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

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen broccoli, yielding a crispy and tasty result. The cooking process is simple and quick, requiring minimal preparation and a small number of ingredients. Frozen broccoli is a healthy and low-carb option that can be paired with various proteins. By using an air fryer, you can avoid the sogginess that often occurs when microwaving or steaming frozen broccoli. This method also requires less oil than conventional cooking, making it a healthier alternative.

How to cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen broccoli florets
• Oil (avocado, olive, or another variety of your choice)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Any other spices 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.
• Place the frozen broccoli florets in a bowl.
• Drizzle oil on top of the broccoli and add your chosen spices.
• Mix until everything is well combined and the broccoli is evenly coated.
• Spray the air fryer basket with oil.
• Place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry for 10 minutes. Then, if you have a tray model, rotate the trays. If you have a basket model, shake the basket.
• Air fry for another 8-10 minutes until the broccoli is crispy and golden brown.
• Serve with lemon wedges or a dipping sauce.

Tips:

• You can cook the broccoli straight from frozen—don't thaw it first!
• Don't overcrowd the basket as this can make the broccoli soggy.
• Shake the basket at least once during the cooking process to promote even cooking and browning.
• If your broccoli florets are larger, you may need to increase the cooking time.
• If you want your broccoli to be extra crispy, lightly spray the florets with oil before cooking.
• You can also add other ingredients to the broccoli, such as parmesan cheese, buffalo wing hot sauce, or everything bagel seasoning.

The best oil to use for frozen broccoli in an air fryer

When it comes to cooking frozen broccoli in an air fryer, the type of oil you use can make a difference in the taste, texture, and overall quality of the dish. Here are some recommendations and tips for choosing the best oil:

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a great choice for air frying frozen broccoli due to its high smoke point and nutritional benefits. It has a neutral flavour that won't overpower the taste of the broccoli, and it can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer without smoking or burning. Avocado oil is also a healthy option, containing beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is another popular option for air frying. While it has a lower smoke point than avocado oil, it can still work well for air frying frozen broccoli if you're mindful of the temperature settings. Extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle fruity flavour to the broccoli, enhancing its taste.

Other Options

You can also experiment with other oils such as peanut oil, grapeseed oil, or sunflower oil, which all have relatively high smoke points. Additionally, consider using oil sprays, such as olive oil spray or avocado oil spray, which are convenient for coating the broccoli and the air fryer basket. These sprays help prevent sticking and promote even cooking.

Tips for Using Oil in an Air Fryer:

• Use a small amount of oil: A little oil goes a long way in an air fryer. You only need enough to lightly coat the broccoli florets.
• Toss broccoli with oil and seasonings: For even cooking and flavour distribution, place the frozen broccoli florets in a bowl, add oil and your desired seasonings, and toss until everything is well combined.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: Make sure the broccoli florets are in a single layer with some space between them. This allows hot air to circulate properly and ensures even cooking.
• Shake the basket during cooking: Give the air fryer basket a good shake at least once during the cooking process to prevent the broccoli from sticking and to promote even browning.

How to make frozen broccoli extra crispy in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen broccoli florets (best if they're all about the same size)
• Oil (avocado oil or olive oil)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other spices (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Place the frozen broccoli florets in a bowl.
• Drizzle oil on top of the broccoli.
• Add salt, pepper, and any other desired spices to the bowl.
• Toss the broccoli until everything is well combined and the spices are evenly coating the florets.
• Spread the broccoli out in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry for 10 minutes.
• If you have a tray model, rotate the trays. If you have a basket model, shake the basket.
• Air fry for another 8-10 minutes, or until the broccoli is crispy and golden brown.
• Serve with lemon wedges or a dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips:

• Don't thaw the broccoli before cooking. Cooking it directly from frozen will help it stay crispy.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.
• Shake the basket at least once during the cooking process to promote even browning.

How long to cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer! It's an easy and delicious way to cook frozen broccoli, resulting in crispy, golden brown broccoli florets with a slight crisp. Here's how to do it:

• Preheat your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F for about 5 minutes. Preheating is important as it ensures even cooking and crispiness.
• Prepare the broccoli: Place the desired amount of frozen broccoli florets (about 4 cups) in a large bowl. Do not thaw the broccoli before cooking, as this can affect the texture and cause sogginess.
• Add oil and seasonings: Drizzle or spray avocado oil or olive oil on the broccoli. You can also add your preferred seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure even coating.
• Arrange the broccoli in the air fryer: Spread the seasoned broccoli florets in a single layer on the trays or in the basket of the air fryer. Avoid overcrowding to allow for even cooking.
• Air fry: Place the air fryer trays or basket into the preheated air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. Then, if you have a tray model, rotate the trays. If you have a basket model, shake the basket to ensure even cooking. Air fry for an additional 8-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
• Serve: Once the broccoli is crispy and golden brown, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can enjoy it as a side dish or dip it in your favorite sauce.

The total cook time in the air fryer is typically around 18-20 minutes, but it can vary depending on the size of your broccoli florets and your desired level of crispiness. Keep a close eye on the broccoli during the cooking process to avoid overcooking or burning.

The health benefits of air-fried frozen broccoli

Air-fried frozen broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be prepared in a matter of minutes. It is a convenient option for those busy nights when you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry or for quick, nutritious lunches. Here are some of the health benefits of air-fried frozen broccoli:

Nutrient-Dense and Low-Carb:

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense food, packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium. It also contains more protein than most other vegetables. By air-frying frozen broccoli, you can retain these nutrients while adding minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep-frying.

Affordable and Convenient:

Frozen broccoli is affordable and convenient to keep in your freezer for those times when you need a quick and easy side dish. It eliminates the need for chopping and cutting fresh broccoli, saving you time and effort.

Crispy and Flavorful:

Air-frying frozen broccoli results in crispy, golden brown florets with a slight crisp that even the pickiest eaters will love. The high temperature of the air fryer and the addition of a small amount of healthy oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil, enhances the flavor and texture of the broccoli.

Customizable Seasonings:

The beauty of air-fried frozen broccoli is that you can customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder. This versatility makes it a dish that can be tailored to different palates and dietary preferences.

Healthier Alternative to Microwaving or Steaming:

When microwaved or steamed, broccoli can turn soggy and bland, often requiring the addition of unhealthy sauces or dressings to enhance its flavor. Air-frying, on the other hand, produces crispy, flavorful broccoli with minimal oil and no added sauces, making it a healthier cooking method.

In conclusion, air-fried frozen broccoli is a nutritious, delicious, and convenient side dish that can be prepared in a matter of minutes. It is a healthier alternative to other cooking methods, retaining the nutrients of broccoli while adding a crispy, flavorful texture. So, the next time you're looking for a quick and easy side dish, reach for that bag of frozen broccoli and your air fryer!

Frequently asked questions