This air fryer frozen broccoli recipe delivers perfectly crispy, tender florets in just 12 minutes! With minimal prep and only 81 calories per serving, it’s the ultimate weeknight side dish that transforms basic frozen broccoli into a restaurant-worthy vegetable.
The high-heat circulation creates delightfully crispy edges while maintaining that ideal tender-crisp texture. Plus, with 6g of healthy carbs and 3g of protein per serving, it’s a nutritious addition to any meal.
Fresh & Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Ingredients
- Frozen Broccoli Florets: 1 pound, works best when kept frozen until ready to cook
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, helps achieve perfect crispiness
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, enhances the natural flavor
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground for best taste
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season: In a mixing bowl, combine frozen broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Ensure even coating for consistent flavor
- Arrange: Transfer seasoned broccoli to air fryer basket, spreading in a single layer for optimal cooking
- Air Fry: Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 12 minutes total. Remember to shake basket at 6-minute mark for even cooking
- Serve: Transfer to serving dish while hot and enjoy your perfectly crispy broccoli right away
Cooking Techniques
The magic of air frying gives frozen broccoli a lovely crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. For extra-crispy results, try not to overcrowd your air fryer basket – a single layer works best! If you notice some florets browning faster than others during the halfway shake, simply rearrange them so the less-cooked pieces move to the outer edges.
Variations
Want to jazz up your broccoli? Try these simple add-ons after air frying:
– A sprinkle of garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
– A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and zest
– A dusting of grated parmesan cheese
– Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
– A drizzle of balsamic glaze
Serving Suggestions
This crispy broccoli makes a perfect side dish for almost any meal! Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or your favorite protein. It’s also great mixed into pasta dishes or grain bowls. For a nice presentation, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top or add a wedge of lemon on the side. The bright green color really pops on any plate!
Storage Tips
While this broccoli tastes best fresh from the air fryer, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F – this helps bring back some of that delicious crispiness! Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the broccoli soggy.
Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Frozen Broccoli
- 1 pound Frozen Broccoli Florets
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Add broccoli, olive oil, salt and pepper to a bowl. Toss to evenly distribute the oil and seasoning.
- Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in an even layer.
- Air fry at 380F/193C for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve immediately.
