This is the absolute best way to quickly steam broccoli that is full of flavor and packed with nutrients. To add some extra flavor to this quick and easy side dish, you can sprinkle the cooked broccoli with some freshly grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, black pepper and lemon pepper. Your family will love this classic and healthy side that is ready in an instant.

WHAT IS INSTANT POT BROCCOLI?

Fresh broccoli florets are pressure cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. This delicious and easy veggie side dish is ready in only 1 minute and compliments most meat, fish and seafood dishes.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love cooking vegetables in the Instant Pot then you’ll love our Instant Pot Black Beans. Great for meal-prep or batch cooking, made from scratch black beans are so delicious and easy, you just might want to kiss canned beans goodbye.

Instructions

This section shows how to cook fresh broccoli in the Instant Pot pressure cooker, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

COOK: After adding the broccoli, close the pressure cooker lid and lock. Next, turn the vent to sealing position, set to high pressure cooking and cook for 1 minute. After the cooking is done, carefully do a quick pressure release by turning the pressure valve to venting position.

SERVE: Finally, once all the steam is vented, open the lid, remove the broccoli and serve.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love everything broccoli then you’ll love Stef’s Beef and Broccoli. This take-out favorite combines tender meat and fresh broccoli with a full-flavored sauce that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

How To Store

Refrigerate: Instant Pot broccoli tastes best fresh right out of the pot. In case you have any leftovers you can store them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Moreover, you can freeze leftover broccoli in a freezer safe container or ziplock freezer bag for up to a month.

Defrosting: Thaw in the fridge overnight, or put the frozen broccoli on the counter until it reaches room temperature. Then pop it into the microwave until hot, about 1 -1 ½ minutes. The texture of defrosted broccoli might be slightly softer and soggier compared to freshly cooked broccoli.

How To Reheat

Place the broccoli on a microwave safe plate, cover it with a paper towel and put it into the microwave for 1-1 ½ minutes, depending on your machine.

Common Questions

POSSIBLE VARIATIONS

• PARMESAN CHEESE – Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese right when you remove the broccoli from the air fryer. The recipe will no longer be dairy free though.

• SEASONINGS: Get creative with your favorite seasonings. Try chili powder, cumin, curry powder, parsley or anything you like. If you use fresh minced garlic, don’t add it until the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

• AIR FRYER BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON – Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, these roasted Brussels sprouts are full of flavor.

• AIR FRYER CAULIFLOWER – You can use different colored cauliflower to make this delicious roasted vegetable dish a real showstopper.

AIR FRYER BROCCOLI INGREDIENTS

You may have all of these air fryer roasted broccoli ingredients in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store. See recipe card below for ingredient amounts.

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• Broccoli: Use bright green broccoli with no dark spots on it. When you trim the broccoli into florets, make sure you get them equally sized to cook evenly.
• Oil: Use an oil that can be cooked at high heat. We like cooking with avocado oil, but peanut oil, canola oil or sunflower oil would be other possible choices.
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and Pepper
• Water

INSTRUCTIONS

If you’d like to print this recipe, scroll down to the recipe card where you can print the recipe or have it scaled to double or triple. You’ll also find nutrition information.

Jump to Recipe

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED:

TOSS WITH SPICES: In a large bowl, toss broccoli florets with oil, garlic powder, pepper, onion powder and salt.

AIR FRY: Cook at 400ºF for 6 minutes.

REMOVE AND SERVE: Remove from the air fryer. Toss and serve.

OPTIONAL: When the broccoli is done, sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese or drizzle with lemon juice.

STORAGE TIPS

Refrigerate: Air fryer roasted broccoli tastes best fresh right out of the air fryer. If you have any leftovers you can store them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat: To reheat these roasted vegetables, place them on a microwave safe plate, cover them with a paper towel and put them into the microwave for 1-1 ½ minutes, depending on your machine.

Freeze: Although we do recommend eating air fryer broccoli right when it is fresh, you can also freeze it in an airtight container or ziplock freezer bag for up to a month.

Defrosting: To defrost, put the frozen broccoli on the counter until it reaches room temperature and then pop it into the microwave until hot, about 1 -1 ½ minutes. The texture of defrosted broccoli might be slightly softer and soggier compared to freshly cooked broccoli.

RELATED RECIPES

While we love this air fryer broccoli side dish we also love some of these other recipes and think you will as well.

• BEETS COOKED IN THE AIR FRYER – These nutritious and yummy roasted vegetables are slightly sweet and will make the perfect side dish for roasted meat.

• AIR FRYER BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON – Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these roasted Brussels sprouts are full of flavor.

• AIR FRYER GREEN BEANS – A quick and easy way to cook tender and delicious green beans. A classic American side that goes with almost everything.

• PARMESAN ROASTED BROCCOLI – Everyone will love this oven roasted broccoli seasoned with just the right blend of spices and fresh parmesan cheese.

• BEEF AND BROCCOLI – Covered in a sweet and savory sauce, these seared beef strips and crispy bites of broccoli will definitely satisfy your take-out cravings.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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