There couldn't be an easier side dish than this air fryer frozen broccoli. Frozen broccoli in the air fryer takes less than 20 minutes and can make any dinner a complete meal with minimal effort.
A lot of nights we are so busy and wondering what's for dinner. Or if you are following a keto or low carb diet, you may be frequently wondering what side dishes you can make that would fit in your new lifestyle. Well, I've got you covered with this air fryer frozen broccoli. In less than 20 minutes you have a healthy side dish that requires little effort.
I am a super fan of cooking frozen foods in the air fryer. I frequently cook frozen fries for my kids, my husband has been know to throw some frozen chicken wings in the air fryer for lunch, and I just posted a recipe for air fryer frozen salmon that is out of this world easy and delicious.
Most nights when I am cooking for my family, I am not in the mood to break out a ton of seasonings, plus, my kids are not a fan. This frozen broccoli in the air fryer uses simple seasonings because I know you are a busy mom just like me. You can also always add more if you want, like red pepper flakes or onion powder, or you can sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top for even more flavor.
Ingredients needed
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for this air fryer frozen broccoli recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For a printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
12 ounces frozen broccoli florets - Most frozen broccoli comes in bags of 10 ounces or 12 ounces. This is the perfect amount for 2 adults as a good side dish. This recipe can also be doubled if you have a larger air fryer. I recommend a 6 quart.
Avocado oil spray - I like to use an oil pump with avocado oil so there is no residue left in the air fryer from propellants.
½ teaspoon garlic salt - you could also use half garlic powder, half salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to make frozen broccoli in the air fryer
This section explains how to make this frozen broccoli in the air fryer recipe, step by step. For a full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
Step 1 - Keep the broccoli in the freezer until just before cooking. Spray the inside of your air fryer basket or tray with oil spray. I use a non-propellant avocado or olive oil spray. You can also line the basket or tray with foil or parchment paper. Dump the frozen broccoli in the basket or tray in a pile. Spray with oil spray and then season with ½ teaspoon of garlic salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat.
Step 2 - Spread the broccoli in a single layer. Air fry at 400F for about 10-15 minutes. If your basket is crowded, shake the basket halfway through the cook time so the air fryer frozen broccoli cooks evenly. Remove from the air fryer when your broccoli is just starting to char, or you can leave it longer for more char. This just depends on your preference. Preheating the air fryer is not necessary.
FAQs for this air fryer frozen broccoli
Do I need to pre-heat my air fryer? You can pre-heat your air fryer but it is not necessary for this recipe.
What size air fryer do I need? I recommend an air fryer that is at least 5 quarts. An air fryer toaster oven is also wonderful because they can hold more. If your air fryer is smaller, you can still make this frozen broccoli in the air fryer recipe, you will just need to make a smaller batch.
Why does my broccoli burn in the air fryer? Air fryers tend to brown foods really well because of the short distance between the food and the cooking element. It's kind of like putting your food under the broiler, just not as extreme. If you do not like the taste of char on your broccoli, you can still use this method, you may just want to lower the temperature to 325F so the broccoli doesn't char.
Can you cook frozen vegetables in the air fryer? Frozen vegetables are perfect for the air fryer because the freezing process breaks down the fibers in the vegetable, making them cook more quickly. Some fresh vegetables do not do as well in the air fryer and brown really fast before the inside is completely cooked through.
My top tips
- Line your air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup, and also to prevent little pieces of broccoli from falling through the cracks (if you have an air fryer basket).
- Charred broccoli is especially delicious so experiment with the level of doneness and let these cook to your liking. Some people like their air fryer frozen broccoli really charred!
- Use an oil pump with avocado oil so there is no residue left in the air fryer from propellants.
- This same method can be used with frozen cauliflower and many other frozen veggies.
More air fryer vegetable recipes
- Air fryer Steak Bites and Mushrooms
- Cheesy Air Fryer Asparagus
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
- Air Fryer Mushrooms
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Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli Recipe
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Tip: Hitting your 20–30g protein per meal goal helps you stay full and supports muscle.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Frozen Broccoli Florets
- avocado oil spray
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Spray the inside of your air fryer basket or tray with oil spray. You can also line the basket or tray with foil or parchment paper. Dump the frozen broccoli in the basket or tray in a pile. Spray with oil spray and then season with ½ teaspoon of garlic salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat.
- Spread the broccoli in a single layer. Cook at 400F for about 10-15 minutes. If your basket is crowded, shake the basket halfway through the cook time so the broccoli cooks evenly. Remove from the air fryer when your broccoli is just starting to char, or you can leave it longer for more char. This just depends on your preference.
Notes
- Line your air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup, and also to prevent little pieces of broccoli from falling through the cracks (if you have an air fryer basket).
- Charred broccoli is especially delicious so experiment with the level of doneness and let these cook to your liking. Some people like their air fryer frozen broccoli really charred!
- Use an oil pump with avocado oil so there is no residue left in the air fryer from propellants.
Bernice says
Thus is my 2nd time using this recipe. The thigh has become my favorite piece of chicken!
Kathryn McCurry says
These look delicious and easy to make. I'm lucky enough to have an newer oven with an air fryer setting, so now use it all the time. One thing that I find very handy are these easy-to-clean and re-use non-stick grill mats. They can be cut into any shape to fit the bottom of the air fryer basket or grid. I don't get any commission, just passing on a great product idea.
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