Air Fryer Broccoli & Cauliflower Parmesan

This quick and easy crispy air fryer broccoli and cauliflower with parmesan is a super flavourful side dish ready in 15 minutes. Perfectly seasoned, tender roasted and crisp on the outside.

I LOVE roasted vegetables, but I never have the patience to roast in the oven. Every time I make this air fryer broccoli and cauliflower parmesan recipe, I wish I’d doubled the recipe! It’s so easy, they taste as if we roasted them in the oven, but is crispier and faster to make.

Air-fried broccoli and cauliflower makes makes such a wonderful side, salad addition and killer snack. They are tossed in garlic and parmesan and roasted until tender on the inside, and slightly crunchy and crisp on the outside. So addictive, everyone will ask for more!

Ingredients you’ll need:

This air fryer side dish is made with 3 key ingredients and some seasonings.

• Cauliflower: use one small cauliflower head and cut it into small-medium sized florets.
• Broccoli: one medium head of broccoli cut into medium to large florets. These cook quicker so cutting them slightly larger is best.
• Extra virgin olive oil: This helps the cauliflower and broccoli crisp up on the outside and make it tender. Don’t skip this ingredient because if not, the broccoli will burn! I find olive oil spray easier to coat the veggies.
• Garlic Powder 
• Salt + pepper
• Parmesan cheese: optional but highly recommended! Sub vegan cheese if needed.
• Fresh lemon

How to make air fryer broccoli and cauliflower

To begin, line your air fryer the basket with grease proof baking paper and set aside. This helps for easy clean up. 😉

Cut your veggies: Cut the cauliflower and broccoli into florets. TIP: Cauliflower takes longer to cook, so make sure the broccoli florets are slightly larger.

Season veggies: Toss the cauliflower and broccoli florets in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use wet hands to rub the seasonings in. 

Air fry: Add the veggies to an air fryer basket lined with baking paper. Air fry at 160°C/320°F for 15 minutes, checking, shaking the basket every 3 – 4 minutes – this is necessary so everything cooks evenly. Remove broccoli florets early if they start to burn.

Add cheese: Remove from the air fryer, sprinkle with the parmesan cheese on top and squeeze with lemon juice.

Return to the air fryer and cook for a further 2 minutes. 

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and tricks

1. Florets size. Make sure the cauliflower florets are smaller than the broccoli florets. Cauliflower takes longer to air fry, so the broccoli can cook faster and burn.
2. Don’t skip the olive oil. The olive oil is essential to make sure the broccoli doesn’t burn, and the cauliflower is nicely tender. I find it easier to use oil spray so the veggies are well coated.
3. Shake the basket every 3- 4 minutes! This makes sure that both the broccoli and cauliflower cook evenly in the air fryer. Otherwise one side will be tender and crispy and the other side raw!
4. Don’t overcrowd. If your air fryer basket is small, air fry broccoli and cauliflower in batches and put them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes right before serving.
5. A little water: when rubbing the seasonings onto the florets, add a splash of water to help everything coat!

How to store leftovers

• Fridge: allow the broccoli and cauliflower to cool and then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: While I love eating roasted veggies cold the next day, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a couple minutes or in the microwave (though they won’t be crisp).

How to make air fryer frozen broccoli and cauliflower?

Simply air fry the frozen veggies for 2-3 minutes then remove. Add the seasonings and follow the directions listed in the recipe.

Can I make air fryer cauliflower and broccoli ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge for meal prep. Check out the instructions above.

Other air fryer recipes to try

Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Cherry Tomatoes

Gluten Free Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

If you try this air fryer broccoli and cauliflower recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

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