Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli is a great side dish that you can always have on hand in the freezer. It takes just 8 minutes to cook in the air fryer and is a very healthy side dish to pair with any meal.
» Also try these side dishes in the air fryer: Crispy Cauliflower, Easy Green Beans and Baked Sweet Potatoes.
There’s nothing more simple to cook as a side dish than frozen broccoli. Frozen broccoli is generally less expensive than fresh, it’s already washed and chopped, and it was blanched before being frozen so it’s already partially cooked. That translates into less prep work for you, while still getting all the health benefits and all the great flavor and texture.
If you haven’t tried frozen broccoli before, I’d definitely give it at try. You might be thinking it will turn out soggy or floppy and discolored, but it’s really just as good as fresh, only slightly easier! Who doesn’t like a short cut. You can also keep a bag in the freezer so you don’t have to worry about keeping fresh on hand all the time.
The air fryer is a huge time saver and a great tool for convenience. While you can cook fresh broccoli in the air fryer too, it’s hard to overlook the ease of frozen broccoli.
Ingredients You Need
- Frozen broccoli – You can make as much or as little as you like at a time, as long as it fits in your air fryer basket. I use whatever brand is at the grocery – usually Signature Select. Use whatever is convenient for you.
- Salt & pepper – season to taste once the broccoli is done cooking.
- Olive oil – I like to add a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to the broccoli once it’s cooked. There’s no need or oil spray before cooking.
How to Make Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
This is so super simple because there’s so little prep involved. You don’t need to wash or cut the broccoli to prepare it. You literally just have to open the bag and pour it in.
Pour the frozen broccoli into the air fryer basket. Cook at 380° F for 8 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the broccoli halfway through.
You can continue cooking if you like your broccoli to be more crisp and charred on the edges. I think it’s pretty perfect at 8 minutes. However, everyone’s air fryer is different, so it’s possible it’s not enough cook time for you. Adjust as you see fit.
Remove the broccoli from the air fryer when it’s done to your satisfaction. Drizzle it with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little more flavor, add a dry seasoning or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Why Use an Air Fryer
An air fryer is an incredibly easy way to cook just about anything. You place the food in a fryer-style basket and hot air rapidly circulates all around the food, making the food crisp – much like deep-frying, but without the oil. You can cook anything you’d make in the oven.
- I use a Ninja MaxXL air fryer (pictured left). If you don’t have an air fryer yet, check out these options to find one that fits your needs.
- See reviews and prices for air fryers on Amazon.
- Here’s a printable Air Fryer Cooking Times Cheat Sheet to get you started.
- Click to find more recipes to make in your Air Fryer.
- Learn how to make fun things in the air fryer, like potato wedges, pork belly bites, and chicken wings.
How to Know When the Broccoli is Done
This method will make broccoli that still has a little crispness to it, with slightly charred bits on the end. This is my preferred way to eat broccoli. If you like yours more cooked and softer, you’ll need to turn the temp down to 370° F and cook for 10 minutes. Lowering the temperature will prevent the florets from burning.
Because people like their broccoli at different degrees of doneness, you might need to adjust the temperature or timing to make it perfect for you.
You can determine when the broccoli is at your perfect amount of doneness through sight and touch. After 8 minutes, pull out the basket and squeeze one of the broccoli stems. It will be al dente and will still be a bit crisp.
If you want it cooked more than that, leave it in for up to 10 minutes. Another thing that will determine doneness is the amount of crispiness on the florets. Some people like less char, some people like a lot of char. It’s entirely up to you.
What to Serve with This Dish
There are so many options for main dishes to serve with this dish. You can make these all in the air fryer or in the oven, if you wish.
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Simple Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounces (450 g) frozen broccoli florets
- Olive oil
- Salt & ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pour the frozen broccoli into the air fryer basket. Cook at 380° F for 8 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the broccoli halfway through.
- You can continue cooking if you like your broccoli to be more crisp and charred on the edges.
- Remove from the air fryer. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
All air fryers have different wattage and may cook at different rates. You may need to adjust the time or temp for the best results.
Nutrition
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Laura is a passionate foodie and owner of Air Fry Anytime She is dedicated to sharing delicious recipes and helpful tips for using air fryers at home. With years of experience in the kitchen and a love for healthy, flavorful cooking, Laura has become an expert at using air fryers to create amazing meals that are both nutritious and delicious.