Smart and Healthy

Drizzle your broccoli florets in olive oil or ghee before tossing them with cumin seeds, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. Together these seasonings create an Indian-inspired vegetable dish with lots of complex flavor. 

Try the recipe from Living Smart and Healthy.

9. Balsamic Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli

Courtesy of Sweet Peas and Saffron

Balsamic is the star of this dish: Its sweet, rich flavor gives plain broccoli tons of flavor. Simply toss your broccoli with balsamic, a little oil, and salt, and get ready to enjoy one of the best air fryer broccoli recipes hands down. 

Try the recipe from Sweet Peas and Saffron.

10. Air Fryer Sesame Broccoli

Courtesy of Let’s Dish Recipes

Marinate your broccoli in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey — the result is an Asian-inspired side dish that pairs well with noodles, fish, chicken, or pork. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for crunch. 

Try the recipe from Let’s Dish Recipes.

Read next: 5 Easy Frozen Broccoli Recipes That Use Up the Bag