Healthy Air Fryer Potatoes and Broccoli

Looking for a simple side dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside? These air fryer potatoes and broccoli are about to become your new weeknight favorite! Here’s a fun fact: broccoli contains more protein per calorie than steak. This vegetable and potato combo is not only healthy but incredibly satisfying.

What makes this dish special is how the air fryer transforms ordinary vegetables into crispy, caramelized perfection in just 20 minutes. If you loved my air fryer Brussels sprouts, you’re going to be obsessed with this recipe. Get ready to make vegetables the star of your dinner table!

What is Air Fryer Potatoes and Broccoli?

Ever wonder why simple recipes have the fanciest appeal? Air fryer potatoes and broccoli is exactly what it sounds like—baby potatoes and fresh broccoli florets tossed in seasoning and air-fried to crispy, golden perfection. I started making this when I realized my family would actually eat their vegetables if they were crispy enough!

As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust me, crispy vegetables are the secret weapon. Ready to transform boring veggies into something your family will actually request? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Potatoes and Broccoli

Crispy Perfection Every Time

The air fryer works absolute magic on these vegetables. The potatoes get this incredible golden crust while staying fluffy inside, and the broccoli? It develops these crispy, almost burnt edges that taste like vegetable candy. Unlike traditional roasting that takes 40+ minutes, the air fryer delivers restaurant-quality results in half the time.

Budget-Friendly and Nutritious

Making air fryer potatoes and broccoli at home saves you so much money compared to ordering roasted vegetables as a restaurant side. A bag of potatoes and a head of broccoli cost less than $5 and can feed your entire family. Plus, you’re getting loads of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s wholesome food that doesn’t taste like a compromise.

Flavor Combinations Galore

The beauty of this recipe is the seasoning flexibility. Garlic powder, paprika, Italian herbs, or even parmesan cheese—you can customize the flavor profile to match any main dish. If you enjoyed my air fryer garlic parmesan wings, you’ll love using similar seasonings on these veggies. The possibilities are endless, and each variation is equally delicious. Go ahead and make this your signature side dish!

How to Make Air Fryer Potatoes and Broccoli

Quick Overview

This air fryer potatoes and broccoli recipe is wonderfully straightforward. You’ll love how quickly it comes together with minimal prep work. The air fryer creates that perfect crispy exterior while keeping everything tender inside. The light coating of olive oil and seasonings transforms simple vegetables into something truly crave-worthy.

Total Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total: 25-28 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Potatoes and Broccoli

1.5 pounds baby potatoes (halved or quartered depending on size)
3 cups broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2.5 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Optional: fresh lemon juice (for serving)
Optional: red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables

Start by washing your baby potatoes thoroughly under cold water. Pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel—this is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior. Cut the potatoes in half, or into quarters if they’re larger than a golf ball. You want all pieces roughly the same size for even cooking. Rinse your broccoli florets and pat them dry as well. Make sure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 inches each.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

Place the halved potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and half the black pepper. Toss everything together with your hands or a spatula until every potato piece is evenly coated. The potatoes should glisten with oil but not be dripping. This coating is what creates that golden, crispy crust.

Step 3: Start Air Frying the Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them—they need space for air circulation. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The potatoes should start turning golden brown.

Step 4: Prepare the Broccoli

While the potatoes are cooking, place your broccoli florets in the same bowl you used for the potatoes. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining black pepper. Toss until the broccoli is lightly coated. The broccoli needs less seasoning than the potatoes since it absorbs flavors more readily.

Step 5: Add Broccoli to the Air Fryer

After the initial 10 minutes, open the air fryer and add the seasoned broccoli florets to the basket with the partially cooked potatoes. Gently toss everything together using tongs or a spatula. Increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes. Shake the basket once more at the 3-minute mark.

Step 6: Check for Doneness and Serve

The vegetables are ready when the potatoes are fork-tender with crispy golden edges, and the broccoli has some charred, crispy tips. If you’re adding parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the hot vegetables right when they come out of the air fryer. The residual heat will melt it slightly. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness if desired. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness!

What to Serve Air Fryer Potatoes and Broccoli With

These versatile veggies pair beautifully with so many main dishes! Serve them alongside grilled chicken breasts, baked salmon, or a juicy steak for a complete meal. They’re also fantastic, or even as a side for pasta dishes. For a vegetarian meal, pair them with a quinoa bowl or serve over rice with a drizzle of tahini sauce.

The flavors work wonderfully with Mediterranean dishes—think alongside lemon herb chicken or Greek-style lamb. For a casual dinner, serve them next to burgers or as a healthier alternative to french fries. They’re also perfect for meal prep bowls throughout the week.

Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Potatoes and Broccoli

Don’t Skip Drying the Vegetables

This is my number one tip! Wet vegetables steam instead of crisp. After washing your potatoes and broccoli, use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to dry them thoroughly. Even that little bit of excess water can prevent browning.

Cut Everything Uniformly

Consistent sizing ensures even cooking. When potatoes are different sizes, smaller pieces overcook while larger ones stay underway. Aim for all pieces being roughly the same size—about 1 to 1.5 inches.

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Air needs to circulate around each piece of food. If your air fryer is smaller, cook in batches rather than stacking everything. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than crisping. Leave some space between pieces.

Adjust Cooking Times for Your Air Fryer

Every air fryer model cooks slightly differently. Some run hotter than others. Start checking your vegetables a few minutes before the recommended time. You can always cook longer, but you can’t undo burnt veggies!

Add Broccoli Later

Since broccoli cooks faster than potatoes, adding it midway through prevents it from burning. If you put everything in together, you’ll end up with mushy broccoli or undercooked potatoes.

Experiment with Seasonings

Try Italian seasoning blend, Cajun spices, ranch seasoning powder, or even curry powder. Each creates a completely different flavor profile. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme added in the last 2 minutes of cooking add a gourmet touch.

Use the Right Oil

Olive oil is wonderful, but avocado oil has a higher smoke point and works even better for high-heat air frying. In a pinch, vegetable oil or canola oil also work fine.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Allow the air fryer potatoes and broccoli to cool completely before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that the vegetables will lose some of their crispiness in the fridge, but they’ll still taste delicious.

Reheating for Best Results

The air fryer is your best friend for reheating too! Preheat to 375°F and cook the leftover vegetables for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat in a regular oven at 400°F for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible—it makes everything soggy.

Freezing Instructions

While I don’t typically recommend freezing cooked potatoes and broccoli since they can become mushy, you can freeze them for up to 2 months if needed. Spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 380°F for 8-10 minutes.

Meal Prep Tips

These vegetables are fantastic for meal prep! Prepare them at the beginning of the week and portion them into containers with your protein of choice. They make lunch bowls infinitely more exciting and nutritious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Too Much Oil

More oil doesn’t mean more crispy—it often leads to soggy, greasy vegetables. Stick to the recommended amounts. The vegetables should be lightly coated, not swimming in oil.

Not Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheating creates that initial sear that locks in the crispy texture. Putting food in a cold air fryer extends cooking time and affects the final texture. Those 3 minutes of preheating make a real difference.

Forgetting to Shake the Basket

Vegetables on the bottom get more direct heat. Shaking or tossing halfway through ensures even browning on all sides. Set a timer so you don’t forget this crucial step!

Cooking at Too Low a Temperature

The high heat is what creates the crispy exterior. Cooking at temperatures below 375°F will give you roasted vegetables, not crispy ones. Don’t be afraid of that 400°F setting!

Adding Delicate Toppings Too Early

Items like fresh parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or lemon juice should be added after cooking. Adding them during cooking causes burning and bitter flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli and potatoes?

Yes, but the texture won’t be quite as crispy. If using frozen vegetables, don’t thaw them first—cook from frozen and add an extra 3-4 minutes to the cooking time. Pat off any excess ice crystals before seasoning.

Do I need to boil the potatoes first?

No! That’s the beauty of using baby potatoes in the air fryer. They cook through perfectly without any pre-boiling. The smaller size ensures they’re tender by the time the outside crisps up.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Absolutely! Just cut them into 1-inch cubes. Regular russet or Yukon gold potatoes work great. You might need to add 2-3 extra minutes of cooking time for larger pieces.

Why is my broccoli not getting crispy?

The most common reason is excess moisture. Make sure you’re drying the broccoli thoroughly after washing. Also, don’t use too much oil—a light coating is all you need.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Carrots, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers all work wonderfully. Just keep in mind that different vegetables have different cooking times, so you may need to stagger when you add them.

What size air fryer do I need?

This recipe works best in a 5-quart or larger air fryer. If you have a smaller model (3-4 quarts), cook in two batches for the best results.

How do I prevent the broccoli from flying around?

Lighter pieces sometimes get blown around by the air circulation. A light spray of oil helps weigh them down, or you can place the potatoes on top of the broccoli to anchor it.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

It’s already vegan as written! Just skip the optional parmesan cheese or use a vegan parmesan alternative. Nutritional yeast is also a great substitute that adds a cheesy, savory flavor.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

Pierce them with a fork—they should be tender all the way through. The outside should be golden brown with some darker crispy spots. If there’s any resistance, cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes! These vegetables keep well for 4 days in the fridge. They’re perfect for weekly meal prep. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispiness.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1/4 of recipe)
Calories	165 kcal
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	445mg
Total Carbohydrates	24g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Sugars	2g
Protein	4g
Vitamin C	85% DV
Vitamin A	12% DV
Calcium	4% DV
Iron	8% DV
Potassium	620mg

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making vegetables that taste this good with so little effort. Air fryer potatoes and broccoli have become a staple in my kitchen because they’re foolproof, healthy, and genuinely delicious. The first time I made these, my kids ate every single piece—that’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper.

The versatility is what keeps me coming back. Monday it’s garlic and parmesan, Wednesday it might be spicy Cajun style, and Friday I’m tossing them with fresh herbs. Same basic recipe, completely different experiences.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, need a quick side dish for tonight’s dinner, or just want to eat more vegetables without feeling like you’re sacrificing flavor, this recipe delivers. The crispy edges, the tender centers, the endless seasoning possibilities—what’s not to love?

I’d love to hear how your air fryer potatoes and broccoli turn out! Let me know in the comments which seasoning combination you tried, and don’t forget to share a photo. Happy air frying!

Pro tip: Double the recipe and use the leftovers for breakfast hash. Add a fried egg on top and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy breakfast in minutes. You’re welcome!