This Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli recipe is a quick and easy side dish for dinner. Utilize your air fryer to cook crisp broccoli from frozen! One of the greatest methods to quickly prepare a serving of perfectly roasted broccoli is to use your frozen broccoli.

Looking for more delicious recipes? be sure to check these Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes, Air Fryer French Toast, or my Grilled Buffalo Chicken!

This is a fantastic side dish! You will really adore this if you enjoy roasted vegetables! And you can have this whenever you want by using a frozen bag!

Why you'll love it

In the air fryer, frozen vegetables are always an option. I have been doing things for years, and they always work out flawlessly. In some cases, there is nothing better.

• Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates a wonderful crispy texture on the outside of the broccoli while keeping it tender on the inside. This gives each bite a satisfying crunch that is truly irresistible.
• Healthier Option: By using an air fryer, you can achieve the desirable crispy texture without the need for excessive oil or deep frying. This makes it a healthier alternative to traditional fried broccoli dishes.
• Time-Saving and Convenient: The recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare. With the help of the air fryer, you can have deliciously cooked frozen broccoli in just a matter of minutes, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
• Versatility: While the recipe provides a basic seasoning of salt and pepper, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Add garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, or lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor. This versatility allows you to experiment and create different variations of this dish.
• Nutritional Value: Broccoli earns recognition for its abundant health benefits, as it boasts a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. By air frying the frozen broccoli, you retain the nutritional value of this superfood, ensuring you enjoy a healthy and nutrient-packed meal or snack.
• Suitable for Various Occasions: You can enjoy air fryer frozen broccoli as a versatile side dish for any meal, incorporate it into salads, or savor it as a nutritious snack. Its versatility makes it a great option for family dinners, parties, or even as a quick and guilt-free snack during movie nights.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

This is an overview of the ingredients needed to make this air fryer frozen broccoli. The full list and detailed instructions are down below in the recipe card!

This is a super simple recipe, so there will be no complicated ingredients or an endless list. The basic ingredients for air fryer frozen broccoli are simply broccoli florets and oil. So, let's dive into the list of these essential components:

• Broccoli Florets.
• Oil.
• Garlic powder.
• Onion powder.
• Salt and pepper.

The spice blend can be customized in any way. Actually, all you need to cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer are the broccoli florets themselves and oil. I use avocado oil, which has a high smoke point and is nutritious when I'm cooking at high heat.

The majority of people will enjoy the excellent salty, addicting flavor of this spice blend, but you can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes.

Italian, Cajun, Southwestern, etc. The options are essentially limitless.

How to cook frozen broccoli in the air fryer

This is an overview of the steps to make this air fryer frozen broccoli, the detailed instructions are down below in the recipe card.

Don't thaw the frozen broccoli before cooking it in the air fryer. That's the somewhat unexpected tip.

That's correct, you can use the air fryer to cook broccoli that is already frozen. Yes, a time-saving method that leads to an improvement in the final product.

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the air fryer is hot enough to cook the broccoli evenly.
2. Prepare the Frozen Broccoli: Empty the bag of frozen broccoli florets into a bowl and let them thaw for a few minutes. If they are stuck together, gently separate them to ensure even cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
3. Season the Broccoli: Drizzle the broccoli florets with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Olive oil will help the broccoli crisp up and add flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also sprinkle some garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, or lemon zest for additional taste.
4. Toss and Coat: Gently toss the broccoli florets in the bowl to coat them evenly with the olive oil and seasonings. Ensure that each piece is well-coated for optimal taste and texture.
5. Air Fry the Broccoli: Carefully transfer the seasoned broccoli to the preheated air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this may result in uneven cooking. If needed, cook the broccoli in batches.
6. Set the Cooking Time: Set the air fryer to cook the broccoli at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model and personal preference. It is advisable to check the broccoli after 8 minutes to prevent overcooking.
7. Shake and Flip: At the halfway mark (around 5-7 minutes), gently shake the air fryer basket or use tongs to flip the broccoli florets. This will ensure that they cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
8. Check for Doneness: After the suggested cooking time, check the broccoli for doneness. The florets should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, while still tender on the inside. If needed, cook for an additional few minutes until you achieve the desired texture.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Once the broccoli is cooked to perfection, transfer them to a serving dish. You can garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or any other desired toppings. Serve the air fryer frozen broccoli as a side dish or a healthy snack.

Pro Advice:

• don't thaw the broccoli for the best results. It won't roast up perfectly if it happens.
• Several times throughout the cooking process, shake your basket.
• For this recipe, a single layer will work best.
• This recipe is very flexible, so feel free to add any of your preferred ingredients.
• The cooking time will change because each air fryer has various variations.
• Several air fryers, including the Gowise, Instant Pot Vortex, and Ninja Foodi, have been used to test this recipe.

You might need to extend the air fryer's cooking time if you use broccoli florets that are noticeably larger. Depending on the size of your frozen broccoli, adjust accordingly.

Enjoy the air-fried broccoli with a dipping sauce or some lemon wedges!

Air frying vs. roasting frozen broccoli

When it comes to cooking frozen broccoli, two popular methods are air frying and roasting. Both techniques have their own unique benefits and can result in delicious and flavorful broccoli. Let's explore the key differences between air frying and roasting frozen broccoli:

Air Frying Frozen Broccoli

Air frying involves cooking food by circulating hot air around it, creating a crispy texture similar to deep frying but with significantly less oil. Here's how air-frying frozen broccoli compares:

• Speed and Convenience: Air frying excels in its ability to cook quickly. You can air fry frozen broccoli in just a matter of minutes, offering a convenient choice for individuals seeking a fast and effortless meal or snack.
• Crispy Texture: Air frying gives frozen broccoli a satisfying crunch and crispiness, similar to deep frying, but with minimal oil. The hot air circulation in the air fryer helps to achieve a golden brown exterior while keeping the inside tender.
• Healthier Option: Air frying requires less oil compared to traditional frying methods, making it a healthier choice. With air frying, you can enjoy the crispy texture of fried broccoli with reduced fat content.

Roasting Frozen Broccoli

Roasting involves cooking food in the oven at high temperatures. Here's how roasting frozen broccoli compares:

• Intense Flavor: Roasting frozen broccoli in the oven brings out its natural flavors and caramelizes the edges, resulting in a slightly nutty and savory taste. The high heat of roasting enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Versatility: Roasting allows you to experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the flavor of your frozen broccoli. You can add garlic, herbs, or Parmesan cheese to elevate the taste.
• Even Cooking: Roasting frozen broccoli in the oven ensures even cooking and consistent browning. The oven's heat distribution helps achieve a uniform texture and caramelization on all sides of the broccoli.

What To serve with Broccoli

Any dinner can easily be paired with this simple side dish. I've paired it with steak, poultry, fish, and even a sizable garden salad.

The ideal KETO and low-carb side dish for any dinner is broccoli.

How long to put frozen broccoli in air fryer

Overall it doesn't take much time in the air fryer to cook your broccoli, the maximum limit is for about 30 minutes but in this recipe, I suggest you only go for about 20 minutes tops.

Air Fryer Tips and Tricks

Here are some simple guidelines that everyone should be aware of when using an air fryer to prepare any tasty cuisine, including frozen broccoli!

• Preheating: Preheating your air fryer is essential to ensure even cooking and optimal results. Most air fryers have a preheat function or require a few minutes of preheating before you start cooking. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Single Layer: To achieve crispy and evenly cooked food, arrange your ingredients in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and hinder airflow, resulting in less crispy results.
• Shake and Flip: During the cooking process, shake the basket or flip the food with tongs halfway through. This helps to ensure that the food is cooked evenly on all sides, promoting a consistent texture and taste.
• Oil or Cooking Spray: While air frying requires less oil than traditional frying methods, adding a light coating of oil or using a cooking spray can enhance the crispiness of your food. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or avocado oil.
• Breading and Coating: When coating foods with breadcrumbs, flour, or a batter, ensure they adhere well to the food by lightly misting them with oil or dipping them in a beaten egg before applying the coating. This will help create a crispy and golden exterior.
• Cook in Batches: If you have a large quantity of food to cook, it's best to cook in batches rather than overcrowding the air fryer. This ensures that each batch cooks evenly and achieves the desired texture.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Regularly clean your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most air fryers have removable parts that are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. Keeping your air fryer clean will help maintain its performance and longevity.
• Experiment with Recipes: Don't be afraid to try different recipes and experiment with seasonings, spices, and marinades. The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can be used for a wide range of dishes, including vegetables, meats, seafood, and even desserts.

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