Air Fryer Broccoli (Ninja Foodi)

Air Fryer Broccoli is a quick, easy, nutritious side dish. With the Ninja Foodi or an air fryer, you can whip up delicious, healthy food in minutes!

Are you looking for healthier dishes to cook in your air fryer?

Sure, we love our Ninja Foodi and our tray-style air fryer for crisping up food that’s normally fried. These multi-cookers and air fryers do an amazing job developing robust flavors and crispy crunchy textures with Crispy Paprika Chicken, Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Rolls, and Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken without frying them in oil.

But did you also know how amazing the Ninja Foodi and other air fryers are at crisping up your favorite veggies?

Health benefits of broccoli

Broccoli is one of the easiest vegetables to prepare, in my opinion. And, it’s so good for you!

Known for being a Super Food, broccoli is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that help support good health. Broccoli is low in calories, and a good source of fiber and protein. These cruciferous green plants that are part of the cabbage family also contain:

• iron
• potassium
• calcium
• magnesium
• selenium
• vitamins A, C, E, K
• several B vitamins, including folic acid.

Ninja Foodi Broccoli

Some people like to steam their broccoli. Personally, I prefer to air fry broccoli. I prefer the crunch and flavor that’s infused into the greens that comes from air frying.

Do you have a Ninja Foodi? I have the 8-quart XL Deluxe Ninja Foodi and love it. You can also make this recipe in a tray-style air fryer or a basket-style air fryer.

Making broccoli in the Ninja Foodi or air fryer is so simple.

Full ingredient measurements and cooking instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Preheat the Ninja Foodi or air fryer for 5 minutes.
• While it’s preheating, chop the broccoli florets from the stems. Save the stems for stock or other dishes. In a large bowl, mix together the broccoli, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• I find that the olive oil coating on the broccoli is usually enough to keep the broccoli from sticking to the basket. However, you can also lightly spray your air fryer tray or Ninja Foodi Cook & Crisp Basket with avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil.
• Place seasoned broccoli on the tray or into the Ninja Foodi Cook & Crisp Basket in an even single layer.
• Air fry or air crisp at 390°F for 10 minutes, or until the broccoli reaches your desired crispness. Halfway through the cooking time, at 5 minutes, lightly toss the broccoli or shake the basket to help ensure even air frying. Return to the air fryer or Ninja Foodi and resume cooking until the broccoli reaches your preferred level of crispness.
• When cooking is done, transfer broccoli to a plate and serve immediately.

The end result is broccoli that is full of flavor with a nice crispness to every bite.

Main Dishes to Serve with Air Fryer Broccoli

• Creamy Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese
• Air Fryer Paprika Chicken
• Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo
• Air Fryer Lobster Tail

Storage and reheating

Allow cooked broccoli to cool at room temperature. Then transfer broccoli to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days, or in the freezer for up to two months.

To reheat: Toss refrigerated or thawed frozen broccoli with some olive oil, then air fry at 380°F for 3 to 4 minutes.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Lobster Tails
• Air Fryer Paprika Chicken
• Easy Air Fryer Donuts
• Air Fryer Crispy Bacon
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

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