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Crispy air fryer buffalo broccoli coated in spicy buffalo sauce and served as a flavorful appetizer
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Air Fryer Buffalo Broccoli - Crispy, Spicy, and Fast

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 large head broccoli (about 1 to 1.25 pounds), cut into bite-size florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smoky depth)
  • 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter or ghee (optional, for classic wing flavor)
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, to balance heat)
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling or dipping (optional)
  • Crumbled blue cheese or feta, for topping (optional)
  • Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 380°F (193°C). A hot basket helps the broccoli start crisping right away.
  • Prep the broccoli: Wash and dry thoroughly. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so pat it dry with paper towels.
  • Season: In a large bowl, toss the florets with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Make sure every floret has a light, even coat.
  • Air fry, round one: Add the broccoli to the air fryer in a single layer. Work in batches if needed. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until edges deepen in color and the stems are just tender.
  • Make the sauce: In a small bowl, stir together buffalo sauce with melted butter and honey (if using). The butter adds richness; the honey rounds out the heat.
  • Toss and finish: Transfer the hot broccoli back to the mixing bowl. Pour over the buffalo sauce and toss gently to coat. Return to the air fryer for 2 to 3 more minutes at 380°F to set the sauce and crisp the edges.
  • Serve: Plate immediately. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing if you like. Add crumbled blue cheese and green onions for extra pop.