This quick and easy air fryer broccoli and cauliflower is crispy, tender, and ready in under 15 minutes. Top it off with Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice. No need to wait for the oven to preheat—this healthy side dish is a breeze!
Easiest air fryer broccoli and cauliflower recipe
I love roasted cauliflower and broccoli, but I never have time to wait 45 minutes for it to roast in the oven! That is why I am so excited to share this 15-minute tender and crispy air fryer broccoli and cauliflower recipe -- it tastes as if we roasted it in the oven, but it is crisper and faster to make!
Air-frying vegetables are the perfect way to speed up cooking while enjoying your favorite flavors. Our favorites are this air fryer broccolini, air-fried parmesan zucchini, and these air fryer butternut squash cubes. Air frying magically makes veggies crispy and tender in minutes.
This air fryer broccoli and cauliflower is the ideal side dish for any dinner! It is garlic-flavored, tender on the inside, and slightly crunchy and crisp on the outside -- actually addictive! Your kids will love it, and everyone will ask for more. I love it with these simple air fryer chicken thighs.
From start to finish, you'll be in and out of the kitchen in under 20 minutes! So easy.
Why you'll love this air fryer recipe:
- Crispy & Tender: The cauliflower and broccoli florets are tender and crispy.
- 15 Minutes: This side dish comes together in minutes!
- 4 Ingredients: So simple and straightforward.
- Healthy: While still being super flavorful.
- Diet Friendly: This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
- Kid-Approved: Everyone (even picky eaters) will love this recipe.
- No Oven: You'll be done cooking this recipe in 15 minutes.
- Try these crispy air fryer green beans next!
Ingredients needed
This air fryer side dish has four super simple ingredients and some seasonings. Here is a list of ingredients so you have every prepared:
- Cauliflower: Cut one small head into small-to-medium florets. Once air-fried, cauliflower becomes tender on the inside with crispy edges.
- Broccoli: Use one medium head and cut it into medium-sized florets. Season and air fry for crispy perfection.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Essential for crispiness. Use 2 tablespoons to avoid broccoli burning.
- Garlic Powder: Add one teaspoon for a delicious flavor boost. Adjust for preference.
- Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning.
- Optional Garnishes: After air frying, consider fresh lemon juice, parmesan cheese, or red chili flakes for extra flair.
Kitchen tools needed
This is the easiest broccoli and cauliflower recipe! You need a mixing bowl, some measuring cups, and an air fryer. Here is a list:
- Air Fryer
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Tools: ½ teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, and 1 Tablespoon.
How to make crispy air fryer broccoli and cauliflower
This air fryer broccoli and cauliflower recipe is easy to make in 15 minutes! We start by seasoning the florets in a mixing bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; then, we air fry them to tender and crispy perfection. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions for any level cook:
Step 1:
Preheat the air fryer to 370°F and lightly grease the basket with non-stick olive oil spray.
Step 2:
Toss cauliflower and broccoli florets in a mixing bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the cauliflower florets are smaller than the broccoli, as cauliflower takes longer to cook.
Step 3:
Add the seasoned florets to the preheated air fryer and cook for 11 - 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 3 - 4 minutes for even cooking. Since all air fryers are different, check at the 11-minute mark to determine if the vegetables are ready.
Step 4:
Once cooked to your desired crispiness, remove from the air fryer.
Serve immediately, squeezing fresh lemon over the cauliflower and broccoli for added brightness. You can also garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese or red chili flakes, according to your preferences. Enjoy!
Expert recipe tips:
- Floret Size Matters: Ensure cauliflower florets are smaller than broccoli for even cooking in 15 minutes; cauliflower takes longer to air fry.
- Don't Skimp on Olive Oil: Use olive oil to prevent burning and ensure tender cauliflower. Add an extra tablespoon for crisper results in both broccoli and cauliflower.
- No Frozen Veggies: Avoid using frozen cauliflower or broccoli florets because they will get soggy. Opt for fresh broccoli and cauliflower for the best texture and results.
- Shake It Up: Shake the basket every 3-4 minutes for uniform cooking. Prevent uneven textures – crispy on one side and raw on the other.
- Batch Cooking: Cook in batches if the air fryer basket is small. Avoid piling cauliflower and broccoli for proper cooking; give them enough space.
Serving suggestions:
The sky is the limit for what you can serve with air fryer broccoli and cauliflower. I love adding fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Feel free to add some red chili flakes if you want a spicer side dish.
Here are a few ideas of what dishes pair well with air fryer cauliflower and broccoli:
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with your preferred dipping sauce like garlic aioli or barbecue.
- Meatballs: try these Zucchini Turkey Meatballs or these Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs.
- Chicken: We love these Air Fryer Skinless Chicken Thighs, Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash, Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets, and Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast!
- Salad: Toss with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a salad.
- Buddha Bowl: Assemble a Buddha bowl with various veggies and a protein source. We love these teriyaki salmon buddha bowls.
- Hearier Dishes: Like this chicken penne alla vodka, sweet potato shepherd's pie, or chicken pad thai.
- Soup: Your favorites are this tomato soup, pumpkin sweet potato soup, and carrot and butternut squash soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower for this recipe?
I do not reccomend using frozen broccoli or cauliflower for this air fryer recipe. I have tested it and was not pleased with the results. The frozen vegetables will be softer and can get mushy.
What other seasonings can I add for variety?
For a different flavor profile, experiment with seasonings like paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning. Customize it to suit your taste preferences.
Is this recipe vegan?
This air fryer broccoli and cauliflower is a vegan recipe as long as you don't ad parmesan cheese at the end.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge for meal prep. Check out the instructions below!
How to store leftover broccoli and cauliflower:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you loved this recipe, try these next!
- Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
- Air Fried Parmesan Zucchini
- Air Fryer Baby Carrots
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash Cubes
- Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into small-to-medium florets
- 1 medium head of broccoli, cut into medium florets
- 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, for serving
- Optional Garnishes: freshly grated parmesan cheese or 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F and lightly grease the basket with non-stick olive oil spray.
- Toss cauliflower and broccoli florets in a mixing bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cauliflower takes longer to cook, so make sure the florets are smaller than the broccoli.
- Add the seasoned florets to the preheated air fryer and cook for 11 - 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 3 - 4 minutes for even cooking. Since every air fryer is different, check at the 11-minute mark to determine if the vegetables are ready.
- Serve immediately, squeezing fresh lemon over the cauliflower and broccoli for added brightness. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese or red chili flakes according to your taste preferences.
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
Sharing is caring!
Ashley says
Delicious! Really crisped up and the flavor was nice.