Cook this easy air fryer frozen broccoli in a fraction of the time it would take to cook it on the stove or in the oven. The air fryer helps the broccoli florets get a crispy texture and flavor. A perfect side dish for busy weeknights with no prep required!
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I’m kind of embarrassed to admit it, but I like frozen broccoli more than fresh broccoli in the air fryer. There, I said it!
Air fryers are great for heating up all kinds of frozen food. Some easy air fryer recipes include frozen chicken wings, chicken tenders, french fries, fish sticks, and mozzarella sticks.
However, I had never tried out frozen vegetables in the air fryer. I didn’t think frozen broccoli in an air fryer would turn out as well as fresh. But I was willing to try it out anyway and was shocked by the results!
The air fryer broccoli florets had crispy edges and were so flavorful that I was popping them in my mouth, one after the other!
I think cooking the broccoli from frozen prevented it from charring too quickly.
Using frozen broccoli is now one of my favorite ways to serve veggies, especially on busy weeknights!
It is so convenient because it takes almost no time to prep, which makes it an easy side dish!
➡ If you’re looking for air fryer fresh veggie recipes, try my brussels sprouts, cauliflower, potatoes, or broccoli recipe.
Ingredients and Tips
🧂 Ingredients for Frozen Broccoli in Air Fryer
💡 Ingredient and Recipe Tips
🔥 Preheating: Definitely preheat your air fryer for this frozen broccoli recipe. My Cosori has a convenient preheat button for this purpose.
❄️ Keep Frozen: For best results, don’t thaw the broccoli before cooking. Keep florets frozen until you’re ready to place them in the preheated air fryer.
🧂 Seasoning Timing: Add seasonings while broccoli is still frozen so flavors get absorbed. Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper make a great combination. Or try my special formula roasting seasoning!
🌶️ Spice Adjustments: Adjust spice quantities to your taste preferences. Try red pepper flakes, Cajun, or Italian seasoning for variety.
🧀 Cheese Option: Consider sprinkling parmesan cheese over roasted broccoli after cooking. Reduce salt in your seasoning mix since parmesan adds saltiness.
↔️ Spacing: Don’t crowd the air fryer basket! Place frozen florets in a single layer with space between pieces to allow hot air to circulate. Cook in multiple batches if needed.
🍽️ Serving Suggestion: Serve as a healthy side dish with pork chops, salmon, or any main course.
⏱️ Cooking Time: Air fryers vary in temperature and cooking times. The first time you make this recipe, check on the broccoli a few minutes before the suggested time is up. Broccoli is done when tender but still slightly crunchy. Adjust cooking time for future batches.
♨️ How to Make Frozen Broccoli in Air Fryer
- Put the broccoli in a medium mixing bowl.
- Toss the frozen broccoli with olive oil or avocado oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Toss the broccoli florets to mix everything together.
- Add frozen broccoli to the air fryer basket and air fry.
- Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket the toss the florets.
- Once the broccoli is done cooking, serve this perfect side dish immediately.
See the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10.8 oz frozen broccoli (1 bag) appx 300 grams
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Air Fryer Instructions (See Note!)
- Place the empty air fryer basket in the air fryer and preheat at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes. **
- Mix together oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powders in a small bowl.
- Place frozen broccoli florets in a medium mixing bowl. Coat the broccoli with olive oil and spices. Toss the broccoli florets to mix everything together.
- Place the frozen broccoli florets in the air fryer basket, without overcrowding.
- Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking the basket at the 5 minute mark.
- Transfer to serving bowl and serve immediately.
Notes
- Note: Every air fryer’s cooking time will vary due to wattage, capacity, and other factors. Always check on the food 2 to 3 minutes before the time is up to make sure it’s not burning or overcooking!
* Bird’s Eye Steamfresh broccoli florets were used in this recipe. - Don’t thaw the frozen broccoli before air frying.
- Every air fryer will vary. The first time you make this recipe, monitor the broccoli and adjust the air frying time as needed.
Nutrition
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I am not a certified nutritionist. I provide my best estimate of nutritional information merely as a courtesy to my readers. If you depend on nutritional information for dietary or health reasons, I suggest using your favorite online nutrition calculator to confirm the nutritional value of this recipe based on the actual ingredients that you use.
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Betty Whatley says
Absolutely delicious. I agree the frozen broccoli does taste better than the fresh.
Neena Panicker says
Betty, so funny right?!