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Looking for a quick and delicious side dish that’s packed with flavor? This air fryer frozen broccoli is the answer! It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned to perfection, all in just minutes.
I’m always looking for easy ways to add more veggies to my day, and frozen broccoli is one of my go-to staples. I keep a bag (or two!) in my freezer at all times for when I need a fast, no-fuss side. Just toss it in the air fryer, and you’ll have beautifully crisp broccoli with minimal effort.
Looking for more air fryer vegetable recipes? From air fryer cauliflower, air fryer carrot chips, and sweet potato wedges to air fryer radishes, air fryer butternut squash, and crispy air fryer green beans, there are so many ways to enjoy your veggies with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Table of Contents
- Why You Will Love Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
- Why Air Fry Frozen Broccoli?
- Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions & Variations
- How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
- How Long To Cook Frozen Broccoli In The Air Fryer
- Shawna’s Expert Tips
- Serving Suggestions
- Storage Instructions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Air Fryer Recipes To Try!
- AIR FRYER FROZEN BROCCOLI Recipe
Why You Will Love Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
- It’s So Quick & Easy: There’s no chopping or prep needed! Just season and air fry.
- Flavorful: Add grated Parmesan, lemon, or your favorite seasonings for extra flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need 5 ingredients to make this recipe!
- Crispy & Tender: The air fryer works its magic, crisping the outside while keeping the inside tender.
- Healthy & Delicious: It’s a super easy way to enjoy more greens.
- Ready in Minutes: The frozen broccoli cooks fast in the air fryer! It’s the perfect side dish whenever you need it!
“No washing, no cutting! I can easily have healthy veggies after coming back from work.”
– miyuki
Why Air Fry Frozen Broccoli?
Air frying frozen broccoli is seriously a game-changer! I love it because the frozen broccoli is already chopped into florets. That means there’s no washing, drying, or chopping required! All you have to do is toss it in a bowl, season it, and cook it in the air fryer. Plus, you don’t even have to defrost it! Seriously, it’s so easy!
Ingredients Needed
- Frozen Broccoli: Use frozen broccoli florets for this recipe.
- Oil Spray: Lightly spray the frozen broccoli with olive oil spray or avocado oil spray for extra crispiness. We like this oil sprayer.
- Seasonings: Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Parmesan: Add grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious cheesy flavor.
Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Frozen Broccoli Substitution: If you don’t have frozen broccoli, you can use fresh broccoli! Cut one large or two medium heads of broccoli into florets. Cook them at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Dairy-Free Option: You can replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free and vegan option, or omit it altogether.
- Lemon: Add some lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving, or serve with lemon wedges.
How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Step 2: Add the frozen broccoli florets to a large bowl. Then, spray them with olive oil spray and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Mix to evenly coat the broccoli in the seasonings.
Step 4: Place a parchment paper liner in your air fryer basket for easy cleanup. Then, add the seasoned frozen broccoli to the basket.
Step 5: Air fry the broccoli, shaking the basket halfway through.
Step 6: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over top of the broccoli, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Step 7: Serve the air-fried broccoli warm and enjoy! For extra brightness, add a light squeeze of lemon juice or lemon zest.
How Long To Cook Frozen Broccoli In The Air Fryer
Cook frozen broccoli in the air fryer at 400°F for 10-13 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until tender and the edges are slightly crispy.
Shawna’s Expert Tips
- Don’t Defrost: There’s no need to defrost the frozen broccoli. Season and cook it straight from frozen.
- Add Cheese at End: Add the grated Parmesan cheese when the broccoli is almost done cooking so it doesn’t burn.
- Shake the Basket: Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through for even cooking and crisping.
- Single Layer: Cook the broccoli in a single layer in your air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, cook the broccoli in batches if needed for the best results.
- Add a Parchment Paper Liner: I recommend adding a parchment paper liner to your air fryer basket for easy cleanup.
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer broccoli is the perfect side dish for so many meals! Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it.
- Chicken: With pineapple teriyaki chicken meatballs, Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, cream of mushroom chicken, air fryer chicken tenders, or chicken piccata.
- Salmon: Served alongside air fryer salmon, ginger miso salmon, or salmon bowls.
- Pork: It’s a delicious side dish served alongside air fryer pork chops!
- Mac and Cheese: With classic mac and cheese, butternut squash mac and cheese, pumpkin mac and cheese, or cottage cheese mac and cheese.
- Sides: Serve it alongside other sides like lightened-up cauliflower mashed potatoes or cottage cheese mashed potatoes.
- Dipping Sauce: Try dipping it in healthy ranch dressing, buffalo ranch sauce, or creamy sriracha mayo.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover air fryer broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Cook Frozen Broccoli In The Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen broccoli florets in the air fryer. It results in broccoli that’s tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, and there’s no need to defrost it beforehand!
Can I Reheat Air-Fried Broccoli?
Yes, reheat the leftover broccoli in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore its crispiness.
More Air Fryer Recipes To Try!
- Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
- Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Chicken Bites
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
- Air Fryer Red Potatoes
- Air Fryer Cherry Tomatoes
If you try this recipe, please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating, ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.
AIR FRYER FROZEN BROCCOLI
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounce bag of frozen broccoli florets
- olive oil spray
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh lemon zest, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Add the frozen broccoli florets to a large bowl (no need to thaw). Then, spray them with olive oil spray and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix to evenly coat the broccoli in the seasonings.
- Place a parchment paper liner in your air fryer basket for easy cleanup. Then, add the seasoned frozen broccoli to the basket.
- Air fry at 400°F for 10-13 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until tender and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over top of the broccoli, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Optional: Add a light squeeze of lemon juice or lemon zest if you want extra brightness. Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Fresh Broccoli Option: If you don’t have frozen broccoli, you can use fresh broccoli! Cut one large or two medium heads of broccoli into florets. Cook them at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Single Layer: Cook the broccoli in a single layer in your air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, cook the broccoli in batches if needed for the best results.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This could not be easier. Grab the frozen broccoli season and cook in the air fryer. It comes out perfect every time.
No washing, no cutting! I can easily have healthy veggies after coming back from work.
Hi Miyuki, I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the air fryer frozen broccoli! That’s exactly why I love this recipe, too, no washing or cutting, just quick and healthy veggies ready to enjoy after a long day. Thank you so much for leaving a review.
Hi, was wondering how long do we reheat ?
My air fryer does not indicate when the temperature is reached!
I just discover you account… you have such a nice variety of good recipes, thank you!!!!
Hi Myriam, thank you so much! Reheat this air fryer frozen broccoli in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes. Check at 3 minutes, and shake or flip if needed, until the broccoli is heated through. I hope this helps and you find more recipes to enjoy!