Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Broccoli

Name: Cheesy Garlic Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 1 head broccoli, in florets; 2 garlic cloves, grated; 2 tbsp grated cheese; A squeeze of lemon; A pinch of chilli flakes; 1 tbsp oil, salt

Recipe by Sahil · Reviewed and updated September 2026

Air fry cheesy garlic broccoli at 190°C (374°F) for 8 minutes.

Broccoli usually gets steamed into something a little sad, but the air fryer gives it genuinely crispy, browned edges while the stems stay tender — closer to roasted than boiled. A good way to get a vegetable side onto the table with almost no effort.

TEMP190°C / 374°FTIME8 MINSERVES2

Ingredients

1 head broccoli, in florets
2 garlic cloves, grated
2 tbsp grated cheese (optional)
A squeeze of lemon (optional)
A pinch of chilli flakes (optional)
1 tbsp oil, salt

Steps

Cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets.
Toss the florets with the oil, grated garlic and salt so they're evenly coated before they go in.
Preheat the air fryer and arrange the florets in a single layer.
Air fry at 190°C for 4 minutes.
Shake the basket and air fry another 4 minutes (8 minutes total).
Check the edges are browned and slightly charred - that char is where most of the flavor is, so don't pull it too early.
Tip the hot florets into a bowl and immediately toss with the grated cheese, a squeeze of lemon and chilli flakes, so the residual heat softens the cheese into the florets.
Serve right away.

Tip: Crispy brown edges are the best part. Don’t pull it too early.