Making fresh broccoli is often thought of as the best way to enjoy this nutrient-packed vegetable, however, frozen broccoli can also be a delicious and easy option.
Cooking frozen broccoli in the air fryer is a great way to prepare it quickly and efficiently.
You don’t have to worry about having to pre-cook the broccoli in hot water or any other preparation steps.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the perfect dish of frozen broccoli using an air fryer. You'll be wanting to add this to your recipe card!
What is Broccoli?
Broccoli is a nutrient-rich cruciferous vegetable that is part of the cabbage family. It’s known for its health benefits, including high levels of vitamin A and vitamin C, calcium, fiber, and antioxidants.
The best brand of frozen broccoli to use in an air fryer is Bird’s Eye. This frozen broccoli contains no added oil, which helps make it healthier than other brands.
It also has a crisp texture when cooked in the air fryer.
Broccoli is also a great source of plant-based protein and has a nutritional value that can help promote overall health. The broccoli taste is slightly sweet, with a crunchy texture.
Why People Love Air Fried Broccoli
Cooking frozen broccoli is a quick and easy method for enjoying this nutrient-rich vegetable.
All you need are some frozen florets and a couple of minutes in the air fryer, and you can have delicious broccoli ready to enjoy.
Air frying the broccoli gives it a crispy exterior. This simple method makes it an ideal side dish for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
The best part is that you don’t have to worry about pre-cooking the broccoli, as it will be cooked through in the air fryer.
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a type of countertop appliance that uses heated, circulated air to cook food quickly and evenly. It’s similar to a deep fryer, but without the added oil and calories.
Air fryers are great for cooking things like frozen vegetables, chicken wings, French fries, and more.
Try any different vegetable like roasted frozen brussels sprouts, bell peppers, and more in the air fryer.
An inch of water added to the pan can help create steam for vegetables like broccoli to create a nice crisp texture.
How to Cook Frozen Broccoli in an Air Fryer
The key to a perfectly cooked dish of frozen broccoli is to make sure your broccoli doesn't thaw out before cooking. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients
With simple ingredients, this easy recipe can yield delicious results.
- Olive oil spray or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 24 oz frozen broccoli florets
- 3/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
With little to no prep work, the cooking process is easy.
1. Spray the air fryer basket with a little olive oil spray.
2. Next, place the broccoli florists in the air fryer and spray with some olive oil spray.
3. Sprinkle on salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Shake the basket to mix the spices around.
4. Turn your air fryer to 400 degrees F and fry for ten 10 minutes.
5. Stir and shake the basket then air fry for an additional 5-15 minutes until the desired level of crispiness. Add tablespoons of water if you want it to be softer.
6. Serve immediately and top with parmesan cheese if desired!
The nutritional information and cook time varies depending on how much broccoli you’re using and how long you want to cook it.
A little water can be added to the pan for softer vegetables like broccoli.
This simple recipe is a great way to get your daily serving of vegetables and it’s packed with nutrients and antioxidants.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your delicious air fried broccoli dish don’t worry!
Store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days or for the next day- just make sure to consume it within that time frame so it has peak freshness and is safe to eat.
Air fried broccoli can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months - just remember that once thawed it needs to be consumed right away as it won’t last long after thawing out again!
What to Top it With
Adding extra flavor to frozen broccoli is easy with the right ingredients.
With this simple broccoli recipe, you can incorporate steak seasoning, soy sauce, a seasoning blend, and red pepper flakes for an incredibly tasty side dish that can be prepared in minutes.
All you need is your air fryer, a mixing bowl, and these flavorful ingredients to make this delicious meal!
Try adding some parmesan cheese, lemon juice, ranch dressing, or hot sauce for added flavor at the end!
You can even pair your air fryer broccoli with other vegetables such as roasted sweet potatoes, green beans, and carrots to create a nutritious side dish.
What to Serve With it
Air fried broccoli is a great cheap side dish for any meal. Try pairing it with your favorite recipes, grilled fish, chicken, or steak, and some fresh greens to create a balanced plate.
You can also make air fried broccoli the star of your meal by adding in cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or tofu for added protein.
There are many different ways to enjoy how to cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a main dish, this simple method is sure to be a hit!
With minimal effort, you can create a delicious and nutritious dish that your whole family will love.
Different Methods of Cooking Frozen Broccoli
Cooking frozen broccoli is an easy and delicious way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable.
From steaming it in a basket to roasting it in the oven, there are many different methods of cooking frozen broccoli that will result in a flavorful side dish or main course.
If you’re short on time, you can also use your microwave-safe dish or Instant Pot recipes for quick and simple meals.
Steamed broccoli is also an easy and quick side dish to make.
A steamer basket fits perfectly into most pots and pans, allowing you to quickly steam frozen or fresh vegetables without having to wait for them to thaw or cook in hot water.
The high heat of the steam cooks the broccoli rapidly while preserving its nutrients and flavor.
For those who prefer their broccoli with some extra crunch, try throwing it into a very hot oven or onto a hot baking sheet for roasted broccoli perfection!
The broccoli should be on a single layer of parchment paper on the baking sheet and the oven temperatures should be up to 450°F.
Roasting helps caramelize the sugars from the broccoli, giving it an extra layer of flavor and texture.
You can also boil it on medium-high heat for about five minutes to quickly soften the frozen broccoli. Be sure to strain it well once it’s cooked and serve immediately for optimal flavor.
These cooking methods will vary on cooking time depending on which method you use, how much broccoli is being cooked, and what additional ingredients are added.
All in all, cooking frozen broccoli can be a simple process with delicious results!
Tips for Cooking Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
If this is your first time making this healthy side dish, here are a few helpful tips to ensure the perfect outcome:
- Spray oil onto the frozen broccoli before air frying to ensure it gets crispy.
- Add an even layer of broccoli to the air fryer basket so all pieces cook evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket as the food will not cook properly.
- For crispy broccoli cook a few extra minutes in the air fryer or oven.
- Add some spices or sauces to give your cooked broccoli extra flavor.
- Soggy broccoli can happen if you put a cup water in the air fryer when you cook. Be sure to leave out any additional liquids or water.
- Pair with other cooked vegetables or protein sources for a complete meal.
- You can use paper towels to soak up extra moisture after cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for later use.
- Turn this veggie hack into broccoli soup or a warm salad.
By following these tips you can have delicious how to cook frozen broccoli in your air fryer every time!
Full disclosure, air frying frozen broccoli may not be as crispy as roasting it in the oven, but the less time needed and convenience make this a perfect option for those busy nights.
Final Thoughts
Frozen broccoli is a great way to make a delicious side dish quickly and easily. It’s convenient, low in water content, and typically already perfectly portioned in broccoli pieces.
For the best results, air fryers are the preferred method of cooking frozen broccoli as it requires little oil and result in perfectly crisp pieces every time.
To add extra flavor, season the broccoli with your favorite seasonings, soy sauce, and other dried herbs or spices before air frying it.
Whatever your favorite way to cook frozen broccoli is, we hope you give this a high star rating and enjoyed your nutritious dish!
How to Cook Frozen Broccoli in The Air Fryer
Cooking frozen broccoli in the air fryer is a great way to prepare it quickly and efficiently.
Ingredients
- Olive oil spray or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 24 oz frozen broccoli florets
- 3/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Spray the air fryer basket with a little olive oil spray.
- Next, place the broccoli florists in the air fryer and spray with some olive oil spray.
- Sprinkle on salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Shake the basket to mix the spices around.
- Turn your air fryer to 400 degrees F and fry for ten 10 minutes.
- Stir and shake the basket then air fry for an additional 5-15 minutes until the desired level of crispiness.
- Serve immediately and top with parmesan cheese if desired!
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