Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower

Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower is a quick and healthy side dish to pair with almost any meal. The veggies are coated in olive oil, seasonings and a touch of lemon juice that brings a subtle brightness to the dish. It's so easy to make and you can have it ready for dinner in under 15 minutes!

These air fried vegetables make the perfect side dish trio with my healthier garlic bread and my creamy dairy-free mashed potatoes.

Jump to:

• ❤️Why You'll Love Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
• 👍Why this Recipe Works
• 📝Ingredient Notes
• 🔪Instructions
• 🧄Substitutions
• 🥣Equipment
• ✅Pro Tips
• 🧊Storing
• 🔥Oven Method
• ⁉️Frequently Asked Questions
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

❤️Why You'll Love Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower

• It's good for you. To name a few benefits, broccoli and cauliflower are rich in antioxidants, high in fiber and heart healthy.
• It's low carb and low calorie.
• You can make it ahead of time and even meal prep it for your lunches and dinners.
• The taste is incredible! You get the perfect blend of spices with a bright and refreshing bite from the hint of lemon juice. The blend of flavors and perfect crispiness is what makes this recipe the best!

👍Why this Recipe Works

• Broccoli and cauliflower cook really nicely in the air fryer together. You don't have to cook them separately.
• It's quick to make. You can have a batch ready in less than 15 minutes.
• You don't have turn the oven on!

📝Ingredient Notes

Broccoli and cauliflower: For convenience, I use pre-chopped broccoli and cauliflower. You don't have to do this. Using a head of broccoli and cauliflower to chop yourself is perfectly okay. Just don't leave too much stem on the pieces. Regardless of if you used pre-chopped or not, make sure the floret pieces are about the same size. This will help ensure even cooking.

Paprika: I use smoked sweet paprika. The brand is by La Chinata. I prefer to use this paprika because it has a much better flavor profile than the regular. Fun fact: Gordon Ramsay uses this paprika too! Which is partly why it's my go to choice! You can most definitely use any classic paprika spice you have, but if you'd like to purchase the one I use, I'll link it down below.

🔪Instructions

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice and seasonings.

In a large mixing bowl (preferably one with a lid, but it's not totally necessary), add in the chopped broccoli and cauliflower florets. Make sure the florets are all about the same size.

Pour the oil mixture over the broccoli and cauliflower. If you have a lid, place it on the bowl and shake well to combine. If your bowl does not have a lid, set a plate on top of the bowl and, while firmly holding the plate and bowl pushed together, carefully shake to evenly combine.

In the basket of an air fryer, place the florets in an even layer, without overcrowding with too many pieces. I have to do this in about 2 batches with my air fryer.

Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for about 8 to 9 minutes. Stop and toss the florets halfway through cooking (at about 4 minutes in). When you make your second batch, if your air fryer is still hot, you may not cook it for a full 8 to 9 minutes. Toss the florets at about 3 minutes in and then check on it at about 6 to 7 minutes in, then cook longer to your liking.

🧄Substitutions

Broccoli: If you don't want to use broccoli, just use extra cauliflower.

Cauliflower: In place of the cauliflower, use extra broccoli.

🥣Equipment

• Air fryer: I use a Ninja Foodie to air fry.

• Mixing bowls (preferably with a lid).

✅Pro Tips

• If you're chopping the broccoli and cauliflower yourself, make sure they are the same size pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Make sure everything is mixed evenly.
• Do not overcrowd air fryer by putting too many pieces of vegetables in. If needed, split it into separate batches.
• If you cook in batches, be careful when placing the broccoli and cauliflower into a hot air fryer. It won't take as long to cook if they are going into a hot unit.
• Toss the pieces around halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and that it's not sticking to the fryer.
• Poke the veggies with a fork to check tenderness.
• When your air fryer goes off, leaving the florets in the air fryer with the lid/door of the fryer closed will extend the cooking time since the air fryer is still very hot. Forgetting to open the door/lid could lead to burnt vegetables.

🧊Storing

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Set the air fryer to 400 degrees and cook for about 3 minutes or until completely heated and warmed. You can also microwave until warmed if desired.

Freezing: Put the vegetables in an airtight, freezer safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat frozen broccoli and cauliflower, set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for about 5 minutes or until completely warmed. Freezing the veggies will result in a different texture once reheated. They won't be as crispy as fresh vegetables.

Make ahead of time: Make it ahead of time to meal prep for the week ahead. Just follow the bolded reheating instructions above.

🔥Oven Method

If you want to make this recipe in the oven, preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then spray a baking sheet with oil and toss the seasoned veggies on the pan. Cook for about 25 to 30 minutes and toss the vegetables halfway through to help keep them from sticking to the pan.

⁉️Frequently Asked Questions

⭐️Before you go! If you enjoyed this recipe for my Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower, leave a review and comment down below to share it with me! I love to hear from you. Also, if you aren't following me on Instagram, search @thedairyfreemenu for some more cooking inspiration!

📖 Recipe

Note: The nutrition label is just an estimate. Amounts may vary.