This crispy Air fryer broccoli takes just 6 minutes to make and is the perfect healthy side dish to pair with your meals or add to your salad. It is easy, tender with roasted edges, and absolutely delicious!! Sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and chaat masala (Indian twist), this air-fried broccoli is super addictive. You will be amazed how much kids love it!!
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About Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
If you love roasted veggies, this Air fryer broccoli is going to be your new favorite. My older kid who is not a broccoli fan devours this air-fried broccoli, it is that yummy!
It is also so easy to make and taste just like oven-roasted broccoli but in a fraction of the time.
We sprinkle these roasted broccoli bites with some Parmesan cheese and chaat masala (for Indian touch) while they are still warm and goodness they are so addictive!!
You can either serve these roasted broccoli florets as a side with your meals, we love them with our pasta. Add to your salads to elevate the flavor or simply snack on them.
Broccoli as most of you may already know has great health benefits. It is a nutrient-rich vegetable that helps reduce inflammation, promote healthy digestion, improve blood sugar, boost immunity and promote heart health.
Thus they make an excellent, nutritious, and tasty replacement to store-bought chips. Our other favorite roasted vegetable snack is this Crispy Bhindi (Okra) recipe.
Let's see what we will need to make roasted broccoli in the air fryer.
Recipe Ingredients
Broccoli - Use broccoli florets cut into small and similar size pieces. Smaller florets cook faster and more evenly giving tender and soft texture with roasted edges. Stems can be used too but florets give the best results.
Olive oil - Use a little olive oil to coat the florets. Avocado oil can be used too. A little goes a long way when it comes to cooking in the air fryer. You can make air fryer broccoli with no oil too but I find a little oil helps cook better.
Seasoning - Salt, pepper, lemon juice, and my favorite ingredient, chaat masala are my preferred seasoning for flavoring this air-fried broccoli. You can also add garlic powder or onion powder for more flavor. Check the variations for more options.
You can make this recipe without Chaat masala too but highly recommend adding it. It is easily available online or at Indian stores. It is a blend of salty, tangy, sour, slightly sweet, and spicy flavors and elevates the dish flavor it is added to.
Parmesan cheese - Last but not least I like to top my roasted broccoli with some grated parmesan cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano. Skip the cheese to keep it vegan
Please refer to the recipe card for exact measurements of ingredients.
How To Roast Broccoli In Air Fryer?
Start by prepping your broccoli florets. Separate them and cut them into small and similar-sized florets. This will make sure they roast evenly.
Rinse with water, allow the water to drain for 5 mins, and dry them by spreading in a single layer on a kitchen towel.
Alternately use store-bought precut and pre-washed broccoli florets.
1 - Mix the dry florets in a bowl with salt, pepper, and olive oil. You can add garlic powder or onion powder too. Mix well to make sure broccoli is evenly coated.
2 - Transfer the broccoli to the air fryer basket and spread in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed depending on the size of your air fryer.
3 - Set temperature to 370°F and air fry the broccoli first for 4-5 mins. Remove the air fryer basket.
At this stage, the top of the broccoli is crispy/roasted and the bottom is still green so shake the basket and air fry for another 2-3 mins. So air fry for a total of 6-8 mins.
Air fry for additional 1-2 mins for crispier broccoli.
4 - Roasted broccoli is ready!! While the florets are still warm, squeeze over some lemon juice and sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan and chaat masala. Serve immediately!! Enjoy!
Don't have an air fryer but still want to make roasted broccoli? Try the oven method.
How to Make Roasted Broccoli in the Oven?
Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking tray with aluminum foil (optional). Keep aside.
Prep the broccoli as mentioned in the above steps and transfer them onto the lined baking tray.
Bake at 425°F for 15-20 mins or until crisp and tender turning halfway through. Remove from the oven.
Oven-roasted broccoli is ready!! While the florets are still warm, squeeze over some lemon juice and sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan and chaat masala. Serve immediately!! Enjoy!
Variations
Here are a few delicious variations to try with the roasted broccoli
Lemon garlic parmesan broccoli - Add some garlic and/or onion powder while seasoning the broccoli and finish off with sprinkling some grated parmesan and lemon juice once it's roasted. You can also use minced garlic but I prefer powdered seasonings as they are less likely to burn.
Spicy air fryer broccoli - If you like it spicy, add any or a combination of these while seasoning the broccoli - red pepper flakes, a drizzle of sriracha, or chile-lime seasoning.
Curry roasted broccoli - add ½ to 1 teaspoon of curry powder to the seasoning.
Balsamic air fryer broccoli - drizzle cooked broccoli with balsamic glaze or aged balsamic vinegar.
Tips for Best Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli
Cut the broccoli florets into small and equal sizes. The mini florets cook faster and also come out soft, tender with roasted edges while the even size ensures they all cook at the same time.
To save time during the week, prep the florets (wash and dry) over the weekend or use store-bought precut and pre-washed broccoli florets.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket (or baking pan). Cook in batches if required for the best crispy broccoli florets.
The cooking time may vary based on the brand of air fryer and the size of your florets. So I recommend starting with less time and increasing it by a minute until you reach the desired crispy texture.
Don’t cook the broccoli at too high a temperature and for too long as it can burn quickly and burnt broccoli will taste bitter.
Skip the cheese to make it vegan!!
You can make this recipe without Chaat masala too but highly recommend adding it. Vary seasoning to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, thaw the frozen broccoli by tossing it in the air fryer for 5 mins. Transfer it to a bowl and add the seasoning, oil and then transfer back to the air fryer and air fry for 6-8 minutes.
Roasted broccoli tastes best served immediately but you can store leftovers once they are completely cooled in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
You can either heat it in the microwave or air fry for 1-2 mins until completely heated through. Don't air fry for too long as it can burn.
More Air Fryer Snack Recipes
Hope you enjoy this Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe !! If you give this recipe a try, please rate by clicking stars ⭐️ on the recipe card. Thank you ❤️! You can also follow me on Facebook | Instagram to see what’s cooking in my kitchen!!
Recipe Card
Air Fryer Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 ounces broccoli florets cut into small and even pieces.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper powder adjust to taste
- 1-2 tablespoon lemon juice adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoon parmesan cheese grated, or Parmigiano Reggiano
- ¼ teaspoon chaat masala
Instructions
- In a bowl add, broccoli florets, salt, pepper, and olive oil. You can add garlic powder or onion powder too. Mix well to make sure broccoli is evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated broccoli to the air fryer basket and spread in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Set temperature to 370°F and air fry the broccoli first for 4-5 mins. Remove the air fryer basket and shake it. Air fry for another 2-3 mins. So air fry for a total of 6-8 mins. Air fry for additional 1-2 mins for crispier broccoli.
- Roasted broccoli is ready!! While the florets are still warm, squeeze over some lemon juice and sprinkle in the cheese and chaat masala. Serve immediately!! Enjoy!
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking tray with aluminum foil (optional). Keep aside.
- Prep the broccoli as mentioned in the above steps and transfer them onto the lined baking tray. You can also add the seasoning directly on the baking tray and mix.
- Bake at 425°F for 15-20 mins or until broccoli is crisp and tender. Turn halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and while the florets are still warm, squeeze over some lemon juice and sprinkle in the cheese and chaat masala. Serve immediately!! Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Update Notes: This post was originally published on Apr 13, 2015, but was republished with, step by step instructions, new photos, tips, and a video in Nov of 2021.
Parmesan is not suitable for vegetarians tho.
Healthy n loved green color.
delicious shweta.. loved this recipe..And as usual lovely clicks:)
Your newest recipe seems so easy, Shweta, and should be delicious. I've added broccoli, parmesan and lemon to my shopping list.