Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli with Easy Garlic Aioli

This Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli is the best and easiest side dish! Paired with a super fast and easy garlic aioli, this classic green veggie will become your favorite in no time! No air fryer? No worries! I’ve included oven roasting directions as well.

This recipe was made in partnership with Ninja Foodi Deluxe Pressure Cooker! Thank you for continuing to support the brands that make OBB possible! 

I think I’ve said many times before here on Our Balanced Bowl that broccoli is my all time favorite vegetable. I just love how versatile it is. You can eat it in a baked quiche, roasted, sauteed, steamed, or raw with ranch dressing!! Heck, you can even throw it on a pizza if you’re feeling crazy! 

I wanted to share with y’all a super quick and easy side dish that I love. Y’all know there is always someone who wants something green on the dinner table. A salad, a veggie tray…or for me, this Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli! Especially paired with the most amazing delicious garlic aioli! 

I loved how easy the air frying method was. I used the new Ninja Foodi Deluxe Pressure Cooker which also has a crisper (aka air fryer) on top! They generously gifted me this product and I’ve been obsessed with it! You can cook a whole 7 lb chicken in it, y’all! I love the crisper and how amazingly crisp (for lack of better word lol) it makes everything you put in it! It’s like magic!

So what makes this broccoli recipe different? It gets SO super crispy! You slice the broccoli into large chunks – similar to my Roasted Cauliflower Steaks – and then you just place them in the air fryer, do some errands around the house and boom – it’s done! 

The broccoli is SO crunchy on top yet the long stems remain juicy and delicious! Then you proceed to smother it with that amazing garlic aioli I was telling you about…

If you didn’t know, aioli is basically a fancy way of saying “mayonnaise sauce” Ha! It is comprised of full fat mayo (a high quality kind is recommended), mixed with finely minced garlic, lemon and salt and pepper to taste. It’s tangy, creamy and the perfect addition to the crunchy broccoli! 

So let’s get into how to make this (I also provide an oven roasting method!)

Ingredients You Need for Crispy Air Fried Broccoli with Easy Garlic Aioli:

• broccoli 
• olive oil 
• salt + pepper 
• full fat mayonnaise 
• juice of ½ a lemon 
• finely minced garlic 
• red pepper flakes (for garnish if desired) 

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli with Easy Garlic Aioli:

Slice your broccoli into large chunks – I left the stems pretty long to make sure they wouldn’t break apart. Feel free to slice the broccoli into smaller pieces. I preferred the large pieces because they made the dish feel like more of a “centerpiece” veggie side. 

In a large bowl, gently drizzle the broccoli with 1 tbsp of olive oil and add salt and pepper to taste. Combine to make sure the broccoli is coated. 

Add the broccoli to the air fryer. Place at 390 for 15 minutes – tossing halfway through. 

Let it crisp and while it’s doing so, make the aioli! Finely mince 5 cloves of garlic and set them aside. 

In a medium size bowl, combine mayonnaise, juice of ½ lemon, the minced garlic. Mix and taste. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix again. If too thick, add a splash of water and mix. Place in the fridge. 

By now, your broccoli should be super duper crispy and done! Woo! Now, place on a serving platter or large plate. Generously drizzle the garlic aioli on top. Garnish with red pepper flakes or flaky sea salt. YUM! 

Oven Roasting Method: 

Don’t have an Ninja Foodi Deluxe yet? No air fryer? No worries! For this method, you’re going to want to grab a large sheet pan. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Similar to last time, add the cut broccoli to a large bowl. Add 2-3 tbsp of olive oil this time, as well as salt and pepper to taste. Mix to make sure the broccoli is evenly coated and then place it on the baking sheet – making sure they aren’t touching each other.

Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Garnish with the aioli! 

Overall, I have to say, if I had this Crispy Air Fried Broccoli at my dinner table, I would be that person who wanted something green every year. What about you?! Hope you try this and enjoy it, my friends! 

Did you enjoy this recipe? Here are some other recipes you might like: 

Broccoli Cheddar Quiche with Bacon 

Butternut Squash Mashed Potatoes 

Sourdough Cranberry Walnut Stuffing 

Thank you so much for following along here, friends! Want to see more? Be sure to follow ourbalancedbowl on Instagram and tag me with your photo if you end up making a recipe! You can also post a photo of your recipe to the Our Balanced Bowl Facebook page! Like a recipe that you saw? Follow me on Pinterest here! I always love to see your re-creations! If you do make a recipe, it would make my whole day if you were to rate and comment so I can get your feedback! Lots of love! – Haylie