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    Urban Bliss Life » Blog » Air Fryer Broccoli (Ninja Foodi)

    Published: March 1, 2021 / Updated: March 9, 2021 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Air Fryer Broccoli (Ninja Foodi)

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    broccoli in the Ninja Foodi with text for Pinterest
    air fryer broccoli with text for Pinterest

    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!

    air fryer broccoli

    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

    bowl 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

    broccoli in the Ninja Foodi

    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

    broccoli with pasta and shredded chicken
    A light lunch of shredded salsa chicken, pasta, and 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

    • lobster tail with lemon, asparagus, white wine on red and white cloth Air Fryer Lobster Tails
    • feature photo if air fryer paprika chicken Air Fryer Paprika Chicken
    • air fryer donuts Easy Air Fryer Donuts
    • air fryer crispy bacon Air Fryer Crispy Bacon
    • crispy air fryer chicken wings in a bowl with towel Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
    • air fryer popcorn chicken in bowl with two sauces Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken: Make Once, Eat Twice Recipe

    air fryer broccoli on plate with pasta.

    Air Fryer Broccoli (Ninja Foodi Broccoli)

    5 from 10 votes
    Prep Time: 5 mins
    Cook Time: 10 mins
    Total Time: 15 mins
    Recipe by Marlynn Schotland
    Making broccoli in the air fryer produces a delicious, crispy, nutritious side dish to go with any meal!
    Servings: 4 side dish servings
    Calories: 85kcal
    PRINT PIN RATE

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients

    • 1 large head of broccoli, chopped about 3 cups
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • cooking spray, optional
    • 1 lemon wedge, optional

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl, mix together the broccoli, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
    • Optional: lightly spray air fryer tray or Ninja Foodi Cook & Crisp Basket with avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. See notes below.
    • 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 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.
    • When cooking is done, transfer broccoli to a plate and serve immediately.

    Notes

    Olive oil & cooking spray: I have found that the olive oil used to coat the broccoli during the seasoning portion is enough to keep the broccoli from sticking to my Ninja Foodi Cook & Crisp Basket. However, if you are worried about food sticking to your air fryer tray or basket, you may choose to lightly spray a non-aerosol cooking spray on your air fryer tray or basket before adding the broccoli. You could use coconut oil, avocado oil, or olive oil spray.
    For crispier broccoli: after the initial 10 minutes is up, continue to air fry in increments of 1 minute, until the broccoli reaches your desired level of crispness.
     
     
     
    Tried this recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment! Then snap a pic of your dish and share it on social media. Tag @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 85kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 341mg | Potassium: 488mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 948IU | Vitamin C: 136mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.

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    air fryer broccoli with text for Pinterest
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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Kathryn says

        March 04, 2021 at 4:27 pm

        5 stars
        I love this broccoli and how crispy it turns out. Thank you so much for the recipe!

        Reply
      2. Chichi | AirFryerYum.com says

        March 04, 2021 at 4:03 pm

        5 stars
        Love air fryer veggies! Your broccoli looks beautiful air fried. Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
      3. Jenn says

        March 04, 2021 at 3:59 pm

        5 stars
        I love the addition of garlic in this recipe - it really adds to the flavor! A keeper I'll be making again and again.

        Reply
      4. rika says

        March 04, 2021 at 2:51 pm

        5 stars
        I love my Ninja Foodi. This air fryer broccoli is so quick and easy to make. Such a healthy side dish.

        Reply
      5. Alison says

        March 04, 2021 at 2:36 pm

        5 stars
        I love making broccoli in the air fryer! So simple. Your flavor combinations are spot on!

        Reply

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      Marlynn Jayme Schotland 2021 profile pic

      Hi! Thanks for stopping by! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. Here you'll find my fast, easy, and delicious recipes, wine pairings, and travel guides. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

      More about me →

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