# Broccoli cooking times

How long to cook broccoli: **3–4 min boiled, 4–6 min steamed, 3–4 min in the microwave and 15–20 min in the oven at 220°C (200°C fan)**. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/broccoli-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## How long to cook broccoli

Times are for 1 head (about 350 g), cut into florets, for 4.

Broccoli: cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Boil](https://feastflow.co.uk/boiling-times) | 3–4 min | in boiling salted water | Drain well; it holds water. |
| [Steam](https://feastflow.co.uk/steaming-times) | 4–6 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Microwave](https://feastflow.co.uk/microwave-cooking-times) | 3–4 min | on full power, covered | With 2 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
| [Oven](https://feastflow.co.uk/oven-cooking-times) | 15–20 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | Toss in oil and salt and spread out; it should char at the edges. |
| [Air fryer](https://feastflow.co.uk/air-fryer-cooking-times) | 6–9 min | 200°C (400°F) | Toss in a teaspoon of oil; shake halfway. |
| [Pan-fry](https://feastflow.co.uk/pan-frying-times) | 4–5 min | over a high heat | Stir-fry in a little oil, then add a splash of water and cover for the last minute. |

## Before you start

Cut into even florets. Peel and slice the stalk: it’s good to eat and cooks in the same time.

## How to tell it’s done

Bright green and just tender: a knife goes into a stalk with a little resistance.

## Questions

### How long to boil broccoli?

3–4 min in boiling salted water. Drain well; it holds water.

### How long to steam broccoli?

4–6 min over simmering water.

### How long to microwave broccoli?

3–4 min on full power, covered. With 2 tablespoons of water; stir halfway.

### How long to cook broccoli in the oven?

15–20 min at 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7. Toss in oil and salt and spread out; it should char at the edges.

### How long to cook broccoli in an air fryer?

6–9 min at 200°C (400°F). Toss in a teaspoon of oil; shake halfway.

### How long to pan-fry broccoli?

4–5 min over a high heat. Stir-fry in a little oil, then add a splash of water and cover for the last minute.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/