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A white plate of frozen air fryer broccoli with a spoon.

Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Chelsea Plummer | Mae's Menu
This air fryer frozen broccoli is crispy, garlicky, and perfectly caramelized — no thawing needed, ready in under 20 minutes. It's naturally gluten-free and vegetarian with easy vegan and dairy-free substitutions.
4.67 from 3 votes
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 110 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Broccoli

  • 1 16 oz. package package frozen broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large pinch sea salt
  • 1 clove garlic minced or pressed
  • 4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

Cheesy Breadcrumbs:

  • ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • ⅛ tsp salt plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 4 teaspoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar or lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • With the air fryer basket inside, preheat to 350°F for 2–3 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, drizzle olive oil over the frozen broccoli. Sprinkle with a generous pinch of sea salt and minced garlic. Toss gently until combined.
  • In a small mixing bowl, stir together the panko, parmesan, salt, Italian seasoning, and olive oil until combined. Set aside.
  • Add the broccoli to the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes, shaking or gently stirring every 3–4 minutes.
  • Drizzle the broccoli with balsamic vinegar and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
  • Increase air fryer temperature to 375°F and cook for another 5–7 minutes until breadcrumbs are golden. Season with additional salt to taste before serving.

Notes

  • Leftovers: Keep covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. Do not freeze. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes, or microwave on medium heat.
  • Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
  • Vegan/dairy-free: Omit the parmesan cheese.
  • Skip the topping: Omit the breadcrumb mixture and air fry the broccoli for 12-15 minutes, tossing every 3–4 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.
  • Temperature note: Air fryers vary in accuracy. For best results, use an oven thermometer to confirm the air fryer has reached 350°F before adding the broccoli.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 110kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 177mgPotassium: 31mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 36IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword air fryer frozen broccoli, air frying frozen broccoli, frozen broccoli in air fryer
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