This air fryer frozen broccoli is the easiest side dish! No need to thaw and no need to fuss. Just toss it with a little olive oil, garlic, and salt, then let the air fryer do its magic. In under 15 minutes, you’ll have perfectly roasted broccoli that’s lightly browned on the edges and tender inside.
It’s quick, healthy, and goes with just about any meal, like these Air Fryer Chicken Quarters or Venison Tenderloin.
If you don’t have an air fryer, here’s how to boil broccoli or make blanched broccoli.
Instant Pot Broccoli is another great option if you don’t want to turn on the stove!
What’s To Love
- Fast and easy – no chopping, thawing, or complicated steps required.
- Healthy side dish – naturally gluten-free, vegan, and nutrient-rich.
- Customizable – switch up the seasonings or add Parmesan for extra flavor.
Ingredient Notes
Please scroll down for the full recipe. These are just notes on select ingredients.
- Frozen broccoli florets – do not thaw before cooking. If your florets are very large, you can cut them into halves or fourths partway through cooking and add a few extra minutes.
- Olive oil – helps the seasonings stick and gives the broccoli that roasted flavor. You can use avocado oil if you prefer.
- Garlic powder – adds flavor without burning. Granulated garlic also works.
How to Make It
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 °F (200 °C) and let it heat for 3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, toss the frozen broccoli with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Spread the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the broccoli is lightly browned on the edges and tender inside. I don’t like my broccoli browned, but if you do, you’ll want to cook it the maximum time listed in the recipe. If you want it to look like the photos, then you’ll want to go with the shorter time listed.
- If your florets are large, cut them down partway through cooking and add an extra 6 minutes or so.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t thaw the broccoli before cooking. It should go straight from freezer to air fryer.
- Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket, or the broccoli will steam instead of roasting.
- Season after cooking if you’d like to add Parmesan, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes.
How to Make Ahead and Store
This broccoli is best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 °F (175 °C) for 3-4 minutes to crisp it back up. Don’t freeze after cooking! It’ll be gross.
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Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 grams) frozen broccoli florets
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or granulated garlic
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F (200 °C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, toss the frozen broccoli with olive oil, salt, and garlic.
- Spread the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until slightly browned.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.
- This broccoli is best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 °F (175 °C) for 3-4 minutes to crisp it back up.
Notes
- The nutrition information provided is calculated as a courtesy and is only an estimate. I am not a licensed nutritionist or dietitian. For the most accurate nutritional data, consult a professional or use your preferred calculator.
Comments & Reviews
Josh says
I usually don’t make broccoli but this was easy enough to try. It came out great! I love that it’s not too complicated. I just hate the smell of boiling broccoli so this was perfect for me!
Erin @ Easy Wholesome says
I feel the same about boiling broccoli. I’m glad you gave this recipe a try! Thanks for your comment.