Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli: A Quick, Healthy Treat

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen broccoli, yielding a crispy texture and flavourful taste. Frozen broccoli is a healthy, low-carb, and nutrient-dense side dish that pairs well with most proteins. It is also a great way to ensure you always have vegetables on hand for a quick and easy meal.

How to cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen broccoli florets
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F.
• Place the frozen broccoli florets into a bowl.
• Drizzle with oil and add your seasonings. Toss the broccoli to ensure everything is coated evenly.
• Place the broccoli into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• If you want your broccoli to be extra crispy, add another minute or two to the cooking time.
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket—this will cause the broccoli to steam rather than crisp.
• Don't thaw the broccoli before cooking. This can make it soggy.
• You can add other seasonings and spices to change up the flavour.
• For dairy-free, swap parmesan for nutritional yeast.

Air fryer frozen broccoli recipe and ingredients

Ingredients:

• Frozen broccoli florets
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Onion powder (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Smoked paprika (optional)
• Italian seasoning (optional)

Recipe:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F.
• Place the frozen broccoli florets into a large bowl.
• Drizzle olive oil or avocado oil over the broccoli florets and toss to coat.
• Add salt and black pepper to taste, and any other desired seasonings, and toss again.
• Arrange the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 8-10 minutes at 380-400°F, shaking the basket halfway through, until the broccoli is crispy.
• Serve immediately.

Tips:

• It is recommended to cook frozen broccoli directly from frozen, without thawing, for the best texture.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• You can experiment with different seasonings and spices to suit your taste.
• For a dairy-free option, swap parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast.

Tips for making frozen broccoli in an air fryer

Preheat your air fryer

Preheat your air fryer for at least 5 minutes at 380-400°F (204 °C). Some air fryers have a preheat button, but if yours doesn't, just set it to the temperature you need and let it warm up.

Prepare the broccoli

Place the frozen broccoli florets in a bowl and toss with a small amount of oil—olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil are all good options. You can also add your choice of seasonings at this stage.

Cook the broccoli

Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between the florets. Cook for 8-10 minutes at 380-400°F, shaking the basket halfway through. If you're cooking more than one batch, you may need to adjust the cooking time for the second batch.

Season to taste

Once the broccoli is cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, Cajun seasoning, or Italian seasoning. If you want to add cheese, sprinkle on some Parmesan or nutritional yeast.

Clean up

To make clean-up easier, you can line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper before cooking. Just be aware that this may affect the air circulation and crispiness of the broccoli slightly.

How long to air fry frozen broccoli

Air-frying frozen broccoli is a quick and easy way to cook a healthy and tasty side dish. It's a convenient option if you're in a pinch and need to get a veggie side on the table fast. Plus, it's a great way to avoid the sogginess that can come with microwaving or steaming frozen broccoli.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to air fry frozen broccoli, along with some tips on cooking times:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Broccoli

• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.
• Take a bag of frozen broccoli florets and, if needed, cut them into smaller pieces. It's best to use florets rather than broccoli cuts, as these tend to have a lot of stem pieces.
• Place the broccoli florets in a bowl and add your choice of oil and seasonings. You can use olive oil or avocado oil spray, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

• Spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
• Place the seasoned broccoli florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to soggy or unevenly cooked broccoli.
• Air fry the broccoli for a total cook time of around 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of your florets and the desired level of crispiness.
• For smaller florets or a smaller batch, check the broccoli after 5 minutes and then watch it closely, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
• For larger florets or a larger batch, cook for 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Tips for the Best Results:

• Don't thaw the broccoli before cooking. Cooking frozen broccoli directly from the freezer helps achieve the best texture.
• Shake the basket at least once during cooking to promote even browning and prevent steaming.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Use avocado oil spray instead of regular cooking spray, as it has a higher smoke point and won't leave a residue that's hard to clean.

Air-fried frozen broccoli is a convenient, tasty, and healthy side dish that can be prepared in just a few simple steps. Enjoy your crispy, golden brown broccoli!

Air fryer frozen broccoli and cheese

Ingredients:

• Frozen broccoli florets
• Olive oil or avocado oil spray
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Parmesan cheese
• Cheddar cheese

Optional Ingredients:

• Lemon juice
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Nutritional yeast
• Breadcrumbs

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F.
• Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray. This prevents the broccoli from sticking to the basket.
• Place the frozen broccoli florets into the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not thawed beforehand for the best texture.
• Spray the broccoli with olive oil or avocado oil spray.
• Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder onto the broccoli. You can also add other seasonings like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes. Give the basket a good shake to mix the spices.
• Air fry the broccoli for 5 minutes. Stir and shake the basket, then air fry for another 5-6 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
• Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. You can also add cheddar cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
• For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle a mixture of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese on top before air frying.
• Serve immediately. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy broccoli!

Tips:

• If using less than 24 oz of broccoli, adjust the cooking time as it will cook faster.
• If using the full 24 oz of broccoli, the cook time may vary from 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of your broccoli florets. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
• You can also add lemon juice and olive oil to the broccoli before cooking for extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions