Easy and Healthy Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower Recipe (for 2)
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If you are looking for a quick, healthy veggie side that actually tastes good, this air fryer broccoli and cauliflower is crispy, flavorful, and ready in under 15 minutes—no oven, no fuss. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something simple, nutritious, and delicious. With just a few ingredients and almost no cleanup, this one’s a keeper for any night of the week.
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What you will need
Ingredient List
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How to make air fryer broccoli and cauliflower
Prepare: Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces about 2 inches in size. Trim the cauliflower into slightly smaller florets around 1 to 1 – 1 /2 inches so they cook evenly. Mince the garlic, measure the olive oil and preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
STEP 1: In a large bowl, toss the broccoli, cauliflower in olive oil.
STEP 2: Place the broccoli florets and cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket or air fryer tray leaving a enough space between pieces so that air can circulate around them.
STEP 3: Air fry the broccoli and cauliflower for 8 minutes. Remove the basket or tray, shake it and add the chopped garlic. Cook for two minutes longer.
Helpful tips for making this recipe
- Save time with precut veggies: Grab a bag of pre-chopped broccoli and cauliflower to make this recipe even quicker.
- Size matters: Cut the cauliflower slightly smaller than the broccoli. It takes a bit longer to cook, so smaller pieces help everything crisp up evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Spread the veggies in a single layer with space in between. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
- Shake halfway through: For even browning and crisp edges, give the air fryer basket a good shake halfway through cooking.
Be sure to check out the full recipe below
What to serve with air fryer broccoli and cauliflower
This recipe tastes great garnished with a sprinkle of black pepper, a splash of lemon juice or lemon zest as a side with grilled chicken, pork, beef or stuffed zucchini with ground beef.
It can also be tossed into a bowl of pasta with pesto sauce , Asian chicken pasta salad or used for meal prep in salads with shredded chicken or served as a topper to baked potatoes with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese.
Recipe variations
Spicy – Just before serving, toss in red pepper flakes to taste.
Add Cheese – Add 1/8 to 1/4 cup of shredded parmesan or cheddar cheese during the last two minutes of cooking.
Pesto – Toss the vegetables in up to a tablespoon of garlic pesto sauce just before serving.
Need help making veggies more exciting?
This guide has flavor tips and simple techniques to make any vegetable delicious.
How to store and use leftovers
Store leftover air fryer broccoli and cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
They’re just as tasty the next day—enjoy them straight from the fridge as a snack, toss them into a salad, or stir into cooked grains or pasta for a quick and healthy lunch.
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Recipe FAQs
Yes! Roast the broccoli and cauliflower on a sheet pan at 425°F for about 20–25 minutes. Flip halfway through to get that same crispy-tender texture.
Yes, you can! Chop the vegetables up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. For best results wait to season and cook them until you are ready to eat.
Of course! Bell peppers, zucchini or even thin carrot slices work well.
Have you Tried These Air Fryer Recipes?
- Air Fryer Avocado Fries
- Air Fryer Cornbread with Jalapenos
- Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
- Easy Air Fryer Falafel
- Air Fryer Potato Chips
- Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips
- Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
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Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 5 ounces of broccoli florets
- 5 ounces of cauliflower florets about a half a head
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: chop the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in size. Chop the broccoli into larger pieces that are about 2 inches in size and chop the garlic.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- Place the broccoli, cauliflower and olive oil into a large bowl and use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix the oil into the vegetables until they are coated with the oil.
- Arrange the vegetable pieces onto an air fryer tray or basket, and place them into the preheated air fryer.
- Cook for 8 minutes, shake the basket or tray and add the chopped garlic. At this point you can remove any broccoli pieces that are turning brown.
- Return the vegetables to the air fryer and cook for 2 minutes longer.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
This looks so tasty and healthy! And I have both vegetables in my fridge right now!
This is a very healthy side! My favorite veggies in my favorite way! Simply amazing!