Air Fryer Baby Broccoli
Updated Oct 18, 2026
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Air Fryer Baby Broccoli is a quick and easy side dish that’s ready in just 10 minutes.
Pair with a wide variety of main dishes such as One Pan Crispy Chicken Thighs with Lemon Couscous, Tomato Basil Shrimp Pasta, or Lemon Chicken Skewers with Red Onion.
🐝 Quick Look: Air Fryer Baby Broccoli
- What it is: Tender, lightly crispy baby broccoli seasoned with garlic and lemon, made quickly in the air fryer.
- Time: 3 minutes prep, 7 minutes cook, 10 minutes total.
- Servings: 4 (3-ounce servings)
- Main ingredients: Baby broccoli, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and kosher salt.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It takes 10 minutes: This is one of those side dishes you can throw together while your main dish, such as Creamy Orange Tomato Pasta, is cooking.
- The air fryer does the work: The stalks become tender while the little florets get browned and crispy around the edges. If you love air fryer recipes, try my Air Fryer Ponzu Salmon or Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken next!
- It’s easy to make your own: I keep it simple with lemon and garlic, but baby broccoli works well with all kinds of seasonings.
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
See the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients with exact quantities.
- Baby Broccoli: Also commonly sold as broccolini. Baby broccoli has long, tender stalks and small florets. I often buy it at Trader Joe’s, but you can find it at most well-stocked grocery stores. There’s no need to trim much beyond any dry ends before air frying.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the baby broccoli brown and crisp in the air fryer. Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil that you like the flavor of.
Tips and Substitutions
- Switch up the seasonings: The lemon and garlic version is my go-to, but you can easily change the flavors. Try adding red pepper flakes for heat, your favorite seasoning blend, or freshly grated Parmesan after cooking.
- Using regular broccoli: You can use broccoli florets instead of baby broccoli, but the cooking time may vary. Cut larger florets into similar-sized pieces and start checking them early.
- Adjust for your air fryer: Every air fryer cooks a little differently. Keep an eye on the florets as they cook and toss or turn the broccoli if you notice one side browning faster than the other.
How to Make Air Fryer Baby Broccoli
See the recipe card below for full instructions and exact amounts.
- Add the baby broccoli, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic powder to a bowl and toss to coat.
- Arrange the seasoned baby broccoli in an even layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry until the stalks are tender and the florets are lightly browned and crisp.
- Serve right away with an extra squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
Recipe FAQs
Baby broccoli is commonly sold as broccolini. It has long, tender stems and smaller florets than traditional broccoli, and you can cook and eat the stems along with the florets.
It depends on your air fryer. Some models preheat automatically or recommend preheating, while others don’t require it. Follow the instructions for your particular air fryer and keep an eye on the broccoli since cooking times can vary.
Yes. You can roast baby broccoli in a conventional oven using the same seasonings. I recommend starting around 400°F and roasting until the stalks are tender and the florets are browned and crisp. Keep in mind that the oven method will take longer than the air fryer.
Recommended Pairings
Air Fryer Baby Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Baby Broccoli
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Season the baby broccoli: Add the baby broccoli, olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt, and garlic powder to a large bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
- Air fry: Arrange the baby broccoli in the air fryer basket in an even layer. Air fry at 350°F for 7 minutes, checking halfway through to make sure it is cooking evenly and the florets aren't burning.
- Check and serve: The baby broccoli is done when the stalks are tender and the florets are lightly browned and crisp. Serve immediately with additional lemon juice to taste, if desired.
Notes
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the baby broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket so the hot air can circulate and the florets crisp up. Cook in batches if needed.
- Watch the Florets: The delicate florets can brown quickly, so check toward the end of cooking, especially if your air fryer runs hot.
- Cooking Time: Air fryer temperatures vary, and thicker stems may need an additional minute or two. Cook until the stems are tender and the florets are lightly crispy.
- Oven Option: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spread the seasoned baby broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 10–15 minutes, until the stems are tender and the florets are lightly crispy
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I make this air fryer baby broccoli all the time! It literally only takes a couple minutes to prepare and pairs perfectly with so many dishes.
This is a go-to side for me! End up making this a lot as its so quick, easy, and tasty!
Perfect, simple recipe.
So happy it worked out well for you! Thank you for leaving a review!