Air Fryer Magic: Frozen Broccoli, Perfectly Cooked

Air fryer frozen broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be made in minutes. It is a convenient option for those looking for a tasty way to cook frozen broccoli without the sogginess that comes from microwaving or steaming. With just a few simple ingredients and spices, you can transform frozen broccoli florets into a delicious and crispy treat. This method is perfect for when you're in a pinch and need a healthy side dish to complement your meal.

How to cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer

Broccoli preparation and air fryer setup

Broccoli Preparation:

• Select the Right Broccoli: Choose bags labelled as "broccoli florets" rather than just "broccoli" or broccoli cuts to ensure you get mostly florets and fewer stem pieces.
• Avoid Thawing: Keep the broccoli frozen. Do not thaw it before cooking. Cooking from frozen helps the hot air circulate freely, resulting in crispier broccoli.
• Oil and Seasonings: Place the frozen broccoli florets in a large bowl. Drizzle or spray them with a small amount of oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil. Toss the florets to ensure they are evenly coated. You can also add your preferred seasonings at this stage, such as salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or lemon pepper seasoning.
• Separate Small Florets: Pick out the super small florets and set them aside. These smaller pieces have a tendency to cook faster and burn, so you'll add them to the air fryer later in the cooking process.

Air Fryer Setup:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F (204°C). Most sources recommend 400°F for crispy results.
• Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You can use avocado oil spray or olive oil spray.

Now that your broccoli is prepared and your air fryer is ready, you can proceed to the cooking stage. Remember to shake the basket at least once during cooking to promote even browning and crisping. Enjoy your healthy and delicious air-fried frozen broccoli!

Oil and seasoning options

For seasoning, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The spice mixture is customizable, so you can experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.

Some specific combinations suggested include olive oil with salt and pepper, or a mixture of garlic, lemon zest, and extra pepper for a bright and flavorful twist. You can also try a Southwestern, Cajun, or Italian spice blend to change up the flavors.

The key is to toss the frozen broccoli florets in a bowl with the oil and seasonings, ensuring an even coating, before spreading them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This helps to achieve that crispy, golden brown texture and flavor that makes air-fried frozen broccoli so delicious and convenient.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for air-fried frozen broccoli depend on the desired level of crispiness and the size of the broccoli florets. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F (193-204°C). If you are using a Cosori air fryer, you can use the French fry setting, which is 400°F (204°C).

After preheating, place the frozen broccoli florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cooking time varies from 8 to 20 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness and the size of the florets. For smaller florets, 6 minutes may be enough. If you are using larger florets, you may need to increase the cooking time. For a crispy texture, it is recommended to cook the broccoli for an additional 1-2 minutes after the initial cooking time.

It is important to shake the air fryer basket at least once during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning. Some sources recommend shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time, while others suggest doing it at the 5-minute mark.

Avoiding common issues like sogginess

To avoid common issues like sogginess, it is important to not thaw the broccoli before cooking. Cooking frozen broccoli directly in the air fryer is a time-saving technique that yields better results. Place the frozen broccoli florets straight from the freezer into the air fryer.

When cooking frozen broccoli, it is also crucial to not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Overfilling the basket restricts air circulation, leading to soggy or unevenly cooked broccoli. Ensure the broccoli is spread into a single layer, allowing hot air to circulate freely.

Additionally, shaking the basket during cooking promotes even browning and crispiness. It is recommended to shake the basket at least once, preferably at the halfway point, to prevent the broccoli from burning and to ensure even cooking.

Spraying the broccoli with a light coating of oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil, before placing it in the air fryer can also help to achieve crispiness. Avocado oil is recommended for its high smoke point, which prevents the formation of residue that is difficult to clean.

By following these simple tips, you can easily avoid sogginess and achieve crispy, delicious frozen broccoli cooked in your air fryer.

Serving suggestions and complementary dishes

Air fryer frozen broccoli is a versatile side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions and complementary dishes to try:

Serve with Proteins

You can serve air fryer frozen broccoli with various proteins to create a well-rounded meal. Try pairing it with air fryer salmon or shrimp, or go for some poultry options like teriyaki chicken, Vietnamese chicken wings, or Frozen chicken wings cooked in the air fryer.

Carbohydrate Companions

For a comforting meal, pair your broccoli with air fryer rice or air fryer fried rice. If you're feeling adventurous, spicy peanut noodles or chili oil ramen will add a kick of flavor and heat to your plate.

Dip and Sauce

Air fryer frozen broccoli can be served with a variety of dips and sauces. Try a lemon herb tahini dressing, ketchup, or a cheese sauce. You can also dip them in a mayo-ketchup-based fry sauce or drizzle on some garlic chili sauce or Whole30 ranch yogurt dressing.

Vegetable Friends

Create a vegetable medley by pairing your broccoli with other air-fried vegetables. Frozen cauliflower is a great option, as it has a similar cooking time. You can also add frozen Brussels sprouts or asparagus for a delicious and healthy combination.

Seasoning and Toppings

Experiment with different seasonings and toppings to enhance the flavor of your broccoli. Try parmesan cheese, lemon pepper, garlic, onion powder, mustard powder, or nutritional yeast. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or other spices like curry powder, smoked paprika, or cumin.

Frequently asked questions