This quick and easy Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower with sesame oil, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes is a super flavorful side dish that can be ready in under 15 minutes. Perfectly seasoned, tender on inside, and crisp on the outside.
This recipe for air-fried broccoli and cauliflower offers a quick and convenient method to enjoy veggies with a roasted flavor, all without the need to heat up the oven.
It can be customized to go with any meal.
Plus, it takes less than 15 minutes to prepare.
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Ingredients
This quick Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower recipe takes just a few minutes to make and requires only a few simple ingredients.
Broccoli and Cauliflower: When air-fried, broccoli and cauliflower become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Olive Oil: Use olive oil to enhance the crispiness on the outside while maintaining tenderness on the inside. I strongly advise against omitting the oil entirely, as doing so will change the outcome and increase the risk of burning the broccoli. You can use a different oil but olive oil has the best flavor.
Fresh Garlic: The garlic is thinly sliced and when they are air-fried they get crispy, golden, and crunchy! The fresh garlic chips add such incredible flavor and texture to this side dish.
Salt and Pepper: I will always recommend using Kosher salt when cooking. It enhances the flavor without making it overly salty. See important note about salt in the recipe card note section.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil has a rich, nutty, and aromatic flavor that brings a distinctive savory touch to dishes.
Red Chili Flakes and Sesame Seeds: Adds a nice looking garnish but the sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and the hint of spice comes from the red chili flakes. Chili oil would be great too.
See recipe card for quantities.
Helpful Equipment
To prepare this air-fried broccoli and cauliflower side dish, make sure you have an air fryer. I use the Ninja AF150AMZ Air Fryer XL.
Keep in mind that the outcome may differ based on the air fryer brand, so be sure to monitor the timing by checking every few minutes.
Once it reaches a golden and crispy perfection, it's ready to be enjoyed!
If you don't have an air fryer, you can still prepare this side dish by roasting the veggies in the oven. Simply place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25-35 minutes at 400°F.
How to Make This Recipe
This recipe for broccoli and cauliflower with sesame seeds and red chili flakes is the perfect side dish for weeknight dinners.
It's easy, delicious, and is made in half the time using an air fryer!
The full written recipe can be found in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Add the chopped cauliflower and broccoli florets to a large bowl. Along with the thinly sliced garlic chips.
Step 2: Toss in the olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat.
Step 3: Add the vegetables into the air fryer basket in a single layer. I recommend doing this in two batches so they evenly cook.
Step 4: Air fry at 375F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes and making sure the vegetables aren't burning.
Transfer the broccoli and cauliflower to a serving dish and toss with the sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and red chili flakes.
Thinly slice green onions and garnish!
Note: Keep in mind that air fryers can differ. For your initial attempt at this recipe, it's advised to keep a close eye on it. Check the broccoli and cauliflower halfway through and in the last 3-4 minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn't burn.
Recipe Variations
I've been tossing everything with sesame oil and sesame seeds these days. It's just so delicious.
But you can change this recipe up to make it the perfect side dish for every entree!
If you go with one of these options below, omit the sesame oil, sesame seeds, and green onions.
Vegan parmesan: Add a sprinkle of vegan parmesan and a squeeze of lemon.
Make it spicy: A drizzle of chili oil would be absolutely incredible!
Add a crunch: Add crunch by sprinkling toasted almond.
Chili-lime seasoning: Sprinkle the broccoli and cauliflower with a mix of chili powder, lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt for a spicy and citrusy twist.
Balsamic glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the roasted broccoli and cauliflower for a sweet and tangy finish.
Everything bagel seasoning: Coat the broccoli and cauliflower with the popular everything but the bagel seasoning.
Serving Ideas
There are endless possibilities of entrees to pair with this air-fried broccoli and cauliflower.
I enjoy adding sesame oil and sesame seeds and then serving with a dish like Vegan Sesame Garlic Tofu, Vegan Orange Tofu, or Gochujang Tempeh.
But if you omit the sesame oil and add lemon juice and vegan parmesan, this side dish would be so delicious with Vegan Roasted Red Pepper Pasta or a marinara pasta.
Storage
Air fried broccoli and cauliflower can last in the fridge in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375F for 4-5 minutes or until warm and crispy.
Tips & Tricks
Save time by purchasing pre-cut broccoli and cauliflower florets.
Make the most of broccoli and cauliflower stems! Instead of discarding them, consider using the stems in soups or shredding and adding to salads.
Make sure that the cauliflower florets are smaller than broccoli to ensure even cooking. Cauliflower takes longer to cook.
Avoid using frozen cauliflower or broccoli florets because they will get soggy.
Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: Using olive oil will prevent burning and help achieve that crisp outside yet tender inside.
Cook in separate batches. Avoid over stacking the cauliflower and broccoli to make sure they have enough space to get brown and crispy! A little overlap is fine.
Give the basket a shake every 3-4 minutes to achieve consistent cooking.
Please note that air fryers can vary. When attempting this recipe for the first time, I recommend monitoring it closely. Check on the vegetables at the halfway point and during the final 2 to 3 minutes of cooking to make sure it's not burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don't recommend using frozen cauliflower for this recipe as it will get soggy instead of crisp and tender.
Same goes for broccoli, it will get soggy instead of crisp.
Omitting the oil is not recommended because doing so will change the outcome and increase the risk of burning the broccoli.
If you don't have an air fryer, simply place the oiled and seasoned veggies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25-35 minutes at 400°F.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Looking for other recipes to make in the air fryer? Try these:
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Recipe
Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 medium Broccoli Crown cut into florets
- 1 small Head of Cauliflower cut into florets
- 3 Garlic Cloves thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds
- ¼ teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
- 2 Green Onions thinly sliced
Instructions
- Chop the head of cauliflower and broccoli crown into florets. Cauliflower takes longer to cook, so chop the cauliflower florets a tiny bit smaller than the broccoli florets.
- Add the cauliflower and broccoli florets to a large bowl.
- Thinly slice the garlic and add to the bowl.
- Toss in the olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat.
- Add the vegetables into the air fryer basket in a single layer. I recommend doing this in two batches so they evenly cook.
- Air fry at 375F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes and making sure the vegetables aren't burning. No need to pre-heat the air fryer.
- Keep in mind that air fryers can differ. For your initial attempt at this recipe, it's advised to keep a close eye on it. Check the broccoli and cauliflower halfway through and in the last 3-4 minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn't burn.
- Transfer the broccoli and cauliflower to a serving dish and toss with the toasted sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and red chili flakes.
- Thinly slice green onions and garnish!
Notes
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