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This air fryer broccoli gets golden and crispy, and is ready in under 10 minutes! Tossed in balsamic vinegar, it is slightly tangy, savory and tender.
While the air fryer is a great way to cook several proteins, we also love it to cook our vegetables! Our faves include air fryer cauliflower and zucchini fries, as well as this crispy broccoli.
When it comes to reliable favorites like crispy air fryer broccoli, I've learned that the straightforward, simple approach can produce the best results! Tons of testing has shown me that you only need four ingredients to get perfectly tender centers, nice, crispy edges, and great tangy flavor that complements nearly anything. It's a dependable recipe that we've paired with everything from burgers to pasta to salmon with all great reviews (and no leftovers) so far!
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
it can be cooked through in 7 minutes, less time than it takes to heat up your oven!
the broccoli is tender on the inside, crispy on the outside
it's low carb, vegan, gluten-free and healthy
Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe Video
Wondering exactly how to cook this recipe? Watch this 1-minute video for step by step instructions! You can find more recipe videos on my YouTube channel.
For this recipe, you need four simple ingredients. While the air fryer requires less oil than the oven, you do still need to add some oil to help crisp up the broccoli. While I've used olive oil, avocado oil is another great choice.
In addition to oil, we are using balsamic vinegar and salt, making the broccoli savory and slightly tangy.
How to Cut the Broccoli
Make sure that you cut the broccoli florets into equal-sized florets so that they cook through evenly. I also recommend including the stems as they are tasty and should not be thrown out! For a visual guide on how to cut broccoli into florets, check out how to cook broccoli.
How to Air Fry Broccoli
Scroll to the recipe card for ingredient quantities.
Start by cutting broccoli into equal-sized florets (1 to 1.5 inches). Include the stems as well!
Add oil, balsamic vinegar and salt.
Toss until evenly coated.
Place in an air fryer heated to 200°C/390°F.
Cook for 7-8 minutes, tossing it up occasionally, until broccoli is golden and crispy (as pictured).
Air Fried Broccoli Recipe Variations
Lemon Twist - Replace the balsamic with lemon juice, then sprinkle the broccoli with freshly grated parmesan just before serving.
Spice Lovers - Red pepper flakes are a great seasoning to toss the broccoli in for some heat! Paprika also works well with this one to make it spicier and smokier.
Crispy Crunchy - For more crunch, toss the oiled broccoli in ¼-1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. It will definitely add messiness, but I love the nice texture!
If you are looking for steamed broccoli, try Instant Pot broccoli, or simply cook it in the microwave for 3 minutes in a covered container with 1-2 tablespoons of water. The best part about the air fryer is the golden caramelization it gets, and adding water would prevent this from happening.
Can I cook the broccoli from frozen?
Yes, you can. Prepare the broccoli the same way (tossing in oil, balsamic vinegar and salt), and cook at 200°F/390°F. Shake the basket up a few times, and cook for longer than fresh broccoli. While it won't be quite as crispy, it still turns out great, and far less mushy than on the stove top.
Which model do you recommend?
I've been using a Phillips basket-style model (similar to this one) for several years and it is still working great. However, if I could do it over again, I would buy the XL model, which fits more food. We also recently purchased the Instant Pot Vortex air fryer oven, but haven't used it enough to comment on it.
This air fryer broccoli gets golden and crispy, and is ready in under 10 minutes! Tossed in balsamic vinegar, it is slightly tangy, savory and tender.
4servings
Ingredients
4-6cupsbroccoli florets
1tablespoonolive oil
1tablespoonbalsamic vinegar
⅛teaspoonsalt
Instructions
Heat air fryer to 200°C/390°F.
Chop broccoli into equal-sized 1 to 1.5 inch florets and place in a bowl.
Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt.
Add broccoli to the basket. Cook for 7-8 minutes, shaking up the basket every 2-3 minutes. When broccoli florets start to become golden and brown, broccoli is done.
Enjoy!
Tips:
StorageAfter cooking, broccoli can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.ReheatHeat the air fryer to 200°C/390°F.Add the broccoli to the basket, and cook for 2-4 minutes, until warmed through.Frozen broccoli
Toss frozen broccoli in oil, balsamic vinegar and salt.
Cook as directed above, adding more time as needed.
Shake the basket up every 2-3 minutes.
Broccoli will not be as crispy, but is still great cooked this way!
Hi, I'm Annie. With a Bachelor of Science degree, a minor in nutrition and nearly 20 year of both classical training, and self-taught experience, I've spent my career proving that home cooking can be practical, delicious and inspiring. What started in 2013 as one food blog has grown into a full-time business. Today, my husband Clayton and I run five food websites that connect with millions of home cooks every month.
When I'm not in the kitchen or behind the camera, I'm using fueling my love of travel, or chasing down new ideas that keep food fun and fresh.
Hi Michele, this recipe makes 4 servings. You can see the serving amounts in the top right corner of the recipe card, where you can also use the +/- buttons to increase or decrease servings! Cheers!
) for several years and it is still working great. However, if I could do it over again, I would buy the XL model
, which fits more food. We also recently purchased the Instant Pot Vortex air fryer oven, but haven't used it enough to comment on it.
Michele says
How many servings are in this recipe? I see the serving size is .75Cup but how many servings does the whole recipe, as is, yield?
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Michele, this recipe makes 4 servings. You can see the serving amounts in the top right corner of the recipe card, where you can also use the +/- buttons to increase or decrease servings! Cheers!
Michele says
Oh, I see that now! Thanks so much Jasmine! I appreciate your help. Take care and have a great week.
Cee cee says
So good! We love how the broccoli gets crispy and is a bit tangy from the balsamic. We served with feta cheese!
Denise Bustard says
Woohoo! So happy to hear that the recipe was a success, Cee cee! Thanks so much for reporting back 🙂