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You can air fry broccoli and cauliflower in about 10 to 15 minutes at 375°F–400°F, depending on the size of your florets and how crispy you like them.
Broccoli tends to cook a little faster than cauliflower, so if you’re air frying them together, cut the cauliflower into slightly smaller pieces so both veggies finish at the same time.
The good news is that air frying broccoli and cauliflower is one of the easiest ways to get tender insides with crispy, golden edges, and it works beautifully every single time once you know the timing.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how long to air fry broccoli and cauliflower, the temperatures that work best, and the simple tips that keep your veggies from turning out soggy or burnt.
Let’s get right into it.
How Long Do You Air Fry Broccoli and Cauliflower?
How long you air fry broccoli and cauliflower comes down to a few key factors, and once you understand them, you can nail the timing every time.
Here’s the breakdown:
1. Broccoli Takes About 10–12 Minutes
When you air fry broccoli at 375°F, small to medium florets are usually perfectly done in 10 to 12 minutes.
You’ll know it’s ready when the stems are fork-tender and the tips are slightly charred and crispy.
If you’re air frying broccoli at 400°F, shave a couple of minutes off and check it around the 8 to 10 minute mark.
Shake the basket halfway through so the broccoli cooks evenly and doesn’t burn on one side.
2. Cauliflower Takes About 12–15 Minutes
Cauliflower is denser than broccoli, so when you air fry cauliflower, plan for roughly 12 to 15 minutes at 375°F–400°F.
Smaller florets will cook faster, so keep your pieces roughly the same size for even results.
The cauliflower is ready when the edges are browned and the center is tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Air Frying Them Together
If you want to air fry broccoli and cauliflower together, cut the cauliflower into slightly smaller pieces than the broccoli.
That way, the cauliflower gets a head start and both veggies finish at the same time.
Give the basket a good shake halfway through, and start checking around the 10 minute mark so nothing overcooks.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
Getting the timing right is only half the battle, so here are the tips that make the biggest difference when you air fry broccoli and cauliflower.
1. Dry the Veggies First
Wet florets steam instead of roast, so pat your broccoli and cauliflower completely dry with a paper towel before they go in the basket.
This one step is the difference between crispy and soggy when you air fry broccoli and cauliflower.
2. Don’t Skip the Oil
A light toss with olive oil helps the seasoning stick and encourages that golden, crispy exterior.
Use about a tablespoon for a full basket, and make sure every floret gets a thin coat.
3. Keep the Basket Single-Layered
Overcrowding is the most common reason air fryer broccoli and cauliflower turns out uneven.
If your basket is small, cook in two batches, because the hot air needs room to circulate around each piece.
4. Shake the Basket Halfway Through
A quick shake at the halfway point gives every floret a chance to brown evenly.
This simple habit makes a huge difference in how your air fried broccoli and cauliflower turns out.
Seasoning Ideas for Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
Plain salt and pepper is always a solid choice, but there’s plenty of room to play around when you air fry broccoli and cauliflower.
A sprinkle of garlic powder and smoked paprika gives the veggies a savory, smoky flavor.
For a little heat, toss in red pepper flakes before air frying, or finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and some grated parmesan right after they come out of the basket.
Either way, seasoning before cooking helps the flavors stick and keeps every bite tasty.
So, How Long Do You Air Fry Broccoli and Cauliflower?
You air fry broccoli for about 10–12 minutes and cauliflower for about 12–15 minutes at 375°F–400°F, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
If you cook them together, cut the cauliflower a bit smaller so both finish at the same time.
Dry them well, give them a light coat of oil, keep the basket single-layered, and you’ll get crispy, golden veggies every single time.
Hope this post has helped you with exactly how long to air fry broccoli and cauliflower so you can enjoy them perfectly cooked.