Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
Air fryer broccoli and cauliflower is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a delicious side dish in minutes. Whether you use fresh or frozen vegetables, this recipe comes together in just 10 minutes! The air fryer transforms simple broccoli and cauliflower into crispy, flavorful bites that are perfect as a side dish or for satisfying snacking.
If you love how quick and easy it is to make broccoli and cauliflower in the air fryer, you’ll definitely want to try my air fryer frozen green beans or air fryer frozen brussels sprouts recipes. They’re just as simple and delicious!
As a nutrition coach and former meal prep business owner, I create these quick air fryer recipes because I know firsthand how challenging it can be to get nourishing food on the table when you’re short on time. I’ve worked with hundreds of busy women who struggled with this exact problem, which is why I’m passionate about sharing these simple, nutritious recipes that fit into your hectic schedule.
Why you will love this recipe
- Easy to make – Just 1 minute to prep and the air fryer does all the work!
- Ready in 10 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknight meals or quick lunches.
- Simple ingredients – Uses basic pantry ingredients.
- Fits in most diets: Vegan, paleo, Whole30, low carb, gluten free and dairy free.
- Versatile – Customize with your favorite spices or sauces for endless variety.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower and broccoli – Use florets (fresh or pre-cut). You’ll need a small head of broccoli and half a small head of cauliflower.
- Olive oil – Helps spices stick to the vegetables.
- Spices – Salt, garlic powder, and za’atar (or Italian seasoning). Za’atar adds a smoky, savory flavor. Note: I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic to prevent burning.
How to make air fryer broccoli and cauliflower
Cut broccoli can cauliflower into small bites size pieces. Tip: broccoli cooks faster than cauliflower, so cut the cauliflower down into smaller pieces than the broccoli.
Add the cut cauliflower and broccoli to a bowl. Top with olive oil and spices. Stir well.
Add broccoli and cauliflower to the air fryer.
Cook at 360F for 10 minutes. After 7 minutes, pause the air fryer and shake the basket. Finish cooking for the remaining 3 minutes.
Top tips for perfect air fried broccoli and cauliflower
- Cut florets evenly – Make cauliflower pieces smaller than broccoli for even cooking.
- Use oil – Coat vegetables with olive or avocado oil to help spices stick and achieve crispy broccoli and caramelized cauliflower.
- Customize spices – Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings (see suggestions below).
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – Cook one 10-16 oz bag at a time. For larger portions, cook in batches or use the oven.
- Adjust timing – Cooking time may vary based on your air fryer model and size.
Flavor variations for air fryer cauliflower and broccoli
- Italian – replace za’atar with 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- Moroccan – omit za’atar. Add 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Herbs de provence – replace za’atar with 1 teaspoon herbs de provence
- Cajun – omit za’atar, add 1.5 tsp. cajun seasoning
- Sundried tomatoes – omit za’atar, use italian seasoning and 2 tablespoons chopped sundried tomatoes after cooking
- Pesto – omit za’atar, use italian seasoning. Add 2 tablespoons pesto after cooking
- Spicy – add 1/4-1/2 teasoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Smoky – add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or cumin
Make this a 20 Minute Meal
- Quick Protein & Veggies – Serve with buffalo skillet chicken and jasmine rice for a flavorful meal. Don’t forget the ranch dressing.
- Breakfast for Dinner – Serve with eggs and toast and dinner’s ready in 15 minutes
- Easy Pasta Night – toss these air fried veggies with pasta. Add your favorite creamy pasta sauce – I love lemon tahini sauce or white bean sauce
- Speedy Power Bowl – Serve with quinoa and pre-cooked lentils or white beans. Be sure to add a flavorful sauce like cilantro lime tahini sauce.
Common questions
Can you use frozen broccoli and cauliflower
Yes! You can use frozen broccoli and cauliflower.
- Break apart any frozen chunks. Use a knife to cut down large frozen florets
- Spray with olive or avocado oil and sprinkle the spices over top.
- Air fry at 390°F for 16-18 minutes
- Shake basket at 10 minutes
- Continue cooking 6+ minutes until done (keep an eye on this, the broccoli can start to burn). Remove any broccoli florets that get to charred.
Making larger portions in the oven
- Preheat to 400°F
- Toss vegetables with oil and seasonings
- Spread on parchment-lined baking sheet
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring at 15 minute mark so they cook evenly
What can I do with broccoli stems
Don’t toss them! Trim off any woody parts, cut into 1-inch pieces, and pulse in a food processor to make broccoli rice. Perfect for broccoli rice salads or any recipe using cauliflower rice.
Will the vegetables get crispy
The broccoli gets deliciously crispy on the outside, while the cauliflower becomes tender and flavorful. This combination creates the perfect mix of textures in one dish.
Storing and reheating
- Fridge – Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Reheating – Use the air fryer (375°F for 4-5 minutes) or microwave (1-2 minutes). Air fryer gives the best texture!
- Freezer – Not recommended unless using in soups or frittatas, as texture changes when defrosted.
Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 12 oz broccoli and cauliflower florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp za'atar seasoning
Instructions
- Cut the broccoli florets and cauliflower down into bite size pieces. Tip: Cut the cauliflower smaller than broccoli as the broccoli cooks faster.
- Add the broccoli and cauliflower florets to a bowl. Add olive oil and spices. Stir well.
- Add broccoli and cauliflower to air fryer basket.
- Turn to 360F for 10 minutes. After 7 minutes, pause the air fryer and shake the basket. Finish cooking then serve hot.
Equipment
Notes
- Cut cauliflower smaller than broccoli florets for even cooking
- Don’t skip the oil – it helps spices stick and creates the best texture
- Avoid overcrowding – use only one 10-16 oz bag per batch
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking
- For frozen vegetables, add 6-8 minutes to cooking time
- To check doneness, cauliflower should be tender and broccoli crispy
- Fridge: 3-4 days in airtight container
- Freezer: Not recommended unless using in soup or frittata.
- Reheating: Reheat in air fryer at 375F for 3-5 minutes or microwave 1-2 minutes until heated through.
