In less than 10 minutes, you can have the crispiest Air Fryer Broccoli recipe on your plate! Simply toss fresh broccoli florets with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright, flavorful twist.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for at least 3 minutes.
Whisk together the oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the broccoli florets and stir until they are well coated in the sauce. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and toss to coat.
1 pound broccoli florets, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 clove garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Add the broccoli to the heated air fryer and cook for 4-5 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. *For extra crispy edges: Turn up heat to 390°F, give the basket a good toss, and return broccoli to the air fryer for an additional minute.
Serve the broccoli with freshly grated lemon zest and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
½ teaspoon lemon zest, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Notes
Storage: Let the broccoli cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Cut evenly: Keeping florets around 1 to 1½ inches ensures they cook at the same rate—no burnt tips and raw middles.
Dry completely: Any moisture left on the broccoli leads to steaming instead of crisping. Pat dry or use a salad spinner.
Shake the basket: Give it a good shake halfway through cooking so everything gets that golden-brown texture on all sides.
Extra crispy finish: Bump the temperature to 390°F for an extra minute at the end for those perfectly charred edges.
Frozen broccoli: You can use frozen, but don’t thaw it first. Go straight from freezer to air fryer and add 1-2 extra minutes.