When I’m looking for a fast vegetable side dish, this easy broccoli recipe is a winner. A quick roast in the air fryer makes those little buds on the top “tree” part of the stalk deliciously crispy and lightly salty-sweet, while the stalk remains mostly tender. So delicious, it is seriously addictive!
This air fryer broccoli recipe only requires a few simple ingredients, takes less that 15 minutes prep to plate, and pairs deliciously with everything from fish, beef, chicken or to pile up in a nourishing grain bowl. My family thinks it’s the best broccoli recipe ever and will often eat it as a snack!
Choosing Broccoli for this Air Fryer Side Dish
Select broccoli with for tightly closed, dark green florets and firm, thinner stalks. Thick stalks mean the plant is older and can yield a woody texture. Also, skip over heads of broccoli with yellowing or tiny yellow flowers, this also means they are over-mature and not the best for eating. Fresh broccoli will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge, properly stored.
One shortcut I use on busy nights is to use pre-washed and bagged broccoli florets from the produce department, rather than cutting up the whole thing. Also, in a pinch, you can grab fresh broccoli florets off the salad bar offerings if your grocery store has one. However, I definitely don’t recommend using frozen broccoli for this air fryer broccoli recipe – that just won’t work. You’ll get a soggy, mushy result.
Can I Swap the Ginger Paste?
Another convenience I use in this air fryer broccoli is ginger paste, making my own rather than using the microplane grater on fresh gingerroot (although that’s a very fresh and vibrant option if you have a few extra minutes). Ginger paste is simply finely blended or minced ginger with a bit of oil and usually comes in a toothpaste-like tube or squeeze bottle so it’s easy to portion what you need. I would not recommend using dried ground ginger in this recipe, it just doesn’t lend the same zip! For another flavor option, you can also swap out the ginger for garlic! Or, for picky eaters, simply olive oil, salt and pepper.
What Air Fryer is Best for this Broccoli Recipe for Two?
Because this makes a small-batch of crispy broccoli intended for two people, it will fit in a standard, smaller “drawer” type air-fryer. I’ve also made it in my Instant Pot Duo Crisp (which has an air fryer function). If you are looking to double up the recipe to make more, then I would suggest using a larger toaster-oven style air fryer. I have the Instant Pot Omni Pro XL Air Fryer Toaster Oven, it has a large capacity cooing space, trays pull in and out like a traditional oven; and bakes, broils, air-frys, roasts, toasts and does nearly everything but wash dishes. Seriously, I love that think. However, if you don’t even have an air fryer at all, just bake at 400F degrees in a traditional oven for about 12-14 minutes, turning once with a spatula.
Storing Leftover Honey Ginger Broccoli
Store leftovers (if any!) in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it will lose its crispness to a degree. The best way I have found to reheat is to pop in microwave on “defrost” for up to a minute to take the chill off, and then crisp back up in a pre-heated air fryer for 2 or 3 more minutes, taking care not to burn the already browned parts. This air-fryer broccoli isn’t suitable for freezer meal prep – it’s best enjoyed immediately.
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A simple, speedy, and super-tasty wat to prepare broccoli in the air fryer that the whole family will love!
- 6 ounces broccoli florets
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp ginger paste
- 1/8 tsp salt
- Dash pepper
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Pre-heat air fryer to 390 F degrees.
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Wash, dry and chop broccoli into approximate 1-inch florets. Try to keep florets about the same size to promote even cooking.
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In bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, ginger, salt and pepper
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Add florets and toss until well coated.
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Spread coated broccoli florets out into single layer in air fryer basket or tray.
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Air fry for 7 to 10 minutes, turning once, until “tree” part of broccoli is turning light brown and crispy.
Notes:
- For a short cut, use bagged, pre-washed florets or purchase from the salad bar.
- Smaller florets will cook faster than large florets.
Nutrition:
- 120 cal, 8g fat, 25g carb, 3g fiber, 3g protein per serving
