If you are looking for a simple side dish, look no further than this Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli! As its name specifies, this recipe uses frozen broccoli florets 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, however, this recipe uses frozen broccoli. There is no need to chop or wash anything. Simply toss in the seasonings and cook. Does it get any easier?
Thanks to the air fryer, the finished broccoli is crispy and perfectly cooked in minutes. If you like this recipe then you will love my Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Parmesan.
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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. Thanks to the trusty air fryer, crispy broccoli is ready in 15 minutes time. This recipe is perfect for weeknight cooking.
- 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 less dishes and quicker cooking 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 by florets and not broccoli cuts.
- Olive Oil - The olive oil helps this broccoli become nice and crispy.
- 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.
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, olive oil, salt, and pepper until broccoli is coated.
3 - Transfer broccoli to the preheated air fryer and cook, turning halfway through.
4 - Remove from the air fryer and serve!
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) 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.
Tips
LINE THE AIR FRYER WITH PARCHMENT PAPER - For the easiest clean-up ever, line the air fryer basket with a sheet of parchment.
SPRAY THE AIR FRYER BASKET - To avoid the chance of the broccoli sticking to the basket, spray it with cooking spray before placing the broccoli inside to cook.
FOR FEWER DISHES - Instead of tossing the broccoli in a bowl, toss everything in a zip-top bag instead.
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 fryer broccoli is good with just about anything. I love it as a side to proteins like chicken or in rice bowls. It is also a delicious {healthy} snack on its own too, especially served with a sprinkle of cheese or a drizzle of dressing (or your favorite condiment). These crispy broccoli florets are particularly DELICIOUS dipped into Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip too.
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
FAQ
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, fresh or frozen broccoli will work for this recipe. Keep in mind, though, that the cooking time will vary.
Related Recipes
📖 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 RECIPE? Please leave a star rating and review below!
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.