menu icon
search icon

Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a denim jacket, pink striped shirt, and sunglasses on her head, smiles at the camera indoors.
Modified: · Published: by · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

You know those nights when you open the freezer and find nothing but a sad bag of frozen broccoli?
Well, don't scroll past it this time. Your air fryer can turn that bag into golden, crispy perfection, and it takes less time than preheating your oven.

A blue bowl filled with steamed broccoli florets, placed on a white marble surface next to a checkered cloth and small bowls of condiments.

I used to steam or boil frozen broccoli until it turned, well… mushy. Then I tossed it in my Ninja DualZone air fryer, and the results were unreal. Crispy tips, tender centers, and a little roasted flavor that makes it taste like you put way more effort into dinner than you actually did.

And the best part? You throw it in frozen. No thawing. No soggy mess. Just straight from bag to basket, 15 minutes later, you're a dinner hero.

Jump to:

The Ingredients

Bag of frozen broccoli with containers of salt, peppercorns, a spoon of garlic powder, and a bottle of olive oil on a white marble surface.
  • 1 (12 oz) bag frozen broccoli - go from freezer to basket, no defrosting.
  • 1½ tablespoons olive oil - helps the edges crisp up beautifully.
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder - adds that roasted garlic flavor without chopping.
  • ½ teaspoon salt + ¼ teaspoon pepper - keeps it simple and classic.

Optional add-ons:

  • Fresh lemon juice for brightness
  • A sprinkle of Parmesan or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor

See Recipe Card Below for Quantities

How to Make the Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
A hot basket means crispier results!

Toss broccoli with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
(I usually do this right in the bag if I'm feeling lazy - less cleanup.)

Add to your air fryer basket in a single layer. Don't overcrowd or it'll steam instead of roast.

Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
When the edges start to brown and crisp, it's ready.

Serve it up hot!
I love adding a squeeze of lemon juice or dusting Parmesan right before serving.

A bowl of broccoli florets sprinkled with grated cheese sits on a white surface, with containers of salt, pepper, and a bottle of olive oil nearby.
Frozen broccoli florets in an air fryer basket, with containers of salt, pepper, and olive oil placed nearby on a white surface.

Kitchen Gadget Mom Tips

  • Don't thaw. Ever. Frozen broccoli needs to hit the basket frozen solid for that crispy-outside, tender-inside magic.
  • Shake halfway. Keeps the air circulating evenly so all sides crisp up.
  • Different models = different times. Smaller fryers (like the Instant Vortex Mini) may cook faster, while larger dual baskets take a minute longer.
  • Batch it. Overcrowding = soggy. If you're cooking for a family, split it into two rounds.
  • Use real oil. Aerosol sprays can damage your basket coating, use a mister or drizzle instead.

Fun Variations

  • Cheesy Broccoli: Sprinkle Parmesan or cheddar during the last 2 minutes.
  • Spicy Kick: Add smoked paprika, chili flakes, or Cajun seasoning before air frying.
  • Asian-Style: Toss with a drizzle of sesame oil and soy sauce after cooking.
  • Ranch Vibes: Toss the broccoli in a teaspoon of dry ranch mix before air frying.
  • Everything-Bagel Broccoli: Sprinkle seasoning right before serving.

Serving Ideas

  • A quick veggie side for air fryer chicken tenders or salmon bites.
  • Toss into a grain bowl with quinoa, feta, and roasted chickpeas.
  • Layer over garlic pasta for a 10-minute meal.
  • Or just eat it with your fingers while standing over the counter, zero judgment here.

Storage + Reheating

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in your air fryer at 380°F for 3-4 minutes, it crisps right back up.
  • Avoid the microwave unless you like floppy broccoli (I don't).

FAQ

Can I use fresh broccoli instead?

Yep! Just reduce the time to about 8-10 minutes since fresh cooks faster.

Can I skip the oil?

You can, but it won't crisp properly. Even a tiny drizzle helps with texture and flavor.

Why did my broccoli turn soggy?

You probably overcrowded the basket or didn't shake it halfway through. Airflow is key!

Cooked broccoli florets in an air fryer basket, with containers of salt, pepper, and a bottle of olive oil nearby on a white surface.
A bowl of cooked broccoli florets in a light blue dish, placed on a white surface with part of a napkin and wooden bowls visible nearby.

Air fryer Frozen Broccoli

Crispy, garlicky broccoli made straight from frozen, no thawing, no fuss. The easiest air fryer vegetable side dish that's ready in under 15 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 100
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Equipment

  • Air fryer (Ninja, Instant, COSORI, or any basket model)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Oil mister or brush
  • Parchment liner (optional for easier cleanup)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 12 oz bag frozen broccoli
  • 1½ tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
  2. In a bowl, toss frozen broccoli with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread in basket in a single layer.
  4. Air fry 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
  5. Serve warm with lemon juice or Parmesan.

Notes

  • Add cheese or spice near the end to avoid burning.
  • Cook longer for extra crisp edges.
  • Reheat leftovers in the air fryer, not microwave.
  • Work in batches for best airflow.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating