Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli (Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole)

This air fryer cheesy broccoli is the side dish I make when I want vegetables on the table fast and I want everyone to actually eat them. Tender broccoli florets get tossed in sharp cheddar, piled into a small baking pan, and air fried until the cheese is bubbling and golden on top. It’s a broccoli and cheese casserole without the oven, the cream soup, or the 45-minute bake.

The trick is a quick steam in the microwave first. That softens the broccoli all the way through, so the air fryer only has to melt and brown the cheese. From start to finish, it’s on the table in about 20 minutes.

If you like your broccoli plain and crispy, try my Air Fryer Broccoli (Low Carb + Keto). This version is for the nights you want it cheesy.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

• Ready in about 20 minutes. Five minutes to steam the broccoli and eight in the air fryer.
• A handful of ingredients. Broccoli, cheddar, and pantry seasonings. There’s no canned soup and no roux.
• Golden cheese on top. The air fryer browns the top layer of cheddar the way a broiler would, without heating up the kitchen.
• Kid-approved. Broccoli covered in melted cheese is an easy sell for picky eaters.
• Easy to change up. Add a crunchy panko topping, bacon, or a little heat. The variations are below.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Broccoli and Cheese

• Broccoli florets. Fresh florets cut into roughly 1½-inch pieces so they cook evenly. A 12-ounce bag of pre-cut florets works too.
• Water. Just enough to steam the broccoli in the microwave.
• Sharp cheddar cheese. Shred it from the block if you can. It melts smoother than bagged shreds, which are coated to keep them from clumping.
• Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Broccoli needs seasoning, and the cheese alone won’t do it.
• Panko breadcrumbs (optional). For a crunchy, golden top.
• Cooking spray. To keep the cheese from sticking to the pan.

• Broccoli florets. Fresh florets cut into roughly 1½-inch pieces so they cook evenly. A 12-ounce bag of pre-cut florets works too.
• Water. Just enough to steam the broccoli in the microwave.
• Sharp cheddar cheese. Shred it from the block if you can. It melts smoother than bagged shreds, which are coated to keep them from clumping.
• Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Broccoli needs seasoning, and the cheese alone won’t do it.
• Panko breadcrumbs (optional). For a crunchy, golden top.
• Cooking spray. To keep the cheese from sticking to the pan.

You’ll also need a small oven-safe baking pan that fits in your air fryer basket. A 6- or 7-inch round pan works in most models. The exact amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Steam the broccoli. Put the florets in a microwave-safe bowl with ½ cup of water. Cover and microwave for 4 to 5 minutes, until a fork slides into a stem with a little resistance.

Step 2: Drain well. Pour off all the water and let the broccoli sit for a minute so the steam escapes. Wet broccoli makes a watery casserole, so don’t skip this.

Step 3: Season and toss. Sprinkle the broccoli with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add half the cheddar and toss until the florets are coated.

Step 4: Fill the pan. Spray the baking pan with cooking spray and spread the broccoli in an even layer. Top with the rest of the cheddar. If you’re using panko, scatter it over the cheese.

Step 5: Air fry. Set the pan in the basket and air fry at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the edges are golden. Check at 6 minutes, since air fryers run hot or cold.

[Step 5 photo]

Step 6: Rest and serve. Lift the pan out carefully, because it will be very hot. Let it sit for 2 minutes so the cheese sets a little, then serve.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Broccoli Casserole

• Cut the florets the same size. Even pieces steam evenly, so you won’t end up with some mushy and some raw.
• Drain completely. This is the biggest difference between a cheesy casserole and a soupy one.
• Split the cheese. Mixing half in coats every floret. Putting half on top gives you that golden layer.
• Don’t overfill the pan. A single, fairly even layer lets the hot air reach the top. If you’re doubling the recipe, cook it in two batches.
• If the top browns too fast, lay a small piece of foil loosely over the pan for the last minute or two.

Variations

• Crispy panko top. Mix 2 tablespoons of panko with a little melted butter and sprinkle it over the cheese before air frying.
• Bacon cheddar. Fold in ¼ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon with the cheese.
• Spicy. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeño.
• Swap the cheese. Try Colby Jack, Gruyère, or a cheddar and mozzarella mix for a stretchier top.
• Half and half. Use half broccoli and half cauliflower. For a plain version of that pairing, see my Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower.

What to Serve It With

This cheesy broccoli goes with almost any main dish: roast chicken, pork chops, steak, or a weeknight meatloaf. It’s also good next to a big holiday spread when your oven is already full.

If your family likes broccoli as a snack, my Air Fryer Broccoli Bites and Air Fryer Breaded Broccoli are the crunchy, dippable version.

Storing and Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Air fry at 320°F for 3 to 4 minutes, until heated through. The microwave works too, but the top won’t stay crisp.
• Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing it. The broccoli gets watery when it thaws.

Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes. Thaw it, then press out as much water as you can with paper towels. Skip the microwave steaming step, since frozen broccoli is already blanched.

Can I put the broccoli and cheese straight in the basket? I don’t recommend it. The cheese melts through the holes and burns onto the bottom of the basket. A small baking pan keeps the cheese in place.

Do I have to steam the broccoli first? It’s the best way to get tender broccoli. Raw florets need about 12 minutes in the air fryer to soften, and by then the cheese is overdone.

What temperature do I air fry cheesy broccoli at? 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes. That’s hot enough to melt and brown the cheese without scorching it.

Can I make it ahead? You can steam, season, and assemble it in the pan up to a day ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge, then add 2 to 3 minutes to the air fry time.

Is it low carb? Broccoli and cheddar are naturally low in carbs, so it fits most low-carb plans. Leave off the panko to keep it keto-friendly.