Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli with Bacon
Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli with Bacon is an easy family-favorite side dish that’s loaded with tender broccoli, gooey melted cheese, and crispy bacon, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

It takes just minutes to make and delivers big flavor. Everyone loves a cheesy side dish.
How To Make Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli with Bacon
(This is a quick overview. More detailed instructions in recipe card below.)
- Season the broccoli. Place broccoli florets in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can also use a little garlic powder if you wish.

- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Place broccoli in air fryer basket and air fry for 6 to 8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.

- Add cheese. Sprinkle cheese over the broccoli and air fry another 1 to 2 minutes to melt the cheese.

- Sprinkle with cooked and crumbled bacon and serve.
Recipe Tips
- Cut broccoli into similar size pieces so they cook evenly. You can chop up the stems and add them, but it’s best to peel the tough outer skin off of them and slice them into fairly tin slices. They take longer to cook than the florets.
- To get the broccoli crispy, wash it and then dry it thoroughly before air frying.
- Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary. There needs to be room for the air to circulate around the broccoli to get it crispy.

Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer.

More Amazing Air Fryer Sides To Try
- Air Fryer Green Beans with Bacon
- Parmesan Crusted Cauliflower Steaks
- Air Fryer Mediterranean Vegetables
- Air Fryer Lemon Butter Broccoli
- Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli
Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli with Bacon
Equipment
Materials
- 1 medium broccoli head cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Place broccoli in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Place broccoli in air fryer basket. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking basket halfway through.
- Sprinkle cheese on top of broccoli and air fry another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle with bacon and serve.


This cheesy broccoli with bacon recipe looks delicious and easy to make in an air fryer. I like how it combines veggies with savory bacon for a great side dish.