If you've ever tried making frozen broccoli and ended up with a soggy, unappealing mess, this recipe is for you. Using the Ninja Foodi air fryer (or any basket-style air fryer) is the absolute best way to transform a bag of frozen florets into a crispy, tender side dish in under 20 minutes. No thawing, no chopping, and zero mush!
My Best Tip
Do not thaw! Cooking the broccoli straight from frozen at a high temperature is the secret to evaporating those ice crystals before they can turn the vegetable into a sponge.
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Looking for more easy Air Fryer Recipes? Check out Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Extra Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes, Crispy Air Fryer Squash, Air Fryer Cauliflower and Broccoli, and Air Fryer Broccolini next!
Recipe at a Glance
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Temperature: 375°F
- Secret to Crispy: Single Layer / No Thawing
- Best For: Quick Healthy Side / Busy Weeknights
- Dietary Info: Vegan / Keto / Low Carb
- Key Tools: Ninja Foodi or Basket Air Fryer
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Why This Method Works
- Convection Power: The Ninja Foodi's fan is powerful enough to evaporate the moisture from the frozen florets instantly.
- No Prep: Unlike fresh broccoli, there is no washing or cutting required.
- Perfect Texture: We want those slightly charred, "roasted" edges that give it a nutty flavor.
What You'll Need
- 1 Bag (500g) Frozen Broccoli Florets: Look for "florets" rather than "cuts" for the best texture (cuts often contain more stems, which stay tougher).
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: This helps the heat transfer to the frozen surface for maximum browning.
- Seasoning Blend: I use Garlic Powder and Sea Salt, but see my "Variations" below for a Parmesan or Soy-Ginger twist.
How to Get the Best Results (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Step 1: Preheating is Mandatory. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. In my testing, putting frozen veggies into a cold air fryer leads to steaming rather than roasting. You want that "sizzle" the moment they hit the basket.
Step 2: The Quick Toss. Toss the frozen florets in a bowl with oil and garlic powder. Note: You'll notice the oil might freeze slightly on the broccoli - that's okay! It will melt and coat the florets perfectly once the heat hits.
Step 3: Single Layer Only. Place the broccoli in the basket. If you crowd the basket, the steam gets trapped, and the broccoli will be soft. Pro Tip: If you're cooking a large 2lb bag, do it in two batches!
Step 4: The "Shake" Schedule. Air fry for 16 minutes total.
The 8-Minute Mark: Shake the basket vigorously to break up any pieces that are stuck together.
The Final 2 Minutes: This is when the browning happens. Check for your desired level of "char."
Variations and Flavor Boosts
- The "Parmesan" Finish: In the last 60 seconds of cooking, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Asian-Style: Toss with a splash of soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds right before serving.
- The "Cheesy" Broccoli: Top with shredded cheddar in the last minute of air frying until bubbly.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Broccoli
Salmon Dinners: Pairs perfectly with my Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon or Maple Glazed Salmon.
Quick Proteins: Serve alongside Air Fryer Thin Chicken Breasts for a 20-minute meal prep win.
Comfort Food: This is my favorite way to cook the broccoli in my Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells.
Storage
Store leftover broccoli in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
I don't recommend refreezing the broccoli after it has been cooked, as the texture will become mushy. It's best enjoyed fresh or reheated from the fridge within 3 days.
Recipe FAQs
No. Cooking straight from frozen is the only way to ensure the florets stay crispy rather than mushy.
This usually happens if the basket is overcrowded. If the steam can't escape, the broccoli will "boil" in its own moisture. Cook in batches if necessary!
Yes! Fresh broccoli cooks much faster. Reduce the time to 8-10 minutes and check it early to prevent burning.
This method works in any basket-style or toaster-oven style air fryer. Just ensure you have plenty of space for air circulation.
Make it a Meal
This crispy broccoli is the perfect healthy side for my Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs or Tilapia in Air Fryer or Air Fryer Parmesan Tilapia. If you're looking for more easy air fryer vegetables, don't miss my Air Fryer Green Beans or my Air Fryer Roasted Carrots.
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Printable Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli (Ninja Foodi)
Ingredients
- 500 grams Frozen Broccoli Florets (Do not thaw) (approx. 4 cups)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (or Avocado oil)
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt (or to taste)
- Optional: Black pepper, lemon juice, or grated Parmesan cheese for serving.
Instructions
- Preheat: Set your air fryer (like the Ninja Foodi) to 375°F. If your unit doesn't have a preheat function, let it run empty for 3-5 minutes. This ensures the broccoli "roasts" instead of "steams."
- Season: Place the frozen broccoli in a medium bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder. Toss quickly to coat. (Note: The oil may solidify slightly on the frozen veg - this is normal!)
- Arrange: Pour the broccoli into the air fryer basket. Spread it out into a single layer. If the basket is too crowded, the moisture from the ice will cause the broccoli to get soggy.
- Air Fry: Cook at 375°F for 16 minutes total. At the 8-minute mark, remove the basket and give it a vigorous shake. This breaks up any frozen clumps and ensures even browning on all sides. Check at 14 minutes. If you want more "char" on the edges, let it go the full 16 minutes.
- Finish: Remove from the basket, sprinkle with sea salt, and serve immediately.
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Notes
- The "No-Thaw" Rule: Never thaw frozen broccoli before air frying. Thawing releases excess water that the air fryer can't evaporate fast enough, resulting in mushiness.
- Florets vs. Cuts: For the best results, buy bags labeled "Florets." "Broccoli Cuts" contain mostly stems, which don't crisp up as well as the fuzzy tops.
- Ninja Foodi Tip: If using the Ninja Foodi "Air Crisp" function, you may find the broccoli cooks 1-2 minutes faster than in other brands, so keep an eye on it during your first batch!
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days, but they will lose their "crunch." Reheat at 380°F for 2-3 minutes to bring back the texture.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
**This post was originally published in November 2021. It has been recently updated with more information and helpful tips, but the recipe remains the same.
Jessica says
I love how easy it is to pop stuff in my air fryer - it worked perfectly for frozen broccoli. I wasn't sure what the texture would be like but to my surprise, it turned out great!
Jeri says
Broccoli is so easy to make in the air fryer! It's my favorite method!
Liz says
i love broccoli and always looking for good ways to cook it! Whenever I bake it it comes out to dry and whenever i microwave it it comes out soggy so excited to try this method
Jeri says
I know you will love making it in the air fryer!
Brynn says
I love my air fryer but have never tried frozen veggies... This looks like the perfect weekday meal..
Jeri says
Thanks, Brynn! Frozen veggies are so easy in the air fryer.
Megan Ellam says
This is great thanks Jeri. I really want to use my air fryer so much more.
Jeri says
Awesome! I love my air fryer!
Kayla DiMaggio says
Yes! I love using my air fryer to help keep things out of the oven! This was so easy!
Jeri says
I'm glad you liked the recipe, Kayla! Thanks for commenting!