Air Fryer Broccoli from Frozen

Fast and Easy Frozen Broccoli in the Air Fryer

Making a healthy side dish does not have to be complicated, and this air fryer broccoli from frozen recipe proves it. When you need a simple veggie and do not want to wash, chop, or prep fresh broccoli, frozen florets are a great shortcut.

What is especially nice about this method is that it helps frozen broccoli turn out tender with roasted edges instead of watery or bland. It is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Easy Frozen Broccoli in the Air Fryer for Busy Nights

Frozen broccoli is one of the easiest vegetables to keep on hand, and the air fryer makes it taste much better than you might expect. This method is perfect when you are short on time, forgot to buy fresh broccoli, or just want a super simple side dish that goes with almost anything.

• No chopping needed: Just open the bag and cook.
• Fast and easy: Great for busy dinners.
• Better texture: Tender inside with lightly roasted edges.
• Flexible: Easy to season however you like.

If you want the version made with fresh broccoli instead, try this air fryer broccoli recipe for crispier edges and a garlic-lemon finish.

Ingredient Needed to Make Air Fryer Broccoli from Frozen

• Frozen broccoli

That is all you need to get started. You can keep it simple or add seasonings after cooking to change up the flavor.

Ways to Spice Up Broccoli

This air fryer broccoli recipe is great as written, but if you plan to make it often, changing up the seasonings is an easy way to keep it interesting.

Seasonings to try on air fryer broccoli:

• Salt and pepper
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Himalayan shaker salt
• Cilantro and lime
• Grated parmesan cheese

Does the Air Fryer Need to Be Preheated?

For this recipe, you do not need to preheat the air fryer. Even though the broccoli goes in frozen, this two-step method helps it cook through first, then roast up at the end for better texture.

What You’ll Need to Make Air Fryer Broccoli from Frozen

Since this is an air fryer recipe, you will obviously need an air fryer to make it as written. I used a Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer, but you can use the model you already have and adjust slightly if needed.

How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli from Frozen

Step 1: Place broccoli in the air fryer

Place the frozen broccoli into the air fryer basket, trying to spread it out as evenly as you can. Cook at 300°F for 10 minutes.

About halfway through cooking, open the air fryer and either shake the basket well or stir the broccoli a bit with a wooden spoon so it cooks more evenly.

Step 2: Bump up the heat

In the last 2 to 3 minutes, remove the basket and generously spray the broccoli with cooking oil. This helps give the broccoli a crispier roasted finish.

Return the basket to the air fryer and increase the heat to 380°F for the remaining time.

Great Entrees to Serve with Air Fryer Broccoli

Unless you are just craving broccoli on its own, this easy side dish is even better with a flavorful dinner.

Here are a few favorite dinner recipes to serve with broccoli as a side dish:

• Paprika Chicken with Fries
• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• 5-Ingredient Air Fryer Zucchini Boats
• Open Faced Beef Ciabatta Sandwich Recipe for the Air Fryer

FAQ About Frozen Broccoli in the Air Fryer

Can I put frozen broccoli straight into the air fryer?

Yes. That is exactly what this method does. There is no need to thaw it first.

Why cook it at two temperatures?

Starting lower helps the broccoli cook through, and finishing hotter helps give it better color and texture.

Do I need oil?

You do not need oil at the beginning, but spraying oil near the end helps create a roasted finish.

Will frozen broccoli get as crispy as fresh broccoli?

Usually not. Fresh broccoli tends to give you crispier edges. Frozen broccoli is more about convenience and a quick shortcut.

Final Thoughts

This air fryer broccoli from frozen is the perfect solution when you want a healthy side dish without extra prep. It is simple, quick, and easy to keep on hand for nights when dinner needs help fast.

If you want more flavor variations, you can add your favorite seasonings after cooking, or pair it with a saucy main dish for an easy dinner win.

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Air Fryer Broccoli from Frozen

Enjoy one of the easiest side dishes you can make in the air fryer in under 15 minutes with my air fryer broccoli from frozen broccoli.

4.31 / 5 ( 13 Reviews )

Print Rate

Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes minutes

Serves: 4

Adjust Servings: 4

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 1 Bag Frozen Broccoli

Instructions

• Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes at 300 °F, stirring at the halfway point.
• During the last two minutes, you can spray the broccoli with cooking oil and bump up the heat to 380 °F to get the broccoli more roasted.
• Remove broccoli from air fryer, serve, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

The oil on the broccoli gives it great flavor, but you can always sprinkle on some sea salt for added flavor!

Nutrition

Calories: 45kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 33mg | Fiber: 3g

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