Based on orthogonal experiment for minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) milling of Al–60% Si alloy, the influence of milling parameters on cutting force, cutting temperature and surface roughness is analyzed. Compared with dry cutting, the machining mechanism of MQL milling of high-silicon aluminum alloy is explored. The results show that under the condition of MQL milling, the cutting force is mostly affected by feed per tooth (f_z) and increases first and then decreases with increase of cutting speed (v_c). The impact of milling parameters on cutting temperature is: cutting speed > feed per tooth > radial cutting width. With the increase of v_c, the growth rate of cutting temperature increases from small to large. When v_c is 90 m/min, the inhibition effect of MQL on cutting heat is weakened with the highest cutting temperature. Surface roughness is significantly affected by f_z, which increases with the increase of f_z, and the lowest surface roughness is 0.234 μm. Compared with dry milling, feed force and tangential force of MQL processing reduces by 24.3% and 14.0%, respectively, cutting temperature reduces by 23.4% and surface roughness reduces by 13.7%. MQL assisted processing technology can effectively improve the milling performance of Al–60% Si alloy.