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    Home » Recipe Index » Vegetables

    Single Serving Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower (15 minutes)

    March 12, 2023 Updated April 24, 2024 By Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN, CD Cooking for One, Easy Recipes, Side Dishes, Vegetables

    Jump to Recipe
    roasted stalks of broccoli and cauliflower on plate

    This single serving air fryer broccoli and cauliflower recipe is an easy way to get veggies that taste roasted, but take less than 15 minutes to make. Use this simple seasoning or add your own for an easy side dish.

    roasted stalks of broccoli and cauliflower on plate

    [This air fryer broccoli and cauliflower recipe was originally posted in March 2023. It has been updated with cooking instructions, storage tips and substitutions, FAQ, related recipes and ways to repurpose/use up ingredients]

    Table of contents

    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Other Seasoning Ideas
    • Serve with
    • Storage/Reheating Tips
    • Substitutions/Tips
    • FAQ
    • Other good sides
    • What to do with leftover ingredients

    If you like vegetables with meals, or have veggies that need to be eaten, a quick, low effort recipe is exactly what you need. This air fryer broccoli and cauliflower recipe is easy and just takes about 10-15 minutes to make.

    Prep it ahead of time, and quickly reheat in the air fryer, or make them fresh. This recipe is great because it's easy and has very simple seasoning meaning that you can adjust it to go well with your entree.

    It's a great single serving side dish, or you can easily double or triple this recipe (or add as much as will fit in your Air Fryer) and have leftover vegetables for easier dinners.

    Ingredients

    Scroll down to the air fryer broccoli and cauliflower recipe card for the amounts of each ingredient, but here's a quick visual + description of what's in this recipe.

    broccoli, cauliflower, seasonings on cutting board
    • Broccoli: this crunchy vegetable is great in the air fryer. Broccoli florets and stalks are good in this recipe. The stalks are tender inside and crispy outside.
    • Cauliflower: It cooks similarly to broccoli, making it a great companion in this air fryer broccoli and cauliflower recipe.
    • Olive Oil: a drizzle of oil helps crisp up your vegetables and keeps them from drying out too much with the high heat.
    • Garlic Powder: Easy way to add a bit of sweet garlicky flavor without having to chop any actual garlic or accidentally burn it in the air fryer.
    • Salt: brings out the broccoli and cauliflower flavors

    Instructions

    Scroll down to the air fryer broccoli and cauliflower recipe card for more detailed instructions. Here's a quick overview + photos to see how to make this recipe in general.

    chopped broccoli and cauliflower on cutting board

    1. To start your air fryer broccoli and cauliflower, preheat the air fryer at 370 degrees for 5 minutes. Chop both vegetables into bite sized pieces. The smaller you chop them, the quicker they will cook. Leave stalks on.

    broccoli and cauliflower with seasonings on cutting board

    2. Drizzle olive oil, salt, and garlic powder over vegetables on the cutting board. Toss with your hands on tongs.

    raw broccoli and cauliflower in air fryer basket

    3. Transfer cut broccoli and cauliflower florets and stalks to air fryer basket, spread out into one layer, so broccoli and cauliflower aren't touching. Cook for 5-8 minutes. Toss 1-2 times during cooking time.

    cooked broccoli and cauliflower in air fryer basket

    4. Once your air fryer broccoli and cauliflower are browned on the edges, they're done. Serve with your favorite main dish. Store leftovers in an air tight container for up to 5-7 days, or until it starts to look and especially smell off.

    Other Seasoning Ideas

    • Olive oil + fresh lemon juice + parmesan cheese
    • Olive oil + Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence + salt
    • Neutral oil + soy sauce + dash of ginger powder + sprinkle of brown sugar
    • Olive oil + dijon mustard + lemon juice + salt
    • Leftover salad dressing

    Serve with

    • Add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking this Air Fryer Frozen Salmon.
    • Instant Pot Fish
    • Single Serving Mac & Cheese
    • Lemon Carbonara
    • Single Serving Baked Mac and Cheese
    • Baked Panko Chicken

    Storage/Reheating Tips

    Store leftover air fryer broccoli and cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week. You can freeze these vegetables as well, but they'll be soft after defrosting. I'd recommend freezing to use in a soup or similar.

    Reheat in air fryer for 1-2 minutes or in the microwave.

    Substitutions/Tips

    • Double or triple for leftovers.
    • Substitute either broccoli or cauliflower for chopped zucchini, carrots, onions, etc.
    • You can use frozen broccoli and cauliflower. Just add another 5 or so minutes to the cooking time. Frozen air fryer broccoli and cauliflower are great.
    • Other great add-ins: parmesan cheese, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, sunflower seeds, chopped fresh herbs, etc. See seasoning ideas for your air fryer broccoli and cauliflower in the section above.

    FAQ

    Does cauliflower take longer to cook than broccoli?

    Some people say it does take longer to cook cauliflower than broccoli, but I haven't noticed much of a difference. You can cut your cauliflower into smaller pieces if you'd like though.

    The cauliflower is a bit more tender than broccoli in this air fryer broccoli and cauliflower recipe because broccoli florets get crispier than cauliflower florets.

    Why does my broccoli burn in the air fryer?

    Air fryer broccoli might burn because the temperature is too high, it's being cooked too long, or it wasn't tossed in oil or sprayed with it. I cook fresh broccoli at 370 degrees, for about 5-8 minutes. Less than other recipes.

    Can you air fry frozen broccoli and cauliflower

    Yes definitely. Follow the directions for this air fryer broccoli and cauliflower, just cook them for about 5 minutes longer. You can still add oil and spices to the frozen florets. Toss every couple minutes, still.

    roasted broccoli and cauliflower on plate, raw vegetables around

    Other good sides

    • Shaved Zucchini Salad for One
    • Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots
    • Easy Roasted Frozen Butternut Squash
    • Cucumber Beet Salad with Feta for One
    • Easy Asparagus and Brussels Sprouts
    • Sheet Pan Broccoli for One
    • How to Microwave Frozen Broccoli

    What to do with leftover ingredients

    When you're cooking for one, you often have leftover produce, cans of whatever ingredient, etc. Here are a couple ideas on how to use up the leftover ingredients. It'll help you save money by wasting fewer ingredients.

    • Broccoli: Roasted Broccoli and Mushrooms, Beef and Broccoli, Broccoli Greek Yogurt Salad, Kale and Broccoli Salad, and Chicken Broccoli Divan.
    • Cauliflower: Serve with this Chicken Bacon Sheet Pan Dinner, Shrimp and Vegetable Sheet Pan Dinner.

    Did you make this air fryer broccoli and cauliflower? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!

    roasted broccoli and cauliflower on plate

    Single Serving Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower (15 minutes)

    This single serving air fryer broccoli and cauliflower recipe is an easy way to get veggies that taste roasted, but take less than 15 minutes to make. Use this simple seasoning or add your own for an easy side dish.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: side, Side Dish, Vegetable
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 13 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 cup
    Author: Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN

    Equipment

    • cutting board
    • knife
    • Measuring cups, spoons
    • Air Fryer
    • tongs

    Ingredients

    • ¾ cup broccoli chopped into bite sized pieces
    • ¾ cup cauliflower chopped into bite sized pieces
    • 1 teaspoon olive oil
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

    Instructions

    • Preheat air fryer to 370 degrees for 5 minutes. While preheating, chop up broccoli and cauliflower into bite sized pieces, enough to make about 1 ½ cups total.
    • Keeping vegetables on cutting board, drizzle about 1 teaspoon olive oil over vegetables, about ¼ teaspoon koshser salt, and about ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder over vegetables. Toss with hands or tongs.
    • When air fryer is done preheating, transfer broccoli and cauliflower to air fryer basket. Arrange into one layer, leave space between each piece of vegetable so they can crisp up.
    • Cook for 5-8 minutes, until desired crispiness. Remove basket and toss 1-2 times during cooking time.
    • Remove at desired crispiness. Serve with your main dish. Add additional seasonings, if desired.

    Notes

    • Substitute broccoli and cauliflower for whatever vegetables you have on hand. Use vegetables you would roast, like asparagus, zucchini, onion slices, and carrots. 
    • See notes above recipe card for additional seasoning options. 
    • Double cooking time if cooking from frozen. Frozen vegetables cook well in an air fryer, so try it!
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @NourishNutriCo or tag #NourishNutriCo!

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    About Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN, CD

    Welcome! I’m Rebecca, a food loving dietitian who has been cooking for one for over 10 years. On Nourish Nutrition, you’ll find real, quick, and nourishing recipes for one that'll get you to want to cook for yourself, because you deserve it.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. TAYLER ROSS says

      March 13, 2023 at 12:24 pm

      5 stars
      I made this cauliflower and broccoli last night and it turned out perfectly! Love that it's made in the air fryer!

      Reply
    2. Vicky says

      March 13, 2023 at 11:03 am

      5 stars
      I'm usually so focused on dinner that I forget to make a side. That is why I love that this can be made in just 15 minutes in the air fryer. A yummy and healthy side!

      Reply
    3. stephanie says

      March 13, 2023 at 10:58 am

      5 stars
      I made these and put them in some chicken alfredo pasta and the flavor was amazing! I'll definitely be doing it again.

      Reply
    4. Kushigalu says

      March 13, 2023 at 10:52 am

      5 stars
      Love this air fryer version of broccoli and cauliflower. Thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        March 13, 2023 at 10:56 am

        great! enjoy

        Reply
    5. beth says

      March 13, 2023 at 10:30 am

      5 stars
      I love the crispiness of air fryer vegetables and that lovely roasted flavour!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        March 13, 2023 at 10:56 am

        same! it's awesome

        Reply
    5 from 5 votes

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