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GET IT NOWYes, You Can Cook Frozen Broccoli In The Air Fryer
Air fryer broccoli is on regular rotation at my house, but recently I only had frozen, so I did some testing. Turns out, air fryer frozen broccoli works just as well! It’s become one of my favorite quick veggie sides: crisp-tender florets with perfectly browned edges, all in minutes. Here’s why I keep coming back to it:
- The fastest way to cook frozen broccoli – It’s way quicker than roasting broccoli, and unlike steaming, you still get that golden, caramelized texture. I use it anytime I need a veggie fast.
- Just 4 simple ingredients – All you need is frozen broccoli, oil, salt, and pepper. I kept it super basic here, but feel free to mix it up with whatever you’re in the mood for.
- Not just a side dish – It’s an easy veggie side on its own, but I also toss it into broccoli salad, stir it into casseroles, or even blend it into broccoli soup for extra flavor.
So if you forgot to grab fresh veggies or just need something fast, just make frozen broccoli in the air fryer with me — it might become your go-to too!
Reader Review
“This was a delicious addition for lunch and super simple to make. I loved how crunchy the broccoli turned out!” –Greta
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Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my air fryer frozen broccoli recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Frozen Broccoli – I usually just grab a bag of frozen broccoli florets, but if you freeze your own, that works too! Just make sure the pieces are on the larger side. The tiny ones can burn too fast in the air fryer. You can use fresh broccoli instead, but you’ll want to shave off a few minutes from the cook time (I have a separate recipe for that, here!).
- Avocado Oil – I drizzle a little over the broccoli to help it crisp up. Olive oil works fine too, or use whatever you have on hand!
- Salt & Pepper
VARIATION: Add other seasonings!
I kept it simple with just salt and pepper, but you can also add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, lemon pepper seasoning (or a splash of lemon juice), chili powder, cumin, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes. Try a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese at the end, too!
How To Cook Frozen Broccoli In The Air Fryer
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Season. In a large mixing bowl, toss the frozen broccoli with oil until it’s evenly coated. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss again so the seasoning gets all over.
- Air fry. Spread the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry frozen broccoli until browned and crisp-tender, shaking the basket halfway through to cook evenly.
- Adjust. Once the air fryer frozen broccoli is done, I usually give it a quick taste and add a little more salt and pepper if it needs it.
My Recipe Tips
- Yes, the broccoli goes straight from freezer to air fryer! Thawing it can make it soggy instead of crispy.
- Don’t crowd the basket. Spread the florets in a single layer so they get those golden, crispy edges instead of steaming. This is the air fryer I use. It’s big enough to fit the whole recipe, but if yours is smaller, just cook in batches so everything crisps up nicely.
- Shake halfway through. This helps everything cook evenly and gives more surface area a chance to brown.
- How long to cook frozen broccoli in the air fryer? I cook it at 400 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes. The exact time can vary a bit depending on the size of your florets. Smaller ones cook faster, while larger ones might take a little longer.
Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli (Fast & Easy)
Get crispy air fryer frozen broccoli that's perfectly tender with golden edges. It's ready in under 15 minutes with just 4 ingredients!
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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In a large mixing bowl, toss the frozen broccoli with olive oil, until coated well. Season with salt and pepper.
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Arrange the frozen broccoli in the air fryer basket, in a single layer. Air fry for 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C), shaking the basket halfway through.
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Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get crispy edges, keep the texture just right, and cook it perfectly every time!
- Store: Cover and refrigerate leftover vegetables for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Warm broccoli in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350 degrees F, or in the oven for 5-10 minutes.
- Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. It’s still safe after that, but the texture won’t be as crisp.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle!
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Serving Ideas
If you’re wondering what to serve with it, here are some of my favorite ways to turn this air fryer frozen broccoli into a full meal:
- Chicken – I love throwing this broccoli on a plate next to something simple like pan seared chicken breasts or baked chicken legs. If you’re in the mood for something saucy, try it with creamy mushroom chicken.
- Seafood – It’s such a good match for fish! I like serving it with baked cod or garlic butter shrimp. It also balances out the spice in my blackened salmon really well.
- Beef – Need a veggie on the side of your steak night? This one’s great with sirloin steak, prime rib roast, or even something bold like Hunan beef.
- Pork – I usually pair this with stuffed pork chops, cast iron pork chops, or Crock Pot pork tenderloin if I want an easy hands-off dinner.
7 Comments
Joan
0I love this recipe that I needed to tweak it a little bit. I put the broccoli florets in the air fryer at your recommended temperature and cook them for about 3 minutes which defrost them completely I take them out and season them salt pepper some red pepper flakes and toss in a little bit of olive oil and put them back in the air fryer for about 10 minutes or a little more if you want them extra crispy like I like. I just needed a little more spice… And when they were done I sprinkled them with some grated Parmesan..
Wholesome Yum D
0That sounds delicious, Joan! I love how you made the broccoli crispier in the air fryer and gave it a little spice kick. The red pepper flakes, olive oil, and Parmesan on top sound like the perfect finishing touch. Great tweaks!
Greta
0This was a delicious adding for the launch and super simple to make. I loved how crunchy these broccoli came out.
JD Alewine
0I love how easy this recipe is. Now I can eat broccoli even more!!!!!
Addison
0Such a quick and easy way to eat veggies! Great as a side dish for dinner.
Lisa
0I love broccoli and always looking for new ways to cook it. The air fryer gave it such a crispy texture which was perfect for snacking.
Gina
0One of my favorite easy ways to get a vegetable on the table for dinner!