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This Air Fryer frozen broccoli is a fast and easy side dish that you’re going to love! Just 10 minutes, a bag of frozen broccoli and some some pantry staples is all you need to make this effortless side dish that works well with almost anything!
The best part? Just like my Air Fryer frozen vegetables, it’s customizable, naturally vegan and gluten-free!
Whether you love broccoli or absolutely hate it, you’ve got to try this recipe. Air frying it gives it a nice bit of golden brown crispiness that makes it absolutely irresistible- I realized this when I made my Air Fryer frozen potatoes.
I love teaming it up with my Air Fryer honey mustard salmon or my favorite Air Fryer orange chicken, but you can pair it with pretty much anything. It is an absolute life saver for days when I really want to have a quick veggie side ready but don’t want to put in too much effort.
Quick Look At This Recipe
✨ Flavor: Tender, crispy and slightly garlicky.
⏱️ Prep time: 2 minutes.
🔥 Cook time: 8 minutes.
⏲️ Total time: 10 minutes.
👥 Servings: 4 servings.
🥄 Tools: Air Fryer and a large bowl for coating.
❄️ Freezer friendly: No.
👩🏻🍳 Tip: Leave the broccoli in for an extra minute or two if you like slightly browned and crisped broccoli.
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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It barely takes any prep time and just 10 minutes to make- the easiest side dish ever!
- Air fried broccoli is a great side that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or pork chops, burgers, or even Air Fryer Steak Bites.
- It is light and healthy! Since you’ll be using very little oil, it’s perfect to make and enjoy even when you’re counting calories.
Recipe Ingredients
- Frozen broccoli: I used about 14-16 ounces of frozen broccoli here, which is about 3 cups.
- Oil: Use olive oil or avocado oil. You’ll need just a little- to help the seasonings stick to the broccoli.
- Seasonings: I kept it simple and used a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, Kosher salt and some black pepper. Sometimes, I also like to add my homemade poultry seasoning for some extra flavor.
See recipe card for quantities.
Variations
- To make it spicy, add cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning. I like to use some of my homemade taco seasoning sometimes, and it tastes SO yummy!
- To make cheesy air fried broccoli, sprinkle some shredded Parmesan or Cheddar cheese on them during the final 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
- For a vegan-friendly alternative, use nutritional yeast, which has a beautiful cheesy and nutty flavor.
- For some extra garlicky deliciousness, you can also use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder. I did this when I made my Air Fryer broccoli and carrots and even my Air Fryer broccolini.
How to Make Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
- Toss broccoli florets with olive oil in a bowl until they’re coated. Sprinkle the seasonings and toss again. Transfer to the Air Fryer basket and arrange in a single layer.
- Air fry at 380 F for 8-10 minutes. Check the basket at the 8 minute mark and continue cooking for a few extra minutes if you want a bit of browning.
Serving Ideas & Suggestions
This Air Fryer frozen broccoli goes well as a side with pretty much anything. I usually end up pairing it with some Air Fryer grilled cheese sandwiches when I’m making it for kids, or with my Air Fryer meatloaf as a simple side for a weekend family dinner.
It also tastes fantastic with seafood- specifically some classic Air Fryer shrimp or Air Fryer scallops– or my easy Air Fryer Teriyaki salmon bites. I also find that broccoli tastes best when served with any kind of Asian food- even just some Air Fryer sweet and sour chicken.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- To keep the broccoli from getting mushy, spread them evenly in the basket, without overfilling or overcrowding it. This will allow the air to flow around the broccoli and get it to brown up beautifully.
- To make cleanup easier, you can line the basket with an Air Fryer liner or parchment paper. I did this when I made my Air Fryer mozzarella sticks and it was such a breeze.
- Don’t skip the oil- that teeny bit of fat helps the broccoli get that sweet caramelization that replicates roasting in just half the time.
- Shake the basket a couple of times to get the broccoli nice and crispy on all sides. I do this every time I make my Air Fryer broccoli and cauliflower– and almost all of my Air Fryer veggies for that matter- and it’s totally worth it.
- Try using a different seasoning depending on what you’re serving the broccoli with. I love using my homemade everything bagel seasoning for Asian inspired recipes and my DIY ranch seasoning for when I pair it with my chicken dishes.
Recipe FAQs
Store your leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
You can reheat the leftovers quickly in the Air Fryer! Simply pop them in and air fry for 3-5 minutes until warmed up.
You don’t need to! Simply preheat the Air Fryer before you add in the frozen broccoli and you should be good!
More Air Fryer Frozen Veggies
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Frozen Okra
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Frozen Corn on the Cob
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Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen broccoli
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- To make this air fryer recipe, transfer broccoli to a large bowl. Then, toss with olive oil.
- Once broccoli is coated with oil, sprinkle in seasonings. Toss broccoli with garlic powder, salt, and pepper and continue to toss until broccoli is evenly coated.
- Transfer broccoli in air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping.
- Air fry frozen broccoli at 380 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, shake basket halfway through cook time. Air fry until roasted broccoli reaches your personal preference level of crispness.
Notes
- To keep the broccoli from getting mushy, spread them evenly in the basket, without overfilling or overcrowding it. This will allow the air to flow around the broccoli and get it to brown up beautifully.
- Don’t skip the oil- that teeny bit of fat helps the broccoli get that sweet caramelization that replicates roasting in just half the time.
- To make cheesy air fried broccoli, sprinkle some shredded Parmesan or Cheddar cheese on them during the final 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
