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Looking for easy and healthy side dish ideas? Try air fryer frozen broccoli. Crispy and versatile, it is perfect for people with little time to cook. Believe me, this is the recipe you’ve always wanted: How to cook frozen broccoli in air fryer?
Broccoli is one of those foods that can never miss here at home. Healthy and delicious, I’d probably say it’s my favorite vegetable. I like it steamed, baked, air fried and even raw. Yes, you read it right. I LOVE raw broccoli, especially the fresh stem.
But some days, especially at night, I’m too tired to wash, chop, and blanch the fresh vegetables. That’s where frozen broccoli come in very handy! Convenient and still nutritious, it is a life saver. If most of the times I simply steam or microwave it, when I crave something crunchy I fire my air fryer and…Wow, it comes out SO GOOD!
Why you will love air fryer broccoli?
If you aren’t cooking frozen broccoli in the air fryer, you’re missing out. Quick and easy to make, crunchy and super tasty, here at home we’ve been churning out air fryer broccoli for months now. We love this recipe, and you will love it too. Here are some reasons why!
- Convenience: With this recipe you can whip up a batch of broccoli in minutes, very easily. Plus, since it is already pre-cut and blanched, you can skip the time-consuming steps of washing, chopping, and blanching fresh broccoli.
- Health benefits: Broccoli – the main ingredient in this recipe – is one of the healthiest foods in the planet, packed with fiber, antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. What is more, air frying frozen broccoli preserves its nutritional value.
- Taste and texture: This recipe teaches you how to turn boring frozen broccoli into crispy bites full of flavor and taste. It will feel like a fast food dish, but healthy and packed with nutrients.
- Versatility: From side dishes to Buddha bowls, the ways how you can enjoy air fryer frozen broccoli are literally endless.
The ingredients
Simple and healthy, this recipe requires just a handful of basic ingredients. If you are reading this post and are looking for ways to cook frozen broccoli, I bet you already have everything at home.
- Frozen broccoli florets: Convenient, nutritious and easy-to-find, frozen broccoli florets are the main ingredient of this recipe. I used a 14 oz. (400 grams) bag, but you can opt for a larger size if cooking for more people.
- Olive oil: Besides giving crispiness, the olive oil helps coat the florets with seasonings, making flavorsome and delicious air fryer broccoli.
- Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the broccoli and enhancing its natural flavors. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
- Additional seasonings: Feel free to enrich the taste profile of your vegetables with extra seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder and Italian seasonings.
How to cook frozen broccoli in air fryer?
Thaw: First of all, remove the frozen broccoli florets from the bag and place in a bowl. Before proceeding with the recipe, allow them to thaw slightly for about 5 minutes. Pat them dry using a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
Season: Once thawed, drizzle the broccoli florets with olive oil, then toss with salt and pepper to your likings. If desired, you can add extra seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder or Italian seasonings.
Air fry: Place the seasoned broccoli florets in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding it. If it is necessary, I recommend cooking in batches. Air fry frozen broccoli for 8 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. For a softer texture, cook for less time; for crispier broccoli cook for longer.
How long to cook broccoli in air fryer?
Cooking frozen broccoli in the air fryer should take about 10 minutes. As it influences the texture, the precise total time depends on your preferences, however. Here are more details for you. Keep in mind that these are approximations; I recommend checking and adapting the time as needed.
- Softer broccoli: If you prefer your vegetables to be tender inside and just slightly crispy outside, air fry for less time, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Crispy broccoli: If you are aiming for a crispy and crunchy texture, air fry for about 12 minutes.
Innovative serving ideas
Thinking about soft and soggy vegetables? It’s time to reconsider your concept of broccoli. So crispy and delicious, the recipe for frozen broccoli in air fryer is a game-changer; it opens endless roads to be creative and experiment. Lacking inspirations? Here are some ideas on how to serve these broccoli florets.
- Side dish: Serve as a simple and healthy side dish alongside a source of protein such as grilled chicken, salmon or tofu, and some whole grains for a satisfying meal.
- Buddha bowls: Start with a base of brown rice or quinoa, then add the air fried broccoli, some roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, cherry tomatoes, chicken or tofu and top it off with a dollop of hummus
- Pasta dishes: Toss crispy broccoli into your favorite pasta dish for added texture and health benefits.
- Stir-fries: Add the broccoli to sautéd noodles enriched with a source of protein and seasoned to your likings for a mouth-watering stir fry.
- Snack or appetizer: Pair it with a creamy dip like hummus, Greek yogurt dip, or ranch dressing and serve as a crunchy and healthy snack or appetizer.
More air fryer recipes
- Air frier salmon bites
- Zucchini fries in the air fryer
- Chickpea nuggets
- Air fryer tater tots
- Low calorie chicken tenders
Frozen Broccoli in Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen broccoli florets, 14 oz./ 400 grams
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Seasonings
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasonings
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures your broccoli cooks evenly and gets crispy.
- Remove frozen broccoli florets from the bag and place in a bowl. Before proceeding with the recipe, allow them to thaw slightly for about 5 minutes. Pat them dry using a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Once thawed, drizzle the broccoli florets with olive oil, then toss with salt and pepper to your likings. If desired, add any extra seasonings (such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasonings).
- Place the seasoned broccoli florets in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding it. If necessary, air fry in batches.
- Air fry frozen broccoli for 8 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. For softer air fryer broccoli, cook for less time; for crispier broccoli cook for longer.
- Once cooked, transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm.
Very good idea to cook the broccoli, I need this! Thank you Matt ?????
Many many thanks, broccoli are definitely amazing!