Your Go-To Side For Everything
Sometimes, washing, drying, and chopping a head of broccoli just feels like too much work. That’s where air fryer frozen broccoli comes in (trust me, frozen broccoli florets + air fryer = crispy veggie magic). It’s like skipping straight to the best part—tender, golden deliciousness without all the prep work! Pop them straight into the air fryer and let it do its thing while your main dish simmers on the stove or bakes in the oven. And if you’re worried about texture, don’t be! The air fryer brings frozen broccoli to life with a perfect crisp. Before you know it, you’ll be serving this 15-minute side dish with anything and everything you can think of!
You Don’t Need Much
We’re keeping the ingredients nice and simple with this air fryer frozen broccoli recipe. Jump down to the recipe card for exact measurements—this is just an overview!
Frozen Broccoli: Pre-cut and ready to go! Frozen broccoli florets are perfect here because no chopping is required—just toss them straight in! Oil: A drizzle of oil is all you need to achieve that perfectly golden, crispy finish. Olive oil works wonders here, but feel free to swap avocado oil if you prefer a more neutral flavor. Seasonings: A quick shake of salt and pepper gives you the most classic flavor. Or, try red pepper flakes for a kick, garlic or onion powder for some zing, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy masterpiece.
Air Frying Frozen Broccoli Is A Breeze
Just toss, heat, and eat! (Jump to the recipe card for the full printable instructions.) Step 1: Stir The BroccoliAdd everything to a large mixing bowl and stir well to combine. Step 2: Preheat The Air FryerLet the air fryer preheat so everything is nice and hot. This will ensure a crisp end result. Step 3: Cook The BroccoliAir fry the broccoli until the florets are browned to your liking.
Recipe tips
Preheat for Crispiness: Preheating an air fryer isn’t usually necessary, but with frozen veggies, it’s key! Without it, the broccoli will steam instead of roast/crisp, leaving you with sad, soggy results. Single Layer: For the best results, arrange the florets in as much of a single layer as possible. This ensures each piece has space to brown to golden-brown perfection. No Thawing Needed: You can air fry broccoli straight from frozen! Thawing beforehand adds moisture, making it harder to get that crisp, roasted texture.
Why this Recipe Works
Frozen broccoli is often more accessible and affordable. Buy a bunch when it’s on sale and store it in the freezer for a quick side dish. Air frying your frozen broccoli prevents it from becoming soggy while cooking (because who likes soggy broccoli?). Take a trip to Flavor Town by sprinkling on your favorite seasonings. Try homemade lemon pepper seasoning or Italian seasoning mix.
Plays well with…
Broccoli is a well-loved veggie (even with kiddos!) and makes a great sidekick to any main dish.
Truffle Mac and Cheese: Crispy broccoli on the side adds the perfect balance to a rich, indulgent mac and cheese. Naan Pizza: Quick, easy, and customizable with everyone’s favorite toppings—serve it with hot, crispy broccoli for a complete meal! Vegan Alfredo Pasta: Pair this creamy pasta with broccoli on the side or mix it right in for added texture and flavor.
Did you make this recipe? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @liveeatlearn on Facebook or Instagram!
