Air fryer frozen broccoli is a quick and easy way to prepare a nutritious and delicious side dish. This versatile vegetable is packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it an excellent healthy side dish for any meal.
Cooking frozen broccoli in an air fryer is perfect for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal preparation time and uses little to no oil. Today, I will show you how to make the best frozen broccoli florets you have ever eaten. They are both flavorful and crispy; who knew that broccoli could be so good?
Can You Cook Frozen Broccoli In Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer. Air fryers are versatile kitchen appliances that cook various foods, including frozen vegetables. Cooking frozen broccoli in an air fryer quickly and easily prepares this nutritious vegetable without fuss. One of the advantages of using an air fryer for cooking frozen broccoli is that it can cook the broccoli quickly and evenly, resulting in crispy and delicious broccoli that retains its nutrients. Additionally, air fryers require little to no oil, making them a healthier option than traditional frying methods. Cooking frozen broccoli in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable as a healthy and delicious side dish.
This is a great side dish when you can’t have fresh produce on hand!
If you are looking for other great and easy Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER LOW-CARB (KETO) EVERYTHING BAGEL ZUCCHINI CHIPS, AIR FRYER AVOCADO FRENCH FRIES, CRISPY AIR FRYER EGGPLANT PARMESAN, AIR FRYER FROZEN OKRA, and AIR FRYER SEAFOOD BOIL.
Why Cook Frozen Broccoli In Air Fryer?
Cooking frozen broccoli in an air fryer has several benefits. Here are some reasons why you should consider cooking frozen broccoli in an air fryer:
- Quick and easy: Cooking frozen broccoli in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this nutritious vegetable. It requires minimal preparation time, and the air fryer cooks the broccoli evenly and quickly.
- Retaining nutrients: Air frying is a healthy cooking method that helps retain the broccoli’s nutrients, making it a more nutritious option than boiling or steaming.
- Crispy texture: Air frying gives the broccoli a crispy and delicious texture similar to roasted broccoli. The air fryer’s high heat also caramelizes the broccoli’s natural sugars, adding to its flavor.
- Minimal oil: Air frying requires a small amount of oil, making it a healthier option than traditional frying methods. This also means the broccoli retains its natural flavor and doesn’t become greasy or oily.
- Versatile: Air fryer frozen broccoli can be seasoned with various herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. It can also be added to salads, stir-fries, or a side dish.
Cooking frozen broccoli in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this nutritious vegetable. The result is crispy and delicious broccoli that retains nutrients and natural flavor.
Ingredients Needed For The Best Frozen Air Fryer Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can include in your meals, and with the help of an air fryer, it’s even easier to prepare. When frozen broccoli is tossed in an air fryer, it simplifies meal prep and gives a deliciously crunchy texture that goes great with any protein source.
If you’re looking for a tasty way to incorporate broccoli into your meals without spending too much time cooking it—then this frozen air fryer broccoli recipe is perfect! Read on to learn all the ingredients needed and instructions on making this quick and easy dish.
Remember the full instructions and step-by-step instructions are at the bottom of this post in the printable recipe card, as well as the nutritional information.
- Frozen Broccoli: Usually found in the frozen food aisle at your local grocery store, garb 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 Air Fryer
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to cook frozen broccoli, look no further! We’ll show you how simple it is to use an air fryer to get crispy, flavorful frozen broccoli every time. With your air fryer, you can transform less-than-desirable frozen broccoli into a scrumptious side dish everyone will love.
This versatile vegetable can be served in so many different ways – from sprinkled over salads or stir-fries, whipped into soup, or spiced up with garlic butter and red pepper flakes – there are endless options when it comes to adding vibrant flavor and nutrition without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? Cooking frozen broccoli in your air fryer requires little effort but yields significant results! Read on for our step-by-step guide on how to make perfect air-fried broccoli every time.
Step One: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for 3-5 minutes. 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.
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.
Pro Tips For Cooking Frozen Broccoli In Air Fryer
Here are some pro tips to ensure that you get the best results when cooking frozen broccoli in an air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer: It’s important to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the frozen broccoli. This ensures the air fryer is hot enough to cook the broccoli evenly.
- 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. If the broccoli is piled on each other, it may not cook evenly, resulting in some pieces being overcooked and others being undercooked.
- 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. This also prevents the broccoli from sticking to the basket.
- Don’t overcook: Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and lose its texture. Keep an eye on the broccoli and remove it from the air fryer as soon as it’s cooked to your desired level of crispiness.
- Use a baking pan for small pieces: If you have small broccoli or florets, you can cook them in a baking pan to prevent them from falling through the air fryer basket.
Following these tips, you can cook the best air fryer frozen broccoli that is crispy, flavorful, and full of nutrients.
How To Season Broccoli
Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be seasoned in various ways to enhance its natural flavor. Here are some popular ways to season broccoli:
- Salt and pepper: A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is a classic way to add flavor to broccoli.
- Garlic: Minced or powdered garlic is a popular seasoning for broccoli that adds a savory flavor to the vegetable.
- Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a tangy and refreshing flavor to broccoli.
- Parmesan cheese: Shredded or grated parmesan cheese is a delicious addition to broccoli that adds a salty and savory flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: For those who like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick to broccoli.
- Balsamic vinegar: A drizzle of balsamic vinegar can add a sweet and tangy flavor to broccoli.
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce is a flavorful seasoning that can add an umami flavor to broccoli.
- Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil can add a fragrant and earthy flavor to broccoli.
To season broccoli, simply add the seasoning of your choice to the broccoli before cooking or sprinkle it over the cooked seasoned broccoli.
What To Serve With Frozen Broccoli
Frozen broccoli is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed as a side dish or incorporated into various recipes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with frozen broccoli:
- Grilled chicken: Grilled chicken is a healthy and delicious protein source that pairs well with broccoli.
- Rice: A side of rice, such as brown or white rice, can complement the flavors of broccoli.
- Roasted potatoes: Roasted potatoes are a hearty and flavorful side dish that pairs well with the crispiness of air fryer broccoli.
- Salmon: Baked or grilled salmon is a healthy and flavorful option that pairs well with nutrient-dense broccoli.
- Quinoa: Quinoa is a nutritious and high-protein side dish that pairs well with the natural flavor of broccoli.
- Pasta: A side of pasta, such as penne or spaghetti, can be a delicious complement to broccoli.
- Beef stir-fry: A beef stir-fry with broccoli is a quick and easy meal that can be served with rice or noodles.
Frozen broccoli can be served with various dishes, making it a versatile and healthy vegetable to include in your diet.
How To Store Leftover Broccoli
If you have leftover cooked broccoli, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its quality and freshness. Here’s how to store leftover broccoli:
- Allow the broccoli to cool to room temperature before storing it.
- Transfer the broccoli to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How To Reheat Broccoli In Air Fryer
When reheating leftover broccoli, it’s essential not to overheat it to prevent it from becoming mushy. Here’s how to reheat leftover broccoli:
- Microwave: Place the leftover broccoli in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it on high for 30-60 seconds or until heated.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover broccoli in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until it’s heated through.
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer and place broccoli into the air fryer’s basket, spray with olive oil spray, and then set the cook time for 3-5 minutes t 350 degrees F, using the air fryer setting.
By following these steps, you can store and reheat leftover broccoli safely and easily.
Is Air-Fried Frozen Broccoli Healthy?
Yes, air-fried frozen broccoli is a healthy option for a simple side dish. Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable high in fiber, vitamins (and vitamin C), and antioxidants. Air frying is a healthy cooking method that requires little to no oil, making it a healthier option than traditional frying methods. Air frying also helps to retain the nutrients in the broccoli.
It can cook vegetables quickly and evenly, resulting in a crispy and delicious side dish that is also nutritious. Additionally, frozen broccoli is a convenient option in most grocery stores and can be cooked quickly without any preparation time. Overall, air-fried frozen broccoli is a healthy and delicious option for a side dish that is easy to make and packed with nutrients. It’s great to have on hand when you can’t purchase fresh broccoli florets.
Some Other Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables
- AIR FRYER FROZEN OKRA
- AIR FRYER FROZEN PICKLES
- FROZEN TATER TOTS IN AIR FRYER
- AIR FRYER FROZEN ASPARAGUS
- AIR FRYER FROZEN ARTICHOKES
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Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Description
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
Instructions
- Pour the frozen broccoli into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well, so all of the broccoli is coated.
- Toss into the air fryer basket or tray, and set the temperature to 400 degrees F for 5-8 minutes.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Parchment Paper
- Cooking Spray
Nutrition
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Blackbird
This sounds good if made from fresh, but frozen broccoli is already too soft, another 8 mins would turn it to mush, I’d think. I’d also mix the other stuff first, then add the broccoli to toss.