Home → Recipes → Sides → Vegetables → Crispiest Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Crispiest Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Name: Crispiest Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Ingredients: 3 cup broccoli (frozen); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or sea salt); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to recipe

Having frozen broccoli on hand is a fantastic way to whip up an easy and quick side dish, but nobody likes the mushy texture (especially kids!)! This air fryer frozen broccoli recipe delivers crispy, seasoned florets that everyone will adore.

Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli served in a bowl, garnished with seasoning.

Air-Fried frozen broccoli is one of my go-to side dishes, easy and a great way to keep a quick dinner on hand.

While, I love a great broccoli dish, including my recipe for Instant Pot Penne with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe, Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken, Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken And Broccoli, or Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli.

Frozen broccoli in the air fryer will soon become one of your favorite side dishes.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

Kid-Friendly: The crispy texture and delicious taste make this broccoli appealing to kids and picky eaters alike, turning them into vegetable lovers!
Quick and Easy: Air-Fried frozen broccoli allows you to whip up a delicious side dish in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives the frozen broccoli a delightful crunch, transforming it from mushy to perfectly roasted.
Versatile Seasoning: You can customize the flavor with your favorite seasonings, from garlic and lemon to cheese or herbs, making it adaptable to any meal.
Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients and low in calories, cook frozen broccoli in the air fryer is a great healthy side dish!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fried Frozen Broccoli

Ingredients needed for Crispiest Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli in large bowl.

Frozen Broccoli Florets: Usually found in the frozen food aisle at your local grocery store, grab any frozen bag.
Oil: use high smoke point oil, extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil.
Seasonings and Spices: Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt, and Black Pepper

How To Cook Frozen Broccoli In The Air Fryer

Cooking frozen broccoli in the air fryer is easy, the key is in the seasoning!

Seasoning the broccoli with the olive oil and seasonings in a large mixing bowl.

Step One: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (205°C) for 3-5 minutes. Then, place the frozen broccoli florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Step Two: Drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil over the broccoli florets and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step Three: Toss the broccoli florets in the basket to make sure they are evenly coated with a bit of oil and seasoning.

Place frozen broccoli into the air fryer basket, in a single layer.

Step Four: Set cook time for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Step Five: When the broccoli is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, please remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Crispiest Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli served on a plate, showcasing its golden-brown color and crispy texture.

Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli Recipe Tips

Use a single layer: It’s essential to cook the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer to ensure that it cooks evenly.
Add seasoning: Frozen broccoli can be bland, so seasoning is essential to enhance its flavor. You can use salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or any other seasoning to add flavor to the broccoli.
Shake the basket: Shaking the air fryer basket halfway through cooking is essential to ensure the broccoli cooks evenly.
Don’t overcook: Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and lose its texture.

Plate of cooked Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli, vibrant green and crispy, garnished for presentation.

Cooking Frozen Broccoli In Air Fryer Recipe Faqs

How do I prevent my broccoli from getting soggy? Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can trap steam and make the broccoli soggy. A single layer of broccoli allows for better air circulation.

What seasonings work best with frozen broccoli? You can use a variety of seasonings, including garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast can also add a delicious flavor.

Do I need to thaw the broccoli before air frying? No, you can cook frozen broccoli directly in the air fryer without thawing it.

Can I store leftover cooked broccoli? Yes, store any leftover cooked broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave.

Can I add cheese to the frozen broccoli? Absolutely! You can sprinkle cheese on top of the broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for a melty, cheesy finish.

What should I serve with air fryer frozen broccoli? Air fryer broccoli pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, steak, or as part of a stir-fry.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Don’t Forget To Pin!