Simple Air Fryer Broccoli (from Frozen)

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.

There’s nothing more simple to cook as a side dish than this. 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.

Why You’ll Love It

• You might be thinking it will turn out soggy or floppy and discolored, but it’s just as good as fresh. You can 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, but 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.

Helpful Tips

• Lightly coat the broccoli with olive oil or cooking spray to help it crisp up.
• Season the broccoli with your choice of spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, for added flavor.
• Check for doneness by testing the broccoli with a fork – it should be tender and slightly crispy on the edges.

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.

Step 1: Add broccoli to the basket

Pour the frozen broccoli into the air fryer basket.

Step 2: Air fry

Cook at 380° F(195°C) 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.

Step 3: Season and enjoy

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.

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(185°C) 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.

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