Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy crispy, flavorful broccoli straight from your freezer with this easy air fryer recipe. Perfect as a quick side dish, it requires minimal prep and delivers delicious results every time.

Ingredients
- 24 oz frozen broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Olive oil spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray, then place the frozen broccoli florets inside. For best results, do not thaw the broccoli before cooking—place it straight from the freezer into the air fryer.
- Step 2: Spray the broccoli with olive oil spray, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Shake the basket gently to distribute the spices evenly.
- Step 3: Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Stir and shake the basket, then air fry for another 5 minutes or until the broccoli reaches your desired crispiness. If using less than 24 oz, watch closely as cooking time will be shorter. For the full 24 oz, total cook time may range from 10 to 20 minutes depending on floret size.
- Step 4: Serve immediately. Optionally, top with parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use paprika or chili flakes along with the garlic and onion powders for a spicy kick.
- For extra crispiness, increase cook time slightly but watch to avoid burning.
- Spritz with lemon juice after cooking for a fresh, zesty finish.
Storage
Store leftover cooked broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, but adjust cooking time to 8–12 minutes since fresh broccoli does not require thawing and will cook faster.
Do I need to thaw frozen broccoli before air frying?
No, it’s best to cook broccoli straight from the freezer to achieve the best texture and avoid sogginess.
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Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 15-25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and easy recipe for crispy air fryer frozen broccoli florets seasoned with garlic and onion powder. Perfect as a healthy side dish, this method uses the air fryer to cook frozen broccoli straight from the freezer, yielding deliciously tender yet crisp florets in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Broccoli
- 24 oz frozen broccoli florets
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- Olive oil spray
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the frozen broccoli florets directly into the basket without thawing to ensure the best texture after cooking.
- Season the Broccoli: Spray the broccoli florets lightly with olive oil spray, then evenly sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Shake the basket gently to mix the spices well around the broccoli.
- Air Fry the Broccoli: Cook the broccoli at 400°F for 5 minutes. Afterward, stir and shake the basket to redistribute the florets, then air fry for an additional 5 minutes or until the desired level of crispiness is reached. Note that cooking time may vary between 10 to 20 minutes depending on the size and amount of broccoli used, so keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately. Optionally, top with freshly grated parmesan cheese to add a savory finish.
Notes
- Do not thaw broccoli before air frying to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
- Cooking time varies based on portion size and floret size; smaller amounts cook faster.
- Use olive oil spray sparingly to avoid excess oil and calories while achieving crispiness.
- Parmesan cheese topping is optional but adds flavor and richness.
- Keep an eye on broccoli during air frying to avoid burning, especially towards the end of cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Air fryer broccoli, frozen broccoli, crispy broccoli, healthy side dish, air fryer vegetables

