If you’re a fan of the classic and popular broccoli salad, then you have to try our air fried version. This air fryer broccoli salad uses broccoli that’s been air fried, crispy and flavorful. Why do we love this so much? Because we feel that crispy broccoli tastes better than raw chunks of broccoli.

plate of air fryer broccoli salad

Broccoli Salad Recipe with Air Fried Broccoli

This isn’t a new thing for us as we’ve always made our broccoli salad using air fried broccoli. The flavor of cooked broccoli is always more appealing to us and when it’s air fried, the flavor is even better. The bites of broccoli are flavorful when slightly charred, more tender and just tastes better. Raw broccoli can be kinda tough to bite into and the flavor isn’t as sweet as cooked broccoli.

broccoli salad with air fried broccoli

Video: Air Fryer Broccoli Salad Recipe

Best Potluck Vegetable Recipe

It seems like every potluck or picnic has a broccoli salad. Our version has exactly the same components, but the crispy cooked broccoli makes all the difference. We truly feel that this is the best potluck broccoli salad to bring to a gathering or party. Guaranteed everyone will ask you about the recipe and you’ll be beaming with pride. Just tell them that crispy air fryer broccoli is the secret ingredient!

Ingredients for a Broccoli Salad

The fun part of putting this salad together is choosing all the different components that make broccoli salad so popular. The combination of sweet, salty, crunchy and tangy ingredients are always important. Now everyone has a different version of what they put in their broccoli salad. There’s no right and no wrong. Just add what you like. Here’s a list of popular additions to broccoli salad:

  • Crispy bits or pieces of bacon
  • chopped red onion
  • chunks of dried fruit like cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots, dates
  • a handful of chopped nuts really give a nice crunch and earthy flavor to this salad
  • If you have a nut allergy then adding a handful of seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great
plate of air fryer broccoli salad

Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli Salad

Yield: 4 Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
This recipe is for fresh broccoli, not frozen. Try to keep the broccoli cuts to be the same size for even cooking. The broccoli will cook down and shrink, so if it the basket feels full at first, there will be half the amount after it shrinks.
Air fry the broccoli to be as crispy as you like. If you like your broccoli more firm and crunchy, air fry it for less time. 
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Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 1 pound (454 g) broccoli , cut into bite sized pieces
  • 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) oil (approximately)
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
  • salt , to taste
  • fresh cracked black pepper , to taste
  • 3-4 slices bacon , cooked & cut into bite sized pieces 
  • 1/2 cup (20 g) dried fruit of choice (dried cranberries, apricots, raisins, etc. – cut larger fruit into 1/2-inch pieces)
  • 1/4 cup (35 g) roasted nuts of choice (pecans, almonds, cashews, etc. – chop larger nuts if desired)
  • 1/4 cup (40 g) minced red onion

For the Dressing

  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) optional dried herbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt , or to taste
  • fresh cracked black pepper , to taste

Equipment

Instructions 

Air Fry the Broccoli

  • Cut the broccoli into bite sized pieces and place in a bowl.
    Cut broccoli in a bowl
  • Coat the broccoli with about 2 Tablespoons of oil. Season broccoli with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, plus salt and pepper to taste. Add the broccoli to the air fryer basket/tray.
    raw broccoli in basket
  • Air Fry at 380°F for 8 minutes. Flip, turn or shake the broccoli. Continue to air fry for another 2-7 minutes or until cooked to your preference. Allow the broccoli to cool to room temperature.
    halfway cooked broccoli

Make the Salad

  • Make the dressing: In medium bowl, combine all dressing ingredients (1/3 cup mayo, 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon optional herbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to taste).
    mixing dressing for broccoli salad
  • Add the cooled broccoli, chopped cooked bacon, 1/2 cup dried fruit, 1/4 cup roasted nuts, and 1/4 cup minced red onion.
    all ingredients in bowl ready to combine
  • Stir to combine and serve immediately or chill if serving later.
    stirring broccoli salad

If your air fryer is preheated or if you are cooking multiple batches, you may need to reduce timing by a few minutes (unless preheating is called for in the recipe).

Video

YouTube video

Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 375kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 33g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g, Monounsaturated Fat: 13g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 19mg, Sodium: 631mg, Potassium: 541mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 737IU, Vitamin C: 102mg, Calcium: 84mg, Iron: 2mg
Course: Side Dish, Vegetables
Cuisine: American
Calories: 375
plate of air fryer broccoli salad

How to Store Broccoli Salad

Once made, you can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Don’t wait too long to eat it because the broccoli starts to break down and get mushy. If you’re making it for a party, then it’s perfect to make it the day ahead without the dressing tossed in. We suggest making the dressing and storing it in a separate container. Then when you’re ready to serve, toss the dressing with the broccoli and other ingredients. Here’s an interesting article about the history of broccoli salads.

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