The world is full of air fryer frozen broccoli recipes. But what exactly do you need to know about “frying” your frozen broccoli florets in your air fryer? Whether you have a Ninja Foodie Air Fryer, a NuWave Air Fryer, or a Phillips Air Fryer, below is everything you need to know and the best recipes we’ve tried.
Strap in, you’ve got a one-way ticket to easy side dishes that even the kids will eat!
Can you make frozen veggies in an air fryer?
Yes, you can definitely make frozen vegetables in an air fryer. In fact, it is one of my favorite ways to cook vegetables. While baking vegetables in the oven can take a long time to get them crispy, and microwaving vegetables can lead to a mushy mess, air fryers can make some incredible roasted broccoli in only a few minutes (about 10 to 15 minutes).
Even better, vegetables actually cook better in an air fryer when they are frozen. The circulating air allows the exterior of the vegetable to reach a perfect level of roast, while the interior stays nice and juicy since it is initially frozen.
How long can you store frozen broccoli in the freezer?
Such an important question but one I don’t think we think about often. How long can and how long should you keep frozen foods?
For frozen broccoli, the rule of thumb is to keep it for no longer than 3 months. This will help it maintain its peak taste. Any longer you are risking freezer burn. And freezer burn, for so many reasons, is never something to mess with.
Air Frying Versus Roasting Frozen Broccoli
This is a great question. And you’ll probably get different answers from different people. Some people are die-hard air fryer fans and regardless of what you ask they will always say that anything is better in an air fryer.
But when it comes down to it, in my opinion, it’s all about time and recipe. Anything in an air fryer is going to cook faster. With that said, if you’re cooking for a lot of people, a larger family gathering or a holiday, your oven is still going to be my go-to. Air fryers are great. But if you have 10-15 people over for Thanksgiving or Christmas, you’re probably going to need the extra space your oven provides.
Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?
You can definitely put aluminum foil in the air fryer. However, one thing to remember is that what makes air fryers such amazing kitchen appliances is how the air flows and circulates. If you’re not familiar, the power of the air fryer is really the rapid air fryer technology.
With that said, anything that you put in your air fryer could potentially prevent that airflow. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use it! Especially if you’re playing around with adding ingredients such as cheese you don’t want falling towards the bottom of your fryer.
What ingredients are needed to cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer?
Technically, all you need to cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer is a few key ingredients. But if you want to spice up your broccoli and add variety to your side dish, see below for some of our favorite recipes we’ve tested out.
Your basics for all air fryer frozen broccoli recipes:
- Frozen Broccoli
- Olive oil (Note: The oil helps the broccoli roast)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Seasoning (Add your favorite seasoning)
How to Season Broccoli
Broccoli is one of those magical foods that even if it’s not your favorite, with the right ingredients most everyone will enjoy it! Below are a few of my favorite combos to whip out when I know a non-broccoli lovers is sitting at my table:
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
- Slap Ya Moma Seasoning
- Truffle salt
- Honey Sriracha sauce
- Parmesan cheese and panko bread crumbs
- Ranch seasoning
Directions for Cooking Frozen Broccoli in an Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer for 4-5 minutes. Some models recommend that you always pre-heat. So follow those instructions.
- Pour your frozen broccoli into a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, seasoning, salt, and pepper and mix well, but quickly! You don’t want the broccoli defrosting. This is important.
- Add one tbsp. Of water to the bottom of the air fryer. This will prevent your air fryer from smoking.
- Place the coated vegetables into the air fryer basket.
- Set the temperature to 350 degrees on the air fryer setting. Cook for 5-8 minutes. The longer you cook your broccoli the crispier it will get. And remember, the smaller the broccoli florets, the faster they will cook.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch more salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli Recipes {How-To & Recipes}
Ingredients
- Frozen Broccoli
- Olive Oil Note: The oil helps the broccoli roast
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Seasoning Add your favorite seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer for 4-5 minutes. Some models recommend that you always pre-heat. So follow those instructions.
- Pour your frozen broccoli into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the olive oil, seasoning, salt, and pepper and mix well, but quickly! You don’t want the broccoli defrosting. This is important.
- Add one tbsp. Of water to the bottom of the air fryer. This will prevent your air fryer from smoking.
- Place the coated vegetables into the air fryer basket.
- Set the temperature to 350 degrees on the air fryer setting. Cook for 5-8 minutes. The longer you cook your broccoli the crispier it will get. And remember, the smaller the broccoli florets, the faster they will cook.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch more salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
How do you steam frozen broccoli in an air fryer?
Steaming frozen broccoli (in fact many frozen vegetables) is super easy in an air fryer. You don’t need to thaw your frozen broccoli before placing them in your air fryer. In fact, to steam frozen broccoli it only takes 3-4 minutes. But remember, since each air fryer is different, always reference the instructions of your particular air fryer model.
Our Favorite Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli Recipes
When you think of it, broccoli is kind of like tofu, it’s delicious on its own but really can take on a whole new life with the right seasoning and recipe. Below are a few of our favorite broccoli recipes that are easily adapted to your air fryer.
Remember, when you’re adapting these recipes, the main difference is that you’ll need to cook them for less time. Use our recipe above as a guide, but remember: you can always “fry” your broccoli longer, not the opposite 😉
Panko Breadcrumb Parmesan Broccoli Roast
When you’re looking for a little crunch. Adding panko and parmesan cheese to broccoli is an amazing solution. Check out this recipe, the first time I made it I was like “this is good, but it can be better.” So use this recipe as a guide, then add extra panko and extra Parmesan cheese!
Recipe: Panko Parmesan Broccoli Roast
Ingredients you’ll need:
- Broccoli
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Lemon juice
Image credit: Green Giant
Broccoli Cheddar Bake
I’ll say it once and that’s it. Broccoli and cheddar are perfect together. So is this recipe from Green Giant! Remember, this is where your aluminum foil comes into play to adapt it to your air fryer.
Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Bake
Ingredients you’ll need:
- Broccoli
- Salted butter
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic
- All-purpose flour
- Chicken broth (I cut this out when I put it in my air fryer. It just seemed too messy.)
- Cheddar cheese
Asian-inspired Roasted Broccoli
In my family, we love anything with the holy trinity of chili paste, garlic and ginger. Oh my! This recipe is perfect how it is. Adapt it to your air fryer and you can’t go wrong.
Recipe: Asian-inspired Roasted Broccoli
Ingredients you’ll need:
- Broccoli
- Soy sauce
- Olive oil
- Rice vinegar (this is my favorite one!)
- Chili paste
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Sesame seeds
Image credit: New York Times
Roasted Broccoli With Vinegar-Mustard Glaze
Vinegar and mustard wasn’t the first thing I was dying to try with broccoli. When I’m trying to get picky eaters to eat their veggies mustard it’s my go-to. But there is something about this recipe that hits all the right notes. Pro tip: add a hint of honey at the end for a tad of sweetness!
Recipe: Broccoli With Vinegar-Mustard Glaze
Ingredients you’ll need:
- Broccoli
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Unsalted butter
- Sherry or red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
Are you looking for more great Air Fryer recipes? We’ve got just that! Here are our favorite Air Fryer recipes. All tested and all very delicious!
More Air Fryer Recipes
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
More Vegetable Recipes
Balsamic Vinegar Mushrooms with Garlic
We hope you enjoyed these recipes as much as we did testing them for you! Have questions? Leave them in the comments below.
Until then: Stay salty, and sweet 😉
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