If you are looking for a simple healthy side dish, look no further than this Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli. As its name specifies, this recipe uses frozen vegetables and the trusty air fryer. This easy vegetable side dish is ready in just 15 minutes!
Cooking broccoli in the air fryer could not be easier. To make the process even simpler, this recipe uses frozen veggies. There is no need to chop or wash anything. Toss the frozen florets in your favorite seasonings and cook. Air frying vegetables take less time than roasting, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
The finished broccoli is crispy and perfectly cooked in minutes, thanks to the air fryer. If you like this recipe, you will love my Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts with Garlic, Parmesan, and Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus.
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Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Side Dish
- Ready in Minutes - There is no need to preheat the oven or dirty up a sheet pan. The trusty air fryer makes crispy broccoli ready in 15 minutes. This easy side dish is perfect for weeknight cooking.
- Great Side Dish - Hot air cooks the broccoli florets to crispy perfection with only a little bit of oil. With only minutes of cooking, you have crispy, tender broccoli.
- Simple Ingredients - No need for chopping; this recipe uses frozen broccoli, simple seasoning, and olive oil. That's it!
- One Tool Needed - All you need is your air fryer, which means fewer dishes and a quicker overall cook time.
Ingredients
- Frozen Broccoli Florets - This recipe is for 16oz of frozen broccoli. Depending on where you purchase from, packages generally run 12oz-16oz. Be sure to buy florets and not broccoli cuts.
- Olive Oil - The olive oil helps this broccoli become nice and crispy. You can also swap it for avocado oil or vegetable oil.
- Salt - Always season your vegetables. Nobody likes bland veggies. They are delicious when seasoned well (especially when they are crispy).
- Black Pepper - Preferably, use freshly cracked pepper for the best flavor.
See the recipe card for the ingredient quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1 - Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. *If desired, preset the timer to 15 minutes as well.
2 - In a bowl, toss the broccoli in olive oil, salt, and pepper until the broccoli is coated.
3 - Transfer broccoli to the preheated air fryer and cook, turning halfway through.
Equipment
- Air-Fryer: This COSORI Air Fryer Max XL has a large basket perfect for making a variety of dishes (including this one).
Variations
- Garlic Parmesan Broccoli - Add ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or 2 small cloves (or 1 large clove) of minced garlic in with the spices. After cooking, sprinkle with ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese.
- Spicy Lemon Broccoli - Add a ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes in with the spices. After cooking, squeeze the juice of half of a lemon over the cooked broccoli.
Expert Tips
- Line the air fryer basket with a sheet of parchment for the most effortless clean-up.
- To avoid the chance of the broccoli sticking to the basket, spray it with olive oil spray or another cooking spray before placing it inside to cook.
- Throw everything in a zip-top bag instead of tossing the broccoli in a bowl.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model. Keep a close eye on the vegetables towards the end of the cooking time.
- Cook vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking. If needed, air fry broccoli in multiple batches.
Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans
- Frozen Asparagus in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts
- Air Fryer Perogies
Storage and Reheating
- STORE - Store cooled broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- REHEAT - While this vegetable side dish is best served immediately after cooking, it can be reheated for later meals.
- To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 350 - 400 F (depending on how quickly your air fryer cooks). Drizzle the broccoli with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Cook for 3 - 4 minutes or until heated through and crispy. *Or microwave broccoli for 30 seconds - 1 minute until heated through.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Broccoli
This air-fried broccoli is the perfect side dish for any cooked protein, including steak, chicken, salmon, and pork chops. I love it as a side to proteins like chicken or in rice bowls. This air fryer frozen broccoli recipe is a healthy alternative to french fries; pair it with your favorite sandwich or burger. It is also a delicious {healthy} snack on its own too, especially served with cheese sauce or a drizzle of dressing (or your favorite condiment). These crispy broccoli florets are particularly DELICIOUS dipped into Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip. Serve it alongside any one of these meals:
- Slow-Cooker Greek Chicken
- Cracker-Crusted Chicken Nuggets
- Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken
- Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs
Frequently Asked Questions
While freezing cooked vegetables is not advised, it is possible. Cool the cooked broccoli outside of the air fryer basket. Freeze the broccoli florets on a tray until frozen before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer-safe zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Yes, frozen or fresh broccoli florets will work for this recipe. Keep in mind, though, that the cooking time will vary.
Like most vegetables, broccoli tastes good with almost any seasoning. Try it with your favorite blends like ranch seasoning or Italian seasoning. Toss it in garlic powder, onion powder, or crushed red pepper flakes too.
If you make the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #sugarylogic, and share them with me on Instagram or Facebook.
📖 Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 oz frozen broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt use more if desired
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. *If desired, preset the timer to 15 minutes as well.
- In a bowl, toss the broccoli, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss until the broccoli is coated.
- Transfer broccoli to the preheated air fryer and cook, turning halfway through.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve!
Notes
- STORE - Store cooled broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- REHEAT - While this vegetable side dish is best served immediately after cooking, it can be reheated for later meals. To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 350 - 400 F (depending on how quickly your air fryer cooks). Drizzle the broccoli with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Cook for 3 - 4 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. *Or microwave broccoli for 30 seconds - 1 minute, until heated through.
Nutrition
Did you make this? Leave a review below and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!
Patti
I don't have an air fryer. I assume this will work if I spread the broccoli on a baking sheet and then in the oven at 450F. I realize it will take longer.
Katelyn Ryan
Air fryers and ovens do cook differently, so you may need to adjust the amount of olive oil as the broccoli cooks. That said, I would roast the frozen broccoli at 450F for roughly 20 minutes.