You won't believe how easy and delicious this Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower side dish is! It's super fast to make, is way more delicious than plain boiled or steamed and is so SO good that everyone will be coming back for seconds.
I love roasting veggies, but they can take AGES in the oven. Using the air fryer speeds up the process so you can have that great roasted flavour in minutes. You can make this super easy recipe any time of year, it's a great side to have on hand to serve up with pretty much any main meal. I like to serve it up with my favourite Mushroom Arancini for supper!
This air fryer method is also the way I use to prep my Vegan Cauliflower Cheese, because it eliminates the sogginess that you get when the cauliflower is boiled or steamed (eww). I adore using my air fryer for making mains and sides- this great Air Fryer Smashed Potato recipe is another I come back to over and over as well.
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🥦Ingredients
- Fresh Cauliflower - choose one that isn't blemished. You want a lovely fresh looking cauli! If there are any spots, just chop them off. You can also use the leaves to make crisps.
- Fresh Broccoli- Choose fresh and bouncy broccoli. Once it has started to go yellow it doesn't have the same flavour and nutrients.
- Olive Oil- the tiniest amount is needed.
- Salt- a little sprinkle of flakey sea salt.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
The great thing about this simple recipe is that it can be used as a basis for whatever flavours you like to serve. Just sprinkle some spices over before you cook.
- Chilli
- Lemon Slices
- Chilli flakes
- Smoked Paprika
- Pepper
You can also choose to use frozen broccoli and cauliflower- check out the FAQ below for more information.
See recipe card for quantities.
👩🍳Instructions
Simple steps for the perfect side dish!
Chop up the cauliflower and broccoli into evenly sized pieces so they all cook at roughly the same pace.
Put the pieces into the air fryer basket. Don't over crowd. Spritz or sprinkle some olive oil over and massage into the pieces. Sprinkle with salt and any seasonings you choose. Cook at 180C/ 356 F for 6-8 minutes according to how crispy you like them. .
Hint: Massaging a little oil all over the cauli and broccoli pieces ensure they get lovely crispy edges. Cook them a little longer if you want crispier veggies.
🌶Variations
There are so many delicious ways you could make this tasty side dish even tastier. . Use different spices to suit the cuisine you are serving. Just add the spices when cooking, or use extra flavours to finish off the broccoli and cauliflower when serving.
- Spicy -Add chilli powder or toss in a little hot sauce before you add
- Asian - sprinkle a little soy sauce over the veggies if you want a quick extra dish to serve with noodles or maybe some teriyaki tempeh and rice.
- For the Kiddos- serve a dip such as ketchup, hummus or ranch for them to dip the veggies into. You'll be surprised how many veggies they'll eat when they are seasoned and have dips!
- Tandoori- roll in some garam masala for a spicy healthy addition to a lovely curry.
- Middle Eastern- use my favourite Baharat spice to sprinkle over for an addictive veggie (extra delicious with hummus!)
- Parmesan crusted - Toss with some vegan parm just before serving. Or top with some of my favourite Pangritata . Delicious when serving up Italian food.
- Frozen Veggies: You can choose to use frozen broccoli and cauliflower. Cook it directly from frozen. It might cook a little faster so keep an eye on the air fryer.
🔪Equipment
This easy recipe is designed for an air fryer. I love my Ninja Foodie Grill and Air fryer, so can personally recommend that!
You will also need a sharp knife and a cutting board.
🥫Storage
This easy air fryer recipe is great for food prep. The pieces of cauliflower and broccoli will keep up to a week in an air tight container in the fridge. Add to salads, send to school with a dip as a great snack or use as a great veggie side for noodles or rice.
I don't recommend freezing this recipe.
❗Top tip
Air fryers vary, so the first time you make this recipe, check on the veggies after 3-5 minutes to see how quickly they are cooking. Toss a little so they cook evenly. You can adjust how crispy they are by cooking them a little longer too.
❓FAQ
Yes! It weirdly doesn't take as much time to cook as fresh,. Lay it out evenly and spritz with the oil and seasonings. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
Yes! It weirdly doesn't take as much time to cook as fresh,. Lay it out evenly and spritz with the oil and seasonings. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
You can choose to use no-oil. The veggies will char rather than go crispy but will still be tasty. Season in the same way.
I have found that they have a nice 'bite' to them when air fried, rather than being super soft. To me the flavour and texture is much nicer than steamed!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
Equipment
- Knife
Ingredients Note:
For accuracy, I measure all ingredients in metric as standard, then convert and test the recipe for American cup measurements etc.
(Heads up Aussie and UK readers- your measurements in cups are sometimes different, so please use metric or check you have the correct cup and spoon type!!)
Ingredients
- 180 g (2 cups) broccoli
- 180 g (2 cups) cauliflower`
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- flakey sea salt
- Optional seasonings (such as chilli powder, garam masala, vegan parmesan. See notes for ideas. )
Instructions
- Chop the broccoli and cauliflower into even pieces.
- Heat your air fryer to 180°C/ 356°F
- Sprinkle the cauliflower and broccoli with the olive oil, salt and any optional seasonings you have chosen
- Air fry for 5 -8 minutes, checking half way through.
- Extend the cooking time if you want extra crispy veggies.
- Serve warm or cold.
Notes
- Spicy -Add chilli powder or toss in a little hot sauce before you add
- Asian - sprinkle a little soy sauce over the veggies if you want a quick extra dish to serve with noodles or maybe some teriyaki tempeh and rice.
- For the Kiddos- serve a dip such as ketchup, hummus or ranch for them to dip the veggies into. You'll be surprised how many veggies they'll eat when they are seasoned and have dips!
- Tandoori- roll in some garam masala for a spicy healthy addition to a lovely curry.
- Middle Eastern- use my favourite Baharat spice to sprinkle over for an addictive veggie (extra delicious with hummus!)
- Parmesan crusted - Toss with some vegan parm just before serving. Or top with some of my favourite Pangritata . Delicious when serving up Italian food.
- Frozen Veggies: You can choose to use frozen broccoli and cauliflower. Cook it directly from frozen. It might cook a little faster so keep an eye on the air fryer.
Colleen says
The air fryer gets the broccoli and cauliflower tender without being mushy. And those crispy edges are the best! Highly recommend.
Stephanie says
These look great! I love how the air fryer makes short work of everything. And I have to admit, as soon as I saw the words "mushroom arancini" I headed over there for that recipe, too! Yum!
Tavo says
This was the perfect side dish for my pan-fried marinated tofu! I loved how crispy it turned out! Thanks for the recipe!
Holley says
Air Frying broccoli and cauliflower is my new way! Sooo much more flavor and great texture!
Tara says
We loved this tasty, healthy side dish! I love the variations, too. We will be trying the spicy version next!
Andrea says
Fantastic seasonings on this easy to make broccoli and cauliflower. A great side dish to go with any meal.
maryanne says
Such an easy, simple, and delicious veggie recipe! I sprinkled soy sauce on before serving, and couldn't get enough of them!