Air Fryer Broccoli: The Ultimate Frozen Treat

Air fryer frozen broccoli is a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook broccoli. It is a convenient option for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry. With minimal prep, you can transform frozen broccoli into a crispy, tender, and nutritious side dish. The air fryer helps create a roasted flavour and texture without the mess and lengthy cooking time of a traditional oven.

How to cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen broccoli florets
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other seasonings (optional)

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Large mixing bowl
• Spray bottle (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204 °C).
• In a large mixing bowl, toss the frozen broccoli florets with oil and seasonings.
• Spread the broccoli florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 10-20 minutes at 400°F (204 °C), shaking the basket halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the desired level of crispiness and the size of the florets.
• Serve immediately.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the basket. This will ensure that the broccoli cooks evenly and doesn't become soggy.
• Shake the basket during cooking to help all sides of the broccoli turn golden and crispy.
• Preheating the air fryer is not always necessary, but it is recommended when cooking frozen vegetables to prevent sogginess.
• You can use an oil spray to minimise oil usage.
• Frozen broccoli can be cooked straight from frozen. Thawing beforehand can make the broccoli soggy.
• For extra crispiness, lightly spray or drizzle the broccoli with oil before cooking.
• Try experimenting with different seasonings! Some suggestions include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, lemon pepper seasoning, chilli powder, cumin, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes.

How long to cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer

Overview

Air-frying frozen broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It's a simple process that only requires a few ingredients and minimal prep time. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air ensures that your broccoli will come out crispy and flavorful, with minimal oil needed.

Ingredients and Preparation

You'll need frozen broccoli florets, oil (olive or avocado), and your choice of seasonings. Some common seasoning options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, or nutritional yeast.

Before cooking, toss the broccoli florets in a mixing bowl with the oil and desired seasonings until they are well-coated. It is recommended to use a single layer of florets in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and browning.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). The cooking time for frozen broccoli in an air fryer can vary depending on the desired level of crispiness and the size of the florets, but it generally falls within the range of 10-20 minutes.

For smaller florets or a crispier texture, aim for the shorter end of the cooking time range, around 10-12 minutes. Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking and keep a close eye on the broccoli to prevent burning.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
• Do not thaw the broccoli before cooking, as this can lead to sogginess.
• Use a thin layer of foil at the bottom of the basket for easier cleanup, although this may affect the crispiness of the broccoli slightly.
• For extra crispiness, lightly spray the broccoli florets with oil before placing them in the air fryer.

Serving Suggestions

Air-fried frozen broccoli makes a delicious and nutritious side dish. It pairs well with a variety of proteins, including chicken, seafood, beef, and pork. You can also add it to dishes like broccoli salad with bacon, broccoli cheese soup, or chicken broccoli casserole.

Nutritional Benefits

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense food, offering a good source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium. Frozen broccoli is a convenient and affordable option that can be just as nutritious, if not more, than fresh broccoli.

Frozen broccoli in an air fryer: seasoning

The great thing about cooking frozen broccoli in an air fryer is that it's so versatile. You can season it with almost anything you like. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Basic seasoning

A simple way to season your broccoli is with a drizzle of olive oil or avocado oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes for a kick.

Cheesy broccoli

If you're a cheese lover, try sprinkling on some parmesan or nutritional yeast. You could also try a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese or, for a dairy-free option, some paleo parmesan cheese.

Spicy broccoli

For some extra heat, season your broccoli with chili powder or flakes, paprika, or red pepper flakes.

Other seasoning ideas

• Lemon pepper seasoning or a splash of lemon juice
• Cumin
• Italian seasoning
• Curry powder
• Smoked paprika

How to season your broccoli in an air fryer

First, place your frozen broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl. Then, add your chosen oil and seasonings and toss well to combine. Make sure to separate any florets that are stuck together to ensure even coverage.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes. Transfer the broccoli to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice throughout, until slightly crispy and browned.

And that's it! You now have a delicious, healthy side dish ready to serve.

Frozen broccoli in an air fryer: preparation

Air fryer frozen broccoli is a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook broccoli. It's a simple side dish that can be made in under 20 minutes and requires minimal preparation. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing and cooking frozen broccoli in an air fryer:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment

• Frozen broccoli florets (a 16oz bag is a good amount for a 6-quart air fryer)
• Olive oil or avocado oil (or a neutral-flavoured oil like avocado oil)
• Dry spice seasonings: coarse sea salt, black pepper, and lemon pepper seasoning (or other seasonings of your choice)
• Air fryer
• Large mixing bowl
• Optional: foil or parchment paper to line the air fryer basket for easier cleanup

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Preheating is especially important when cooking frozen vegetables to ensure they get crispy and don't become soggy.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

Place the frozen broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle or spray the broccoli with oil and toss to coat evenly. Then, add your desired seasonings and toss again to combine. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, or nutritional yeast.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli

Spread the seasoned broccoli florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can cause the broccoli to steam instead of roast and get crispy. Cook the broccoli at 400°F (204°C) for 10-20 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the broccoli has reached your desired level of doneness, serve it immediately. Air fryer frozen broccoli is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of proteins and entrees. Enjoy!

Frozen broccoli in an air fryer: serving suggestions

Frozen broccoli in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be made in under 20 minutes. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate this simple dish:

Spices and Seasonings

While salt and pepper are the most common seasonings for broccoli, you can get creative and experiment with different spices and seasonings to suit your taste. Some options include:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Red pepper flakes
• Nutritional yeast
• Chili powder or flakes
• Curry powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Italian seasoning

Sauces and Toppings

Adding a sauce or some toppings to your air-fried broccoli can take it to the next level. Here are some ideas:

• Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast on top.
• Drizzle a sauce like garlic chilli sauce, Whole30 ranch yogurt dressing, or cheese sauce.
• For a crunchy topping, sprinkle on some breadcrumbs, such as Italian-style or gluten-free Japanese panko.

Main Course Pairings

Air-fried frozen broccoli is a versatile side dish that goes well with a variety of main courses:

• Proteins: Pair it with chicken, seafood, beef, or pork. For example, try it with pan-seared chicken breasts, crab-stuffed salmon, or cast iron skillet pork chops.
• Rice and Noodles: Serve it with air fryer rice, air fryer fried rice, spicy peanut noodles, or chili oil ramen.
• Pizzas and Pastas: It can be a great side to naan pizza or vegan alfredo pasta.
• Soups and Casseroles: Toss it into a broccoli cheese soup or a chicken broccoli casserole.

Frequently asked questions