Air fryer frozen broccoli is one of the fastest side dishes you can make straight from the freezer. The edges turn perfectly crispy while the centers stay tender, and you do not even have to thaw it first. This is my go to method when I need a quick vegetable for dinner, and it works every time.
If you have ever ended up with soggy frozen broccoli in the oven or microwave, the air fryer completely changes the texture. It roasts the florets so they get golden and slightly charred, which brings out so much more flavor.
For a full list of vegetable cook times, check out my complete How to Cook Frozen Vegetables in the Air Fryer guide or check out this post for even more Air Fryer Recipes!
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
- Substitution Tips
- How to Cook Frozen Broccoli in the Air Fryer
- Fresh vs Frozen Broccoli in the Air Fryer
- Do You Need to Thaw Frozen Broccoli First
- What to Serve with Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
- Weight Watchers Points
- Nutrition Information
- Pro Tips From My Kitchen
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
- Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Why You Will Love This Recipe
I make frozen broccoli in the air fryer on busy weeknights because it is:
- Ready in about 10 minutes
- Cooked straight from frozen
- Crispy on the edges and tender inside
- Perfect for meal prep or a last minute side
- A great low point Weight Watchers vegetable
This method also works with store brands, and I often use a bag from Aldi for an affordable, always-on-hand vegetable.
Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
- 1 bag Frozen broccoli florets - No need to thaw. Cooking from frozen gives you the best texture.
- 1 to 2 tsps Olive oil or avocado oil spray - Helps the edges brown and crisp.
- Salt and black pepper Simple and classic.
Optional seasonings
- Garlic seasoning salt
- Onion powder
- Parmesan cheese
- Lemon juice after cooking
- Red pepper flakes
Substitution Tips
- Use cooking spray instead of bottled oil to keep the points lower.
- Try a seasoning blend for variety.
- Nutritional yeast is a great dairy free option instead of Parmesan.
How to Cook Frozen Broccoli in the Air Fryer
Step 1 Preheat your air fryer to 400°F if your model requires it. Add the frozen broccoli to the basket in a single layer.
Step 2 Spray lightly with oil and season with salt and pepper. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Cook longer if you want extra crispy edges.
The broccoli is done when the tips are browned and slightly crispy.
Fresh vs Frozen Broccoli in the Air Fryer
Frozen broccoli:
- Softer inside
- Crispy edges
- Faster and more convenient
Fresh broccoli:
- Firmer texture
- Slightly longer cook time
- Great for meal prep
Both are delicious, but frozen is perfect for quick meals.
Do You Need to Thaw Frozen Broccoli First
No. Cook it straight from frozen. Thawing adds moisture and makes the broccoli steam instead of roast.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
This is one of my favorite easy side dishes for:
- Air fryer chicken Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Salmon Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
- Pork chops
- Rice bowls Tiktok Salmon Rice Bowl
- Pasta
- Wraps and sandwiches
It also works great for Weight Watchers meal prep because it is filling and low in points.
Weight Watchers Points
Zero points for the broccoli
Points will depend on the amount of oil and toppings used
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Fat: 3g
You can also find all vegetable cook times in my Air Fryer Vegetable Guide.
Pro Tips From My Kitchen
- A smaller bag cooks more evenly than a large crowded basket.
- Add Parmesan during the last 2 minutes so it does not burn.
- A squeeze of lemon after cooking makes the flavor pop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most air fryers take 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F.
Most air fryers take 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F.
Yes, but the edges will be less golden.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer frozen broccoli is one of the easiest ways to get a healthy vegetable on the table fast. It is budget friendly, Weight Watchers friendly, and works with whatever you already have in the freezer. Once you try it this way, you will never want to microwave frozen broccoli again
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Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
- Prep Time: 1 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 11 min
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Easy
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
Air fryer frozen broccoli is one of the fastest healthy side dishes you can make straight from the freezer. The edges turn perfectly crispy while the centers stay tender, and you do not even have to thaw it first
Ingredients
1 bag Frozen broccoli florets
1 to 2 tsps Olive oil or avocado oil spray
Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F if your model requires it.
- Add the frozen broccoli to the basket in a single layer.
- Spray lightly with oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Cook longer if you want extra crispy edges.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the basket
- Cook at 400°F
- Use a light spray of oil
- WW points 1 (per serving)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
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