Air Fryer Garlic Parm Broccoli
There’s something so comforting about finding a side dish that your whole family genuinely loves—especially when it’s also incredibly easy and healthy. That’s exactly what happened with this Air Fryer Garlic Parm Broccoli. One night, in the middle of prepping dinner with very little time and even less motivation, I tossed some broccoli florets into the air fryer, sprinkled them with garlic, a dash of olive oil, and finished with a generous dusting of grated Parmesan. The result? Pure magic.
This recipe became an instant favorite. The broccoli comes out perfectly roasted with just the right amount of crispy edges and tender bites. The garlic gives it that warm, savory kick, and the Parmesan? It seals the deal. Even my picky eaters who normally avoid anything green were going back for seconds. I knew we had a keeper.
Now I make this several times a week—whether we’re having pasta, grilled chicken, or just need a quick snack. It’s my go-to when I want something fast, flavorful, and a little fancy without putting in the effort. Plus, I love knowing it’s packed with nutrients but still feels like comfort food. That’s a rare combo in my book!
I can honestly say I’ve tried a lot of broccoli recipes, but none have won my family over quite like this one. It’s simple, stress-free, and always a hit at the table—what more could a busy mom ask for?
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, but I recommend thawing and patting it dry first. Frozen broccoli can release more moisture, which might affect how crispy it gets.
How do I make it even crispier?
Make sure your florets are evenly spaced in the air fryer basket—crowding them causes steaming instead of crisping. A light spray of oil helps, too.
What kind of Parmesan works best?
Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and melts beautifully. Pre-shredded will work, but skip the powdered kind from the canister.
How long does it take in the air fryer?
It usually takes 8–10 minutes at 375°F, depending on how crispy you like it and the size of your florets.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The garlic and Parmesan combo is a huge hit with kids, and the crispy texture makes it fun to eat—even for the veggie-averse.
What You Need to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parm Broccoli
Ingredients:
4 cups broccoli florets (fresh, trimmed into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: extra Parmesan for serving
Special Equipment:
Air fryer
Mixing bowl
Tongs or spoon for tossing
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parm Broccoli
Prep the Broccoli: Wash and dry the broccoli florets thoroughly. If they’re still damp, they won’t crisp up as nicely.
Season: In a large mixing bowl, toss the florets with olive oil, minced garlic (or garlic powder), salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Spread the broccoli in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.
Add Cheese: As soon as the broccoli comes out of the air fryer, sprinkle it with the grated Parmesan while it’s still hot so the cheese sticks and slightly melts.
Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with a little more Parmesan if desired, and enjoy immediately!
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Garlic Parm Broccoli
Dry your broccoli well before tossing it in oil. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. If you’re making a large batch, cook it in two rounds for best results.
Adjust garlic to taste. If you love garlic, go for fresh minced. For a subtler flavor, garlic powder does the trick.
Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the seasoning.
Make it vegan by skipping the Parmesan or subbing with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This was a game-changer! My kids actually asked for seconds. I’ll never make broccoli any other way again.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Super easy and flavorful. I did add a little extra garlic because we’re garlic lovers here!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect for busy weeknights! Took less than 15 minutes start to finish. Added this to our regular meal rotation.”
⭐⭐⭐ “It was good, but I think I crowded my air fryer a bit. Next time I’ll try smaller batches for crispier results.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “SO GOOD. Even my husband, who usually avoids broccoli, said it was amazing. Saving this one forever!”
Printable Recipe
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Air Fryer Garlic Parm Broccoli
Crispy, savory, and bursting with flavor, this Air Fryer Garlic Parm Broccoli is the perfect side dish or snack for busy families. With just a few pantry staples and less than 15 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have golden roasted broccoli with garlicky goodness and a cheesy finish that even picky eaters will devour. Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even as a nutritious snack!
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh, trimmed into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: extra Parmesan for serving
- Special Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or spoon for tossing
Instructions
- Prep the Broccoli: Wash and dry the broccoli florets thoroughly. If they're still damp, they won’t crisp up as nicely.
- Season: In a large mixing bowl, toss the florets with olive oil, minced garlic (or garlic powder), salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Spread the broccoli in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Add Cheese: As soon as the broccoli comes out of the air fryer, sprinkle it with the grated Parmesan while it's still hot so the cheese sticks and slightly melts.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with a little more Parmesan if desired, and enjoy immediately!
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