Air fryer broccoli with sesame
Air fry dry, evenly sized broccoli florets at 180°C / 355°F for 8–11 minutes. Shake and check the tips at 5 minutes. Add the soy-sesame finish after cooking.
Recipe draft · Not yet kitchen-tested. How we develop recipes.
Air fryer broccoli with sesame
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook / rest
- 10 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Serves
- 2
Ingredients
Use the listed quantities. Rice-cooker cups are 180 ml; spoon measurements are standard measuring spoons.
Method
- Wash broccoli and dry thoroughly. Cut large florets through the stem so the pieces are similar in size. Peel and slice the thick stalk if using it.
- Toss with neutral oil, salt, and garlic powder. Rub a little oil over dry-looking floret tips.
- Preheat to 180°C / 355°F if your machine requires it. Place broccoli in a loose single layer and air fry for 8–11 minutes.
- Shake at 5 minutes and inspect the tips. Remove smaller pieces if they are done early. The stems should be tender when pierced and the edges lightly browned.
- Transfer to a bowl. Toss with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds just before serving.
Cooking notes & substitutions
Even-sized florets are the key to getting tender stems before the tips become too dark. Add sesame oil after cooking for flavor, and keep the cooking coating simple. This is a side dish that fits naturally next to rice and tofu.
Dark tips, hard stems
Reduce the temperature slightly next time and cut the stems thinner. Very high heat can scorch the florets before the stalk softens.
Frozen broccoli
It releases more water and needs a different timing. This recipe is written for fresh florets.
Citrus variation
Replace soy sauce with a squeeze of lemon and adjust the salt. Add lemon after air frying.
Equipment for this recipe
A basket air fryer, mixing bowl, and tongs.
Best air fryer for beginners: choose the workflow
Questions before you cook
Do I need parchment?
No. An uncovered basket promotes airflow. Follow your appliance instructions if using any liner, and never preheat with loose paper.
Leftovers & food safety
Refrigerate leftovers promptly in shallow containers. Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F / 32°C. Reheat leftovers to 165°F / 74°C. Follow package instructions and use a thermometer where appropriate. USDA leftover guidance.
More air fryer recipes
Crispy air fryer tofu
Golden tofu cubes with a light cornstarch crust. Learn when to add the sauce and how to avoid a crowded air fryer basket.
Air fryer miso eggplant
Tender eggplant wedges with a miso glaze added late to avoid burning. A simple air fryer vegetable side.
Air fryer sweet potato cubes
Tender sweet potato cubes with browned edges, finished with sesame and a little soy. Includes size and batch guidance.