This 10-minute no-thaw Spicy Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli is a great dinner dish. It’s vegan, gluten-free, low-calorie, and low-carb, too.
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About Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli is a delicious side dish that can be made in under 10 minutes. Pull out frozen broccoli from the freezer, toss it with a small amount of oil and spices, and air fry; it’s that easy!
The resultant broccoli is tender with crispy edges and made with much less effort than the classic roasted broccoli.
This savory air fryer broccoli is low cal and low carb, making it a healthy side dish if you watch your weight. And if you follow a vegan and gluten-free diet, you are in for a treat. It is also keto, paleo, and whole 30.
This crispy broccoli is one of my favorite ways to include tender broccoli in my family’s diet.
Although you can make this recipe in an oven, I prefer the air fryer method of roasting the broccoli over the oven method because
- It’s faster
- Doesn’t heat the house
- Broccoli comes out very tender with nicely roasted edges
Do try out my other favorite side dish recipes
Here are some broccoli recipes you can try at home
- Broccoli Apple Salad
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
- Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Amish Broccoli Salad
- Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Pasta
- Broccoli Paratha
Ingredients
Broccoli – You need frozen broccoli florets to make this recipe.
You can either freeze it at home or use store-bought packets.
Olive Oil – Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil; it makes a massive difference in the taste. Also, you don’t need much of it, just a few tablespoons.
You can replace olive oil with vegetable oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil.
Seasonings – To give this broccoli a little flavor and taste, you will need garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. These ingredients add perfect heat and spiciness to this Broccoli dish.
You can add minced garlic to this recipe instead of garlic powder to add a more prominent garlicky taste. Increase the red pepper flakes if you like it to be spicier.
Lemon Juice – Squeeze a little lemon juice on top for that extra tanginess.
How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Transfer 12 oz (350 g) broccoli florets to a large mixing bowl.
Add
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
and toss well.
Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
Then place the frozen broccoli florets in the basket and spread them evenly. Do not overload the basket.
Tip – For best results, do not allow the broccoli to thaw before baking; place it straight from the freezer into the air fryer.
Air fry at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
Pull out the basket and stir the broccoli.
Air fry for another 5-8 minutes until the desired level of crispiness. The overall cook time with depend on the air fryer mode you are using.
Transfer the broccoli to a serving platter and drizzle with 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Serve immediately, topped with parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly in cold water. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
Blanch the broccoli by boiling it in a large pot of water for 2-3 minutes or until it turns bright green.
Drain the broccoli in a colander and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking.
Once the broccoli florets have cooled down, drain them again and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
Try to remove as much moisture as possible at this stage.
Spread the florets on a baking tray in a single layer and freeze for 3-4 hours.
Now collect the broccoli and transfer it to airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
Label the bags or containers with the date and store them in the freezer.
Frozen broccoli will last up to 8 months in the freezer.
Yes, it is very healthy! It uses very little oil and gives you nice, crispy roasted broccoli.
On the other hand, broccoli is loaded with nutrients such as fiber, iron, folate, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese, making it apt for your healthy meals.
This recipe uses olive oil which is loaded with antioxidants and is rich in vitamin E. Vitamin K. So, without any worry, include this air-fried Broccoli for your nutritious meals.
Yes, you can. Reduce the air frying time by 2 minutes if using fresh broccoli instead of frozen one.
Variations
Indian Spiced – In this version, you can use seasonings such as minced garlic, turmeric powder, coriander powder, chili powder, black pepper powder, lemon juice, and salt.
You can even add a little sambar masala for that South Indian touch.
Chipotle – For the Chipotle version, mix your broccoli pieces with unsalted butter, garlic, chipotle peppers, honey, salt, and lemon juice before air frying.
Parmesan Cheese – You can follow the same recipe, sprinkle some parmesan cheese, and mix at the end.
Toss the broccoli with your favorite seasonings like Cajun Seasoning, Italian Seasoning, or Spaghetti Seasoning before air frying.
You can also drizzle cheese sauce over it to make it extra indulgent.
You can replace broccoli with other frozen vegetables and make air fryer green beans or air fryer carrots.
Serving Suggestions
This broccoli recipe is a perfect side dish to serve on busy weeknights. Serve it in place of french fries for a healthy alternative.
Storage Suggestions
Air Fried Frozen Broccoli tastes the best when made fresh.
However, the leftover broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
To reheat, air fry for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is crispy again. Don’t heat it for longer. Otherwise, it will get burnt.
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Recipe Card
Spicy Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounce frozen broccoli florets (350 g)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Transfer frozen broccoli florets to a large mixing bowl.
- Add olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes and toss well.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Then place the frozen broccoli florets in the basket and spread them evenly. Do not overload the basket.
- Tip – For best results, do not allow the broccoli to thaw before baking; place it straight from the freezer into the air fryer.
- Air fry at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
- Pull out the basket and stir the broccoli.
- Air fry for another 5-8 minutes until the desired level of crispiness.
- Transfer the broccoli to a serving platter and drizzle with 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Serve immediately, topped with parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) if desired.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!