If Broccoli is not what comes to your mind when you think of your favorite snack, I totally understand that but this simple low-carb frozen broccoli recipe cooked in an air fryer basket could change that!
This is perfect as a quick snack or as a side dish for any main course meal. The first time I prepared an air fryer frozen broccoli, it disappeared off the plate in under 5 minutes.
I had no idea crispy air fryer frozen broccoli can be so delightful. Check out the recipe card for more details.
After I prepared them back to back, I even had leftovers that came in handy as a side for lunch. With simple ingredients like garlic or garlic powder, olive oil, and your favorite seasonings, crispy broccoli florets cooked in whirling hot air are just a few minutes away!
The air fryer makes it so easy that there was barely any cutting or prep work required for this healthy side dish.
An air fryer broccoli recipe like this one can be a lifesaver when you are in a hurry and do not have fresh tender broccoli. I always keep a small bag of frozen broccoli handy for emergencies.
Today, I used it to make simple roasted broccoli in the air fryer. Air frying presents a great way to deliver nutritious food at a moment's notice!
My older broccoli recipes such as Broccoli samosa and Broccoli paratha were quite popular among my readers but I also received a lot of comments about how bland broccolis can be.
This air fryer broccoli recipe for a seasoned version will change that…Before you write these florets off your grocery list, know that broccoli is the classic superfood rich in vitamins (vitamin C) and also the greatest cancer preventer.
That's just another reason why you have to try this easy recipe today. So, let's get started!
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Ingredients note
- Frozen broccoli: Frozen broccoli is available in almost any grocery store. Check for the bags with smaller to medium size florets.
- Seasoning: I used salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning mix, cayenne, and cumin powder. If there is any other seasoning that you prefer like garlic powder or red pepper flakes, you can substitute any of these or even add them in addition to these seasonings.
- Olive oil: Be sure to use extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil for best results.
How to prepare this recipe
Preheat the air fryer to 400 F. for 4 minutes.
Next, place the frozen broccoli florets in a large bowl and season with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin powder, and Italian seasoning.
Mix them well until the seasoning is distributed evenly.
Place the seasoned frozen broccoli in the preheated air fryer basket as a single layer and set the temperature to 400 degrees F for 10 minutes or until they are crispy on the edge.
Set up a shake reminder in between or after 5 minutes to make sure the florets are evenly cooked. As the timer expires, check if the florets have a crispy texture.
If not, add a couple more minutes and continue to cook them in the air fryer. Delicious broccoli florets are ready for your table!
Expert tips
- You can add your favorite spices to make them healthier. Some good options are black pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and cumin.
- Instead of seasoning with salt and Italian seasoning you can also use soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for a new dimension in taste.
- Be sure to preheat the air fryer to 400F to get the best results.
- Do not defrost the broccoli - cook it straight from the freezer. The cooking time is timed for cooking frozen broccoli florets.
- You can use fresh broccoli instead of frozen, but be sure to adjust the cook time accordingly.
- If you like crispy frozen broccoli then cook for a little longer.
- To make this recipe even healthier I would suggest using avocado oil to spray on the vegetables. This will give them an even crispier texture.
- Shake the broccoli around halfway through so that it cooks evenly.
- The cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer capacity. I used 10 minutes on a 6-qt capacity air fryer (Cosori).
- Serve the broccoli immediately for best tasting broccoli.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, this can be made without any oil. But, I recommend that you use less oil than 'no' oil to make it crispy.
I used vegan ranch dressing. Other options that also go well are tomato ketchup and teriyaki sauce. It is also common to top them with parmesan cheese, but I like sticking to vegan ingredients.
I don't recommend making it in a microwave because it won't come out crispy.
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Equipment
Process Shot
Check above for step-by-step pictures (most of my recipes include pictures)
Ingredients
- ½ pound frozen broccoli - or 3 cups
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder or cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cumin powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 F. for 4 minutes.
- Next, place the frozen broccoli florets in a large bowl and season with salt, oil, pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix them well until the seasoning is distributed evenly.½ pound frozen broccoli, ½ teaspoon red chili powder or cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon cumin powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder (optional), ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt to taste
- Place the seasoned frozen broccoli in the preheated air fryer basket as a single layer and set the temperature to 400 degrees F for 10 minutes or until they are crispy on the edge.
- Set up a shake reminder in between or after 5 minutes to make sure the florets are evenly cooked. As the timer expires, check if the florets have a crispy texture. If not, add a couple more minutes and continue to cook them in the air fryer. Delicious broccoli florets are ready for your table!
Notes
- You can add your favorite spices to make them healthier. Some good options are black pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and cumin.
- Instead of seasoning with salt and Italian seasoning you can also use soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for a new dimension in taste.
- Be sure to preheat the air fryer to 400F to get the best results.
- Do not defrost the broccoli - cook it straight from the freezer. The cooking time is timed for cooking frozen broccoli florets.
- You can use fresh broccoli instead of frozen, but be sure to adjust the cook time accordingly.
- If you like crispy frozen broccoli then cook for a little longer.
- To make this recipe even healthier I would suggest using avocado oil to spray on the vegetables. This will give them an even crispier texture.
- Shake the broccoli around halfway through so that it cooks evenly.
- The cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer capacity. I used 10 minutes on a 6-qt capacity air fryer (Cosori).
- Serve the broccoli immediately for best tasting broccoli.
YOUR OWN NOTES
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
Silvia says
What a great idea! Simple and flavourful, I never thought that frozen broccoli could get crispy. Thank you air fryer!
GUNJAN C Dudani says
this is such a great idea and an easy one too. now, it will be a breeze to feed broccoli to the kids.
Kim says
This broccoli was a hit! Great flavor combination and the air fryer gave it a great crispy texture much faster than an oven. We loved it!
Leslie says
I pinned this! There's just nothing easier than taking something from the freezer and throwing it into an air fryer!
Megs says
This is the only way i cook broccoli now. Thanks so much for a perfect recipe.
Mikayla says
Thanks for the fast simple prep tips, good for a side dish at dinner or for a quick healthy snack.
Jessica says
This is my kind of recipe, quick and easy! And did I mention delicious?!? Thanks for giving me another reason to love my air fryer!!
Tracy says
Such a great snack!! I love the cumin in this too, one of my favorite spices. Such a great way to enjoy broccoli!
Allyssa says
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing frozen broccoli recipe! Will surely have this again! It's really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
veenaazmanov says
Love healthy cooking and this is surely one of them. Perfect snack too. Air Fryer cooking sounds interesting.