Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli: Speedy, Flavorful Side (Print Version)

Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli is your new go-to! Make this easy, flavorful side dish in minutes. Perfect for any meal, even picky eaters will love it.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 8 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Modern American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb fresh broccoli florets (about 4-5 cups), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Flavor Boosters

02 - 1-2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
05 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

→ Optional Finishing Touches

08 - 1 lemon wedge (for serving)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, you've got to get those broccoli florets ready. I like to cut them into bite-sized pieces, not too big, not too small, so they cook evenly. Then, and this is critical, wash them thoroughly and dry them off really, really well. I use a salad spinner and then pat them with a paper towel. Honestly, any lingering moisture is the enemy of crispy, so don't skip this step! I've made that mistake before, and the broccoli just steamed instead of getting that glorious crunch.
02 - Toss your super dry broccoli florets into a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Get your hands in there and really toss them around, making sure every single floret is coated. You want a thin, even layer of oil and seasoning. I find that sometimes I under-season the first time, so now I make sure to really get it everywhere. This is where the magic starts to happen, honestly!
03 - This step is often overlooked, but it's a game-changer for Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Just like a conventional oven, a preheated air fryer helps achieve that immediate crispness on the outside. It's a small wait, but it makes a huge difference in texture. Believe me, I've skipped it when I'm in a rush, and the results are noticeably less crunchy.
04 - Once preheated, arrange the seasoned broccoli in a single layer in your air fryer basket. This is another crucial point: do not overcrowd the basket! If you pile it up, the broccoli will steam instead of crisping. You might need to do this in two batches, depending on your air fryer size. I usually do, and it's worth the extra minute. You want to see space around each floret for that hot air to circulate and work its magic.
05 - Air fry for 8-10 minutes, but here's the trick: halfway through, around the 4-5 minute mark, pull out the basket and give it a good shake. This ensures all sides of the broccoli get exposed to the heat and become evenly golden and crispy. Sometimes I even use tongs to flip a few stubborn pieces. You'll start to see those beautiful browned, slightly charred bits forming, and that's exactly what you're looking for!
06 - Once your broccoli is tender-crisp and beautifully browned, remove it from the air fryer. I like to immediately transfer it to a serving dish and, if I'm feeling fancy (or just want that extra zing!), squeeze a fresh lemon wedge over the top. The smell is incredible—nutty, garlicky, and slightly smoky. It's best served right away when it's at its absolute peak crispiness. Enjoy your perfectly crunchy, flavorful Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli!

# Notes:

01 - Always dry your broccoli really well before seasoning—wet broccoli equals soggy broccoli, every time!
02 - Never overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if you need to for truly crispy results.
03 - Give the basket a good shake halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
04 - Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot broccoli right before serving for a bright finish.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air fryer
02 - large mixing bowl
03 - salad spinner (optional)
04 - tongs

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 120
Total Fat: 10g
Total Carbohydrate: 6g
Protein: 3g

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