Air Fryer Broccoli
Ready to turn basic broccoli into a delicious air fryer treat? These tender florets become crispy and golden, seasoned with butter, rapeseed oil, and a hint of chilli. They are topped with cheese, pumpkin seeds, and fresh basil, making this air fryer broccoli recipe a standout.
Ingredients
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500 g
Broccoli
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3 tbsp
Butter
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1 tsp
Salt
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½ tsp
Freshly ground black pepper
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Toppings
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50 g
Mild cheese
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35 g
Pumpkin seeds
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10
Fresh basil leaves
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½ tsp
Chilli flakes
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Pick a fresh, firm head of broccoli with tightly packed florets and vibrant green colour. Cut it into medium-to-large florets so they crisp nicely in the air fryer. Keep the pieces even in size, and slice the stems into thin sticks so nothing goes to waste. Done right, you will get broccoli that is tender in the middle with crisp edges.
Moisture is the enemy of crispness, so pat the broccoli dry with kitchen paper and let it air-dry for a few minutes. This stops it from steaming in the basket and helps the oil, salt, and pepper coat evenly.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer by spreading the broccoli out in a single layer, allowing the hot air to circulate freely. If your basket is too small and you try to cram all 500 g in at once, the florets will steam instead of crisping. Cook in batches if you need to. It takes a little longer, but the results are worth it. Remember to stir or shake the basket halfway so every piece gets evenly browned.
FAQ: Questions about air fryer broccoli
Want to take your air fryer broccoli from good to great? Below you will find answers to common questions. We cover everything you need to know, from prepping toppings to storing leftovers, so every batch turns out crisp and full of flavour.
Can I use frozen broccoli in the air fryer?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in the air fryer, but do not thaw beforehand; otherwise, it goes soggy. Toss the frozen florets with butter, salt, and pepper, then cook them in a preheated air fryer at 180 °C for 16–18 minutes, shaking halfway through. If your florets are mixed in size, add the smaller pieces a little later so they do not burn.
Can I prepare the air fryer broccoli toppings in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the air fryer broccoli toppings in advance. Toast the pumpkin seeds ahead of time to boost their nutty flavour and keep them crunchy. While the broccoli cooks, grate the cheese, chop the basil leaves, and measure out the chilli flakes. Having everything ready means you can top the broccoli the moment it comes out, so the cheese melts into the hot florets and the basil stays bright and fresh.
How do I store leftover air fryer broccoli?
Store cool, leftover air fryer broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If the toppings — like cheese, basil, pumpkin seeds, or chilli flakes — are already mixed in, the texture may soften a bit as they sit. To freshen it up, reheat the broccoli in the air fryer at 180 °C for a few minutes to bring back some crispness. The cheese will melt again, and the seeds will toast up slightly. If you want extra freshness, add a few new basil leaves or an extra sprinkle of cheese just before serving.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
819 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 24.2 gram fibers |
| Protein | 23.3 | 46.9 gram |
| Fat | 69.8 | 64.7 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 6.9 | 13.9 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
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Make easy, crispy air fryer broccoli
Air fryer broccoli takes only 10 minutes to prep and then 10 minutes to transform into one of the easiest, tastiest sides you have ever tried. Toss both the florets and crunchier stems in a simple mix of butter & rapeseed oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, then cook until the broccoli is perfectly tender with a golden, slightly crisp finish.
The air fryer’s circulating heat brings out broccoli’s natural nuttiness in a quick and hassle-free way. Already a delicious side on its own, broccoli becomes even better after a quick trip into the air fryer.
When you have an air fryer, easy sides are only minutes away. Try our air fryer cabbage with tasty toppings, air fryer vegetables with creamy white cheese, and air fryer corn on the cob.
Topped with cheese, pumpkin seeds, and chilli flakes
The toppings elevate this dish from everyday broccoli to a side that feels restaurant-worthy. Grated mild cheese melts gently over the hot florets, creating a creamy layer that balances the roasted flavour. Toasted pumpkin seeds bring a nutty crunch, while fresh basil leaves add a fresh, slightly peppery taste.
And since we like to keep it interesting, we top it off with a sprinkle of warm chilli flakes. You can always add more or less depending on your heat tolerance, but do consider just a tinge rather than none at all for the excitement it brings.
Include as a part of a large family meal
Air fryer broccoli pairs beautifully with roast beef, roast pork with crackling, grilled whole chicken, or even a scrumptious pasta dish like a chicken pasta salade. Or maybe pair it with other delicious sides, like air fryer roast potatoes, a crisp salad, or bread fresh from the oven to complete the table. No matter the dish, air fryer broccoli will be right at home.
Try mixing up the ingredients
You can easily switch up the flavours in your air fryer broccoli to suit your preferences. Swap the mild cheese for something stronger, like Parmesan or Cheddar. Replace basil with parsley, coriander, or even a squeeze of lemon juice.
If you like more crunch, scatter over sunflower seeds or chopped nuts in place of pumpkin seeds. Prefer a smokier taste? Use smoked paprika instead of chilli flakes. The recipe is simple enough to invite experimentation, yet always delivers a delicious, crispy result.
