Learn how to make air fryer frozen broccoli with this quick and easy guide! In less than 10 minutes, open up the drawer to perfectly crispy and tender broccoli. It makes a great side dish, healthy snack, or lunch during busy weeks.
Cooking vegetables in the air fryer is one of my favorite ways to use this incredible kitchen appliance. In fact, cooking food from frozen is actually one of the best ways to use an air fryer.
This is because it thaws the food as it preheats, and it always results in vegetables that are tender and crispy. The best part? You don’t even have to turn your oven on!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy: Frozen broccoli is full of vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, fiber, iron, and potassium. Plus, air frying means you don’t have to use as much oil.
- Easy: This no-fuss dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have the energy to make an extravagant meal. Just add broccoli to the air fryer and press start!
- Quick: Cooking in the air fryer is much quicker compared to the oven or steamer basket. You don’t even have to wait for the air fryer to preheat!
Ingredients For Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
See the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below.
- Frozen broccoli: For convenience, just use a package of store-bought frozen broccoli. If you have extra fresh broccoli heads on hand, cut them into florets and freeze them for air frying at a later date!
- Olive oil: To prevent the broccoli from sticking to the air fryer basket. I prefer olive oil, but avocado oil, canola oil, or any other neutral vegetable oil will work.
- Seasonings: I season the broccoli with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This combination is zesty, savory, and hearty! Feel free to experiment with increased or decreased measurements to suit your preferences.
How To Cook Frozen Broccoli In The Air Fryer
Step 1: Toss the broccoli
In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and olive oil. Make sure they are coated evenly!
Step 2: Air fry the frozen broccoli
Once it is coated in seasonings, place the broccoli in the air fryer. Air fry it at 370°F for 8-10 minutes, or until your desired tenderness and crispiness are reached.
Step 3: Toss the broccoli
At the halfway point, remove the basket and toss the broccoli to promote even cooking. Serve the broccoli while hot!
What To Serve With Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
You can serve air fryer frozen broccoli as-is or with toppings like Parmesan cheese, cheese sauce, or chili flakes. Enjoy it as a side dish with prime rib, oven-roasted pork tenderloin, air fryer chicken breasts, or grilled pork chops.
For a more complete meal, pair it with other sides like air fryer sweet potatoes, crispy air fryer potatoes, mac and cheese, or crispy baked potatoes.
Recipe Variations
- Buffalo: Toss the broccoli together with buffalo sauce, melted butter, and salt before adding it to the air fryer.
- Lemon herb: Season the broccoli with olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, basil, and pepper.
- Cheesy: Coat the broccoli with olive oil and shredded cheddar before air frying it.
- Asian-style: Toss it in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and cornstarch.
Tips For The Best Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd: For optimal air circulation and crispiness, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. It’s better to cook in batches rather than stack the broccoli on top of one another.
- Shake: Shake the basket halfway to flip the broccoli so the florets crisp up on all sides.
- High heat: High heat in the air fryer is the best way to cook frozen broccoli. This causes them to crisp up rather than just steam.
- Keep an eye on them: If it’s your first time cooking frozen broccoli in the air fryer, check on them early to ensure they don’t burn. Each air fryer varies slightly in terms of heat level and cooking time.
- Season before cooking: If you decide to add any seasonings, it’s best to toss the broccoli in them before cooking.
What To Do With Leftovers
If you have leftover air fryer frozen broccoli, follow these simple storage and reheating tips:
- Fridge: Let the broccoli completely cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat frozen broccoli in the air fryer at 370 degrees F for 3-4 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through.
Additional Recipes
If you enjoyed learning how to cook frozen broccoli in the air fryer, take a peek at some more of my favorite air fryer recipes:
- Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
- Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
- Air Fryer Frozen Burgers
- Air Fryer Frozen Pizza Rolls
- Air Fryer Bagel Bites
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does broccoli take in the air fryer?
Once you transfer the broccoli to the air fryer, it will take about 8–10 minutes at 370 degrees F. The broccoli should appear crispy on the outside but tender in the middle. Just remember to flip them halfway through so they brown evenly.
Why does my broccoli burn in the air fryer?
If your broccoli tends to burn in the air fryer, there is a good chance the temperature is too high or you’re cooking it for too long. Try reducing the cooking time by 1-2 minutes or the heat by 25 degrees F.
Is it unhealthy to cook vegetables in an air fryer?
No! Cooking broccoli in the air fryer is just as healthy as cooking it in the oven. You can make this dish even healthier by reducing the amount of oil used and limiting high-calorie sauces or toppings.
Easy Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss broccoli with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and olive oil.
- Place broccoli into the air fryer basket. Air fry at 370°F for 8-10 minutes, or until desired tenderness is reached. Toss halfway through to promote even cooking.
- Serve hot.
8 Comments