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    Home » Recipes » Sides

    Air Fryer Broccoli w/ Oil Free Option

    Published: Jan 9, 2021 by Rosa · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

    2.9K shares
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    air fryer broccoli PIN with text overlay.
    air fryer broccoli PIN with text overlay.
    air fryer broccoli PIN with text overlay.
    air fryer broccoli PIN with text overlay.

    Garlicky, crispy and slightly spicy air fryer broccoli is delicious and completely addictive. It’s a fun way to switch up your broccoli routine and ready in less than 15 minutes!

    close up of bowl full of air fried broccoli

    This absolutely delicious air fryer broccoli tastes like roasted broccoli, but ready in a fraction of the time!

    There’s something quite magical about air frying that can turn your most basic vegetables into absolute deliciousness. Just like my Buffalo cauliflower, this air fried broccoli comes out crispy and flavourful. No mushiness like you might get by boiling.

    Why you’ll love it!

    • It’s crispy and tastes like roasted, but ready in way less time!
    • Just 4 ingredients needed, plus an optional 5th.
    • A simple side dish you can add to practically any main meal.
    • So much flavour, even though there are only a few ingredients.
    • Naturally vegan, gluten free, soy free, allergen free, and easily made without oil, too!
    Fork holding up a broccoli floret over a bowl of more broccoli.

    How to make it

    (This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

    Gather your ingredients. All you need is broccoli, some seasoning, and oil, if using.

    NOTE: To make without oil, sub for an equal amount of vegetable broth in its place, with similar results.

    Ingredients needed to make air fryer broccoli.

    Cut your broccoli into small florets and place them in a bowl. Then add the oil OR vegetable broth and the seasoning. Mix well to evenly coat the pieces. (photos 1-3)

    Raw broccoli in mixing bowl being mixed with oil and seasoning.

    Transfer the coated broccoli into your basket. Then air fry at 380 degrees F for 7-9 minutes. (photos 4-5)

    Broccoli in air fryer basket before and after cooking.

    Serve with vegan Parmesan cheese, extra chili flakes, or lemon wedges, if desired.

    Air fried broccoli in white bowl with white dish towel beside it.

    How long does it keep?

    Your air fryer broccoli tastes best when freshly made. However, leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You may reheat in your fryer, toaster oven, or regular oven until heated through.

    I don’t recommend freezing this one.

    What to serve with your broccoli

    • Use it as a side dish to serve with chickpea meatloaf, black bean burgers, pasta and vegan meatballs, or virtually any main dish.
    • Top your mac and cheese or Alfredo pasta.
    • Use it for dunking into some spicy, cheesy dip.
    • Or add some to your buddha bowls.

    What kind of air fryer do I need?

    Like most air fried recipes, you can make this air fryer broccoli in any model, including an Instant Pot with crisper/air frying lid.

    I use a Ninja Foodi 8qt, but there is plenty of extra space, so a smaller model would work great, as well.

    If you have a toaster oven style, skip the step of adding water below the basket.

    As always, different models will cook at different speeds, so make sure to start checking on your broccoli after 6-7 minutes or so, and continue cooking until desired brownness is reached.

    Expert Tips

    • Cut the florets into even sized, small pieces for the best texture and even cooking.
    • Powdered garlic is less likely to burn then fresh, so it’s best not to sub for fresh garlic.
    • If you have a basket style fryer, make sure to add water below the basket before air frying. This will stop the broccoli from smoking during cooking, as well as prevent any bitterness.
    • Do not overcook the broccoli, as it tastes best when slightly crispy, but also browned. So start checking on it around the 6-7 minute mark.

    More delicious air fried recipes

    • Air Fried Carrots [Two Ways!]
    • Healthy Air Fried Eggplant
    • Air Fried Home Fries [Oil Free Option]
    • Air Fried Hash Browns From Scratch
    • Air Fried Butternut Squash [Two Ways!]
    • Spaghetti Squash Air Fried [Healthy+Low Cal]

    If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.

    Buon appetito

    Rosa

    close up of bowl full of air fried broccoli

    Air Fryer Broccoli w/ Oil Free Option

    Garlicky, crispy and slightly spicy air fryer broccoli is delicious and completely addictive. It's a fun way to switch up your broccoli routine and ready in less than 15 minutes!
    5 from 16 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 7 minutes
    Total Time: 12 minutes
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Canadian
    Servings: 2 Servings
    Calories: 126kcal
    Author: Rosa

    Equipment

    Ninja Foodi appliance on white background.
    Ninja Foodi Air Fryer

    Ingredients

    • 4 cups broccoli florets approx. 1 small head of broccoli
    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil, or your choice sub for vegetable broth for no oil
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes optional, but recommended

    For Serving

    • Vegan Parmesan Cheese optional
    • lemon wedges optional
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Cut your broccoli into small florets and add them to a bowl. Drizzle with the oil or vegetable broth and sprinkle with the seasoning. Mix well to evenly coat the broccoli.
    • Add a quarter cup of water to the bottom of your air fryer, below the basket. This will stop the broccoli from smoking and prevent them from getting bitter. Then add the broccoli to your basket and air fry at 380 degrees F for 7-9 minutes, until desired brownness is reached. Give your broccoli a stir, or shake your basket around the halfway point.
    • Serve your broccoli with lemon wedges or sprinkled with vegan Parmesan cheese, if desired.

    Notes

    Cut the florets into even sized, small pieces for the best texture and even cooking.
    Powdered garlic is less likely to burn then fresh, so it’s best not to sub for fresh garlic.
    If you have a basket style fryer, make sure to add water below the basket before air frying. This will stop the broccoli from smoking during cooking, as well as prevent any bitterness.
    Do not overcook the broccoli, as it tastes best when slightly crispy, but also browned. So start checking on it around the 6-7 minute mark.
    Your air fryer broccoli tastes best when freshly made. However, leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You may reheat in your fryer, toaster oven, or regular oven until heated through.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 355mg | Potassium: 575mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1208IU | Vitamin C: 162mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 1mg
    DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE?Mention @this.healthy.kitchen on IG and tag #thishealthykitchen!
    *Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not include optional ingredients unless otherwise indicated.
    2.9K shares

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    Comments

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    1. Jaap

      November 04, 2021 at 9:28 pm

      5 stars
      This looks delicious mmmmmm

      Reply
    2. Lori

      March 07, 2021 at 6:12 pm

      5 stars
      Easy and delicious! Thank you. 😁

      Reply
      • Rosa

        March 08, 2021 at 8:10 am

        My pleasure Lori, so glad you enjoyed. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Monica

      February 01, 2021 at 9:58 am

      Can you do this with frozen broccoli?

      Reply
      • Rosa

        February 01, 2021 at 10:53 am

        That may work, but I haven’t tried, so I can’t say for sure.

        Reply
    4. Kate

      January 15, 2021 at 2:29 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for this !! I tried it a few days ago and I am now addicted to semi charred broccoli! Have eaten a whole bag two days in a row!

      Reply
      • Rosa

        January 16, 2021 at 8:26 am

        Thanks very much for the review Kate! Thrilled you’re enjoying this recipe. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Isabel

      January 10, 2021 at 6:02 pm

      5 stars
      So tasty!! Never steaming broccoli again. Love the garlic flavor and little bit of spice. Perfect.

      Reply
      • Rosa

        January 11, 2021 at 8:25 am

        Woohoo! Thrilled you enjoyed.

        Reply
    6. Chris

      January 10, 2021 at 2:12 pm

      How would you make this recipe in a Cuisinart air fryer as it has a tray.

      Reply
      • Rosa

        January 11, 2021 at 7:59 am

        Hi Chris, I haven’t tried that, but I’d go for the same oven temperature and start checking on them around the 6-8 minute mark until done. Enjoy.

        Reply
    7. Gina

      January 09, 2021 at 3:01 pm

      5 stars
      This was delicious! The only way to do broccoli from now on!

      Reply
      • Rosa

        January 10, 2021 at 8:03 am

        Yay! Glad to hear that Gina, thank you.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Rosa! Welcome to This Healthy Kitchen where you'll find tasty and nutritious, plant based recipes with tons of gluten free and oil free options too! Always made using wholesome ingredients, and under 400 calories per serving. Occasional cheat days included. 😉

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