Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer frozen broccoli is a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook frozen broccoli. It is a convenient side dish that can be made in a matter of minutes and is much healthier than soggy, microwaved or steamed broccoli. By using an air fryer, you can achieve crispy, golden brown broccoli florets with a slight crisp, that can be served as a snack or a side dish.

How long to cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer

Overview

Air-frying frozen broccoli is a quick and easy way to cook this healthy vegetable, with minimal prep and almost zero clean-up. It's a great way to get a tasty, crispy side dish on the table in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• Frozen broccoli florets
• Oil (avocado or olive)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F for about 5 minutes.
• In a bowl, add oil and seasonings to the frozen broccoli. Stir well to ensure an even coating.
• Spray the air fryer basket with oil.
• Place the broccoli in the air fryer in a single layer.
• Air fry for 6 minutes, then remove the basket and add in any smaller florets that might burn if cooked for the full duration.
• Shake the basket well, then put it back and continue to cook for 5-10 minutes, until the broccoli is lightly browned with crispy edges.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will cause the broccoli to steam rather than crisp.
• Always shake the basket at least once during cooking to ensure even browning.
• Don't thaw the broccoli before cooking, as this will make it soggy.
• Avocado oil is recommended for its high smoke point, but olive oil or an alternative can be used.
• For extra flavour, try adding Parmesan cheese, lemon wedges, or a dipping sauce to serve.

Air fryer temperature for frozen broccoli

You can definitely cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer. It's a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook frozen broccoli, and it's a great option when you're in a hurry or need a nutritious lunch.

Air Fryer Temperature

The ideal temperature to cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer is 400°F (204 °C).

Steps to Cook Frozen Broccoli in an Air Fryer:

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204 °C) for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: In a bowl, add olive oil or avocado oil spray, and your desired seasonings to the frozen broccoli. Stir well to ensure the oil and seasonings are evenly distributed. You can use a variety of seasonings like Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Place the seasoned broccoli florets into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

Step 5: Air fry the broccoli at 400°F (204 °C) for a total of 10-20 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. For smaller amounts of broccoli, adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid burning.

Step 6: Shake the basket at least once during cooking, especially at the halfway point, to ensure even cooking and browning.

Step 7: Once the broccoli reaches your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips for Extra Crispy Broccoli:

• Use minimal oil: Lightly spray or coat the broccoli florets with oil to help them crisp up evenly.
• Don't overcrowd the basket: Spread the broccoli into a single layer to prevent steaming and promote even crisping.
• Shake the basket halfway through: This ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
• Don't thaw the broccoli: Cooking frozen broccoli directly from the freezer helps achieve the best texture and prevents sogginess.

Serving Suggestions:

Air fryer frozen broccoli is a versatile side dish that pairs well with proteins like salmon, shrimp, or chicken. You can also get creative with toppings and sauces, such as parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast, or a cheese sauce. Additionally, you can experiment with different seasonings like chili powder, curry powder, or cumin to add extra flavor to your dish.

Air fryer frozen broccoli ingredients

The great thing about cooking frozen broccoli in an air fryer is that it requires minimal prep time and very few ingredients. You can have a healthy and delicious side dish on the table in no time!

Ingredients

• Frozen broccoli florets
• Oil (avocado, olive, or another oil with a high smoke point)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Optional Ingredients

• Lemon juice
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Nutritional yeast

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (190-204°C) for about 5 minutes.
• In a bowl, add oil and seasonings to the frozen broccoli. Stir well to ensure an even distribution.
• Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry for 6 minutes, then shake the basket and add in any smaller florets that might cook quicker.
• Air fry for another 5-7 minutes, until the broccoli is lightly browned with crispy edges.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can result in soggy and unevenly cooked broccoli.
• Always shake the basket at least once during cooking to promote even browning.
• Don't thaw the broccoli before cooking, as this can make it soggy.

How to make frozen broccoli crispy in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen broccoli florets
• Avocado oil or olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Other seasonings (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (around 204°C).
• In a large bowl, toss the frozen broccoli florets with oil and your desired seasonings. Ensure everything is well combined and evenly coated.
• Place the broccoli florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can cause the broccoli to steam instead of crisp.
• Air fry for 10-20 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. For smaller florets, check the broccoli after 5 minutes, then shake the basket and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes. For larger florets, you may need to increase the cooking time.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crisping.
• Serve immediately. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle on some parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Tips:

• Don't thaw the broccoli before cooking. Cooking it directly from frozen helps achieve a crispier texture.
• Line the air fryer basket with foil for easier cleanup, but be aware that this may affect the hot air circulation and make your broccoli slightly less crispy.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you have a large batch of broccoli, you may need to cook it in multiple batches.

Air fryer frozen broccoli recipe

Ingredients:

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

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F for about 5 minutes.
• In a bowl, add your chosen oil/cooking spray and seasonings to the frozen broccoli. Stir well to ensure an even coating.
• For the best results, separate any small florets and add them to the air fryer halfway through cooking to prevent burning.
• Spray the air fryer basket with oil/cooking spray. Place the broccoli in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
• Air fry for 6 minutes, then add the small florets (if applicable). Shake the basket and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, until the broccoli is lightly browned with crispy edges.
• Serve immediately.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to soggy, unevenly cooked broccoli.
• Shake the basket at least once during cooking to promote even browning and cooking.
• Don't thaw the broccoli before cooking, as this can make it soggy.
• Line the basket with foil for easier cleanup, but be aware this may affect the crispness of the broccoli.

Frequently asked questions