Air Fryer Broccoli: Frozen To Crispy In Minutes

Air fryer frozen broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be made in under 20 minutes. It is a convenient option for those looking for a tasty way to cook frozen broccoli without having to defrost it first. By cooking it in an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy texture and a roasted flavour that is often lacking when cooking frozen broccoli in a microwave or steamer.

How to cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen broccoli florets
• Avocado oil or olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Lemon pepper seasoning (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• In a bowl, add your chosen oil and seasonings to the frozen broccoli. Stir well to ensure the oil and seasoning are evenly distributed.
• For the best results, separate the smallest florets and set them aside. These will be added to the air fryer halfway through cooking to prevent burning.
• Spray the air fryer basket with avocado or olive oil spray. Place the broccoli in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring the florets do not overlap too much.
• Air fry for 6 minutes, then remove the basket and add in the small florets (if you have them). Shake the basket well, then put it back and continue cooking for 5-6 minutes, until the broccoli is lightly browned with crispy edges.
• Serve immediately.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the basket. This is important to ensure the air can circulate and cook the broccoli evenly.
• Always shake the basket at least once during cooking to promote even cooking and browning.
• Don't thaw the broccoli before cooking. This is the secret to achieving the perfect crispiness!

The best oil for air-frying frozen broccoli

Air-frying frozen broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. You can use a variety of oils for air-frying frozen broccoli, but some of the most popular options include olive oil, avocado oil, and olive oil spray. Here's a more detailed look at each of these options:

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a common choice for air-frying frozen broccoli. It has a relatively low smoke point, so it's important to use it sparingly. A couple of tablespoons of olive oil are usually enough to coat the broccoli florets evenly. Olive oil is also packed with antioxidants and vitamins, adding to the nutritional value of your dish.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is another excellent option for air-frying frozen broccoli. It has a higher smoke point than olive oil, so it's less likely to create residue in your air fryer. Avocado oil is also a healthy choice, as it's rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and has a neutral flavour that won't overpower your broccoli.

Olive Oil Spray

If you want to use even less oil, olive oil spray is a great option. It helps prevent the broccoli florets from sticking to the air fryer basket and ensures even distribution of oil with minimal calories. However, it's important to note that some olive oil sprays contain other ingredients that may have a lower smoke point, so be sure to check the label.

Tips for Air-Frying Frozen Broccoli:

• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation.
• Shake the basket at least once during cooking to promote even browning and prevent burning.
• Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes to find your favourite flavour combinations.

How to make frozen broccoli extra crispy in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen broccoli florets
• Avocado oil or olive oil (use avocado oil for a higher smoke point)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Lemon pepper seasoning (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• In a large bowl, add the frozen broccoli florets, oil, and seasonings. Toss and combine well.
• Place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket, spreading the florets out in a single layer.
• Air fry for 10 minutes, then rotate the trays or shake the basket. Air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the broccoli is crispy and golden brown.
• Serve immediately, with lemon wedges if desired.

Tips for Extra Crispiness:

• Don't thaw the broccoli before cooking.
• Lightly spray or coat the broccoli with oil before cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket—this will cause the broccoli to steam instead of roast.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.

How long to air fry frozen broccoli

Air-fried frozen broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be ready in as little as 10 minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how long to air fry frozen broccoli and some tips for the best results.

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Broccoli

Before you begin, it's important to note that you should not thaw the frozen broccoli. Cooking it directly from frozen will give you the best texture and crispiness. Start by preheating your air fryer to 380-400°F for about 5 minutes.

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your frozen broccoli florets. Place them in a large bowl, and if desired, separate any smaller florets to add halfway through cooking to prevent burning. Drizzle olive oil or avocado oil over the broccoli, and add your choice of seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or try garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes for a kick. Toss everything together until the broccoli is evenly coated.

Step 2: Air Fry the Broccoli

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the broccoli. Spread the seasoned broccoli florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have space to brown evenly.

Air fry the broccoli for about 10 minutes, then remove the basket and give it a good shake. If you set aside any smaller florets, now is the time to add them. Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the size of your broccoli florets, but it should take between 15-20 minutes for the broccoli to reach the desired level of crispiness.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Once your broccoli is lightly browned with crispy edges, it's ready to serve! Air-fried frozen broccoli is best enjoyed fresh and makes a delicious and nutritious side dish to any meal.

Tips for Success:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.
• Always shake the basket at least once during cooking to promote even browning and cooking.
• Use avocado oil or olive oil for a higher smoke point and to prevent residue buildup.
• For extra crispiness, lightly spray the frozen broccoli florets with oil before adding your seasonings.
• Get creative with your seasonings! Experiment with different spice blends to find your favorite flavor combinations.

How to prevent broccoli from burning in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen broccoli, but it's important to follow a few key steps to prevent burning and achieve the desired level of crispiness. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your broccoli turns out perfectly:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Before you begin, make sure your air fryer is preheated to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to around 380-400°F (204 °C). This step is important because it ensures even cooking and helps to get that crispy texture we all love.

Prepare the Broccoli

Place your frozen broccoli florets into a large mixing bowl. It's important to use florets rather than chopped broccoli to ensure even cooking. Avoid thawing the broccoli beforehand, as this can lead to sogginess. Add your chosen oil and seasonings to the bowl and toss everything together until the broccoli is evenly coated. You can use various oils, such as avocado or olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or any other spices you like.

Cook the Broccoli

Once your broccoli is prepared, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Spread the broccoli florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this can cause steaming and affect the crispiness. Set the air fryer to the preheated temperature and cook for around 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of your broccoli florets and the specific model of your air fryer.

Shake and Stir

During the cooking process, it's important to shake or stir the air fryer basket at least once to ensure even cooking and browning. Most recipes recommend shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. This will help prevent burning and ensure that your broccoli cooks evenly.

Check for Doneness

Keep a close eye on your broccoli as it cooks, especially if you're using a smaller amount or your air fryer tends to run hot. The cooking time can vary, and you don't want your broccoli to burn. Check the broccoli after the initial cooking time, and if it's not yet crispy to your liking, continue cooking in short intervals until it reaches the desired level of doneness.

Serve and Enjoy

Once your broccoli is nicely browned and crispy, it's ready to serve! Air fryer frozen broccoli is best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer, but you can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best results.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked, crispy air fryer frozen broccoli without worrying about burning. Happy cooking!

Frequently asked questions