Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

This Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli is one of the easiest ways to turn a bag of frozen broccoli into a simple vegetable side. You do not need to thaw it first, and it cooks in about 10 minutes with oil, seasoning, and a squeeze of lemon if you want a fresh finish.

I make frozen broccoli in the air fryer when I need a simple vegetable side with almost no prep. It turns out tender with lightly roasted edges, and it pairs well with other air fryer recipes that cook from frozen, like Air Fryer Frozen Wings, Air Fryer Frozen Salmon, or Frozen Meatballs in the Air Fryer. If you have fresh broccoli instead, use my Air Fryer Broccoli recipe since the texture and cook time are different.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli Recipe

• No thawing needed: Use the broccoli straight from the freezer.
• Simple freezer side: Keep a bag of broccoli in the freezer and you can make a vegetable side without washing, trimming, or cutting fresh broccoli.
• Easy to season your way: Keep it simple with an all-purpose seasoning, or switch up the flavor with Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Creole Seasoning, or Steak Seasoning.
• Great for freezer meals: Pair it with other air fryer recipes that cook from frozen when you want to build a meal mostly from freezer staples.

Ingredients Needed

• Frozen broccoli florets: Use frozen broccoli straight from the bag. Extra moisture can make the broccoli too soft, so keep it frozen until you are ready to cook.
• Avocado oil: I like avocado oil for air frying because it works well with high heat. Olive oil also works.
• Sea salt: Add salt to taste, especially if your seasoning blend already includes salt.
• Seasoning: I used 24 Herb Sprinkle Seasoning, but you can use what you have. Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, Creole seasoning, or steak seasoning all work well.
• Lemon: Optional, but I like adding a squeeze at the end for a brighter finish.

How to Cook Frozen Broccoli in an Air Fryer

Season the Broccoli

Add the frozen broccoli florets to a large bowl with oil and seasoning. Toss everything well so the oil and spices coat the broccoli. The oil helps the seasoning stick and gives the edges a little more color as the broccoli cooks.

Air Fry Until Tender

Add the seasoned broccoli to the air fryer basket. It does not need to be in a perfect single layer, but avoid packing the basket too tightly. Cook at 400 degrees, then toss halfway through so the pieces heat evenly.

Finish and Serve

Cook the broccoli until it is hot and tender. Frozen broccoli will not get as crisp as fresh broccoli, so I stop once it has lightly roasted edges. Add lemon juice right before serving if you want a fresh, simple finish.

How Long to Cook Frozen Broccoli in the Air Fryer

Frozen broccoli usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes in the air fryer at 400 degrees. The exact time depends on your air fryer and the size of the broccoli florets.

Smaller florets cook faster. Larger pieces may need a few extra minutes.

Tips for the Best Frozen Broccoli in the Air Fryer

• Do not thaw the broccoli: This recipe works best when the broccoli goes into the air fryer frozen.
• Use enough seasoning: Frozen vegetables usually need a little help in the flavor department. Season before air frying, then taste and adjust after cooking.
• Do not overcook it: Extra cook time will not make frozen broccoli extra crispy. It usually just makes it softer.
• Use fresh broccoli when you want crispier edges: For a more roasted texture, make my Air Fryer Broccoli instead.

Easy Seasoning Ideas

• Lemon pepper broccoli: Use Lemon Pepper Seasoning and finish with fresh lemon juice.
• Creole broccoli: Use Creole Seasoning for a warmer, spiced flavor that works well with shrimp, chicken, and salmon.
• Steakhouse broccoli: Use Steak Seasoning when serving the broccoli with steak bites, burgers, or roasted meats.
• Garlic herb broccoli: Use garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

This is an easy side dish to pair with other foods that cook straight from frozen. Serve it with Air Fryer Frozen Wings, Air Fryer Frozen Salmon, Frozen Meatballs in the Air Fryer, Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp, or Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp and Broccoli when you want to build a meal mostly from freezer staples.

You can also serve it with simple air fryer mains like Air Fryer Salmon, Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breasts, or Garlic Butter Steak Bites when you already have fresh protein ready to cook. Blackened Shrimp, Cilantro Lime Chicken, and Pan Seared Tilapia are quick main dishes that cook up in the skillet.

For more frozen air fryer vegetables, try Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans or Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts. You can also browse my Air Fryer Recipes for more air fryer ideas.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover air fried frozen broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To reheat, warm it in the air fryer or microwave until heated through. The broccoli will be softer after storing, so I usually use leftovers in bowls, quick lunches, or alongside another easy dinner.

FAQs

If you try this recipe, please stop back and leave it a star rating and/or a review in the comments. Stay connected & share photos of your creations with me & others on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!