Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables (No more mushy frozen broccoli!)

Guess what?!? You can get air fryer frozen vegetables to turn out like fresh roasted veggies, complete with crispy edges. Make my air fryer broccoli recipe and say goodbye to soggy, mushy cooked-from-frozen vegetables forever. This is going to be your new favorite way to cook frozen broccoli, frozen Brussels sprouts, frozen cauliflower, and other frozen veggies. If you haven't popped your frozen veggies in an air fryer yet, you are missing out!

This air fryer frozen veggies recipe is so simple, but it's also been a bit of a game-changer for me. I'm excited that it has become one of the most popular recipes on the site.

I decided to add a recipe video and make this the ultimate guide to air frying frozen veggies. I will continue to add new recipes for air fryer frozen vegetables to this post as I develop them. Stay tuned!

All the veggies pictured in this article look like they've been roasted in the oven. However, only the cauliflower and potato mix have been oven-roasted. I realized I was on to something when I put broccoli into an air fryer while frozen, and it cooked to crispy, charred-edge perfection.

I've been mistreating my frozen vegetables for far too long. Microwaving, steaming, and baking frozen vegetables generally results in a pile of veggie mush.

The air fryer, on the other hand, is the perfect appliance for cooking frozen veggies. Think of an air fryer like a countertop convection oven. That rapid airflow will help dry out the moisture in your frozen vegetables while simultaneously helping them to crisp.

I'm telling you, it's incredible. If your love of fresh roasted veggies sends you running to the supermarket more often than you'd like, you need to try air fryer frozen vegetables.

Jump to:

• 📋 What is the best way to cook frozen vegetables?
• ⭐ What are the benefits of making air fryer frozen vegetables?
• 🥘 Ingredients for Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables
• 🔪 How do you cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer?
• ⏲️ How long do you cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer?
• 🥦 How to cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer
• Making air fryer frozen cauliflower
• How to make air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts
• 🥬 How to make air fryer frozen spinach
• How to make air fryer frozen okra
• How to make air fryer frozen butternut squash
• 💭 Expert Tips from a Dietitian
• 👩🏻‍🍳 What are some other easy air fryer recipes?
• 👪 Frequently Asked Questions
• 🥕 Other Air Fryer Vegetables Recipes
• And now for the disclaimer…
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

📋 What is the best way to cook frozen vegetables?

In case I haven't made it clear, IMVHO, the best way to cook frozen veggies is to fry with air! Lucky lady that I am, I received a 10-Quart Kalorik Digital Air Fryer Oven for Christmas. I can't seem to stop talking about it!

My air fryer has a reasonably large capacity with two racks, and it can fit 1-1.5 pounds of frozen veggies easily. Aside from the broccoli, I've also "roasted" frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer, as well as squash and cauliflower, with excellent results. (Psst… The Brussels sprouts were perfect in the "Sheet pan tacos with crispy Brussels sprouts" recipe from the book Mostly Plants.)

It's funny when I look back and remember my uncertainty on whether having an air fryer would be worth it. Would I use it enough, I wondered, or would it mostly be taking up limited counter space? I am so happy that I ended up with one!

During the current coronavirus-related stay-at-home order, anything that helps make frozen veggies tastier is a blessing. The air fryer is a fantastic way to improve the texture of cooked frozen vegetables. I cannot recommend it enough!

It's a great tool if you need to stay home to stay healthy! 😀

⭐ What are the benefits of making air fryer frozen vegetables?

• Increases your vegetable intake: There are a lot of disagreements in the world of nutrition! One thing almost everyone agrees on is that vegetables are health-promoting foods. Unfortunately, most people are not meeting recommending intakes for veggies. Make these easy airfryer roast vegetables to give your veggie intake a boost!
• Rich in phytonutrients and fiber: Vegetables offer a lot more than essential vitamins and minerals that may help optimize your health. The bright colors of veggies indicate a varied array of potentially beneficial phytonutrients. Veggies also provide fiber, a component that will help you feel full from meals, and that may provide a more comfortable digestive experience.
• Easy recipe: Seriously guys, this is a super simple technique for preparing frozen vegetables. Weeknight side dish idea for the win!
• Vegan, keto, gluten free, low calorie, dairy free, low carb: Depending on the veggies and seasonings you use, these air fry vegetables will fit your special diet. This is the sort of recipe that nearly everyone can use!
• Helps to extend the time between shopping trips by using more frozen veggies. Save time and save gas that would be spent making extra grocery store trips!

🥘 Ingredients for Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables

Here's what you need to make air fryer veggies:

• Frozen vegetables, not thawed: You could air fry single vegetables or make an air fryer vegetable medley. IMHO, the best frozen vegetables for the air fryer are Brussels sprouts! You can also air fry frozen mixed vegetables, other cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, or try airfrying frozen squash.
• Cooking oil: My personal preference is to use avocado oil or olive oil in this recipe.
• Seasoning of your choice: Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel Seasoning is my favorite seasoning to use in this recipe. Plain old salt and pepper also works!
• Cooking oil spray to mist the air fryer baking trays or basket.

For kitchen equipment, you'll need a spatula to flip the veggies and an air fryer or air fryer oven. That's all you need to jump in on this deliciousness!

🔪 How do you cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer?

The technique for cooking any type of frozen veggie in the air fryer is the same. First, mist the air fryer basket or rack with oil spray. Then, stir your frozen, unthawed vegetables with cooking oil and sprinkle the veggies with seasoning.

I don't recommend trying to cut back on the oil in the recipe! It really helps to turn the frozen veggies into crispy-edged roasted vegetables. You're welcome to try an oil-free roasting method, but I can't guarantee that you'll get good results.

Place the veggies in a single layer on your air fryer racks. If you have a small air fryer, you'll want to cook your vegetables in more than one batch to prevent overcrowding. Finally, you can pop your frozen veggies in the air fryer.

⏲️ How long do you cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer?

In general, frozen vegetables take about 20 minutes to roast in an air fryer. Some air fryers require longer or shorter cooking times, so adjust this general guideline as needed. Additionally, some frozen vegetables will require a longer cooking time than others.

My basic recipe is to air fry frozen veggies for 12 minutes at 400 degrees. Then I switch the racks' position in the air fryer (my fryer has two racks). I roast the veggies for an additional 8 minutes, making the total cooking time 20 minutes.

Tender, watery veggies (like zucchini) may take a little more time to roast than firmer veggies (like broccoli). Veggies that are chopped into larger pieces may have a longer time than vegetables that were cut smaller.

🥦 How to cook frozen broccoli in an air fryer

Mist your air fryer racks with cooking spray. Cut the frozen broccoli into smaller pieces if any of the pieces are large. Air fryer broccoli will cook more evenly if the pieces are all about the same size.

Mix the broccoli with avocado oil and sprinkle with seasoning. Stir to distribute it well.

Place the drip tray and racks with the broccoli in your air fryer oven. Roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes. Then switch the position of the trays and roast an additional 8 minutes.

Making air fryer frozen cauliflower

The technique for air frying frozen cauliflower is exactly like for frozen broccoli.

Mist your air fryer racks with cooking spray and cut your cauliflower into uniform pieces, if needed. Mix the cauliflower with oil and then with seasoning.

Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on your air fryer racks or basket. Roast at 400F for 12 minutes. Switch the position of the trays in the oven and roast an additional 8 minutes.

How to make air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts

Air fryer Brussels sprouts are my FAVORITE. They come out of the oven almost burnt looking, but no worries. The way they are super crisp on the outside while remaining tender on the inside is perfection.

Frozen Brussels sprouts take slightly less time in the air fryer than broccoli or cauliflower. However, overall the directions are the same. Mist the air fryer racks with oil, add oil and seasoning to the frozen Brussels sprouts.

Spread the sprouts out in a single layer on the racks and air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Then switch the position of the trays in the air fryer and roast an additional 8 minutes. Voila!

🥬 How to make air fryer frozen spinach

Frozen spinach is not my favorite veggie in general, but it can make a perfectly acceptable side dish when air fried. I use whole leaf frozen spinach for this recipe, not chopped frozen spinach.

Mist your air fryer racks with cooking spray. Put your frozen spinach in a bowl and stir in the oil and seasoning. I feel like the Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel seasoning really makes this one.

Spread your spinach out on two air fryer racks. Leave your spinach clumpy for a mixture of tender and crisp spinach. Break up any large, frozen clumps for spinach that is extra crispy.

Air fry the spinach at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Next, flip and stir the spinach and switch the position of the racks in the air fryer. Give your spinach an additional 10 minutes of air frying time at 400F. Bon appetit!

How to make air fryer frozen okra

Frozen okra is the perfect contender for air frying. When you air fry okra, it crisps right up and its characteristic sliminess diminishes.

I used cut frozen okra for this recipe. Give your air fryer racks a spritz of cooking oil spray. Mix the okra with cooking oil and Everything But the Bagel Seasoning (or other seasoning).

Divide your okra between two air fryer racks. It should be in an even layer (not overcrowded). Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes.

Now flip and stir the okra pieces and switch the position of the racks in the air fryer. Air fry the okra for an additional 8 minutes at 400F. That's how to make okra that is crispy and delicious!

How to make air fryer frozen butternut squash

Frozen butternut squash can be tricky because different brands cut their squash into different sizes. I had the most success air frying butternut squash that was cut relatively small.

You can probably figure out what we're going to do by now. Mist your air fryer racks with cooking spray, and mix oil and seasoning into the frozen butternut squash.

Spread the squash in a single layer on an air fryer rack and air fry at 400F for 12 minutes in the top rack position. Flip and stir the squash. Roast the squash for 8 more minutes.

That's it for the squash, but maybe not quite. What happens if you overcook the squash, leaving it too dry on the outside? I have a super easy fix for this.

If you accidentally overcook frozen vegetables in the air fryer, try stirring in a little pesto. You can use your favorite brand of pesto, or try this carrot leaves recipe for pesto. The pesto recipe actually works with an assortment of greens, including fennel fronds, sage, or the classic basil.

The air fried butternut squash in the photos was overcooked a bit. (Whoops!) Luckily, pesto saved the day and morphed the dry squash into a fantastic side dish.

Now if anyone asks, "Can you air fry frozen vegetables?" you know the answer – heck yes! You'll be so glad that you tried it!

💭 Expert Tips from a Dietitian

This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). I'm filing this recipe in the "dinner" section since frozen veggies are typically a dinner add-on. Non-starchy veggies tend to be a low-calorie addition to meals, as long as you limit high-calorie sauces and oils. Consider adding a protein and 1-2 more veggies to your side dish to make it a full meal.

The last time I served air fried frozen broccoli, I accompanied it with oven-roasted potatoes and cauliflower, plus a really delicious pork chop! I went with larger portions of the pork chop and potatoes for a higher energy meal.

Another time, I enjoyed tasty air fryer broccoli with a smaller portion of air-fried teriyaki tofu, served over quinoa. This ended up being a lighter option, better for those who have a weight loss goal. No matter your dietary preferences and energy needs, this air fryer vegetables recipe is likely to be a good fit!

👩🏻‍🍳 What are some other easy air fryer recipes?

I don't seem to be alone in my air fryer obsession. The air fryer recipes are among the most popular on this website! Here are a few readers' favorites:

• Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Bowls
• Air Fryer Calamari
• Frozen Chicken Wings in Air Fryer (Buffalo Wings Recipe)
• Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Dipping Sauce

Oh, and there was also the time that I made Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken. The air fryer I have comes with a spit for cooking a whole chicken. It makes a really moist and flavorful chicken… I think I need to do that again very soon!

As you can see, I started off by making main dishes in the air fryer. I'm glad that I ended up branching out by making air fryer side dishes too!

👪 Frequently Asked Questions

Is an air fryer healthier than deep frying food?

In general, air fried food is lower in fat and calories than food made in a deep fryer. For most people, an air fried dish will be a healthier choice than deep fried food.

Are aluminum foils safe to use with an air fryer?

Yes, you can safely use aluminum foil in the air fryer! However, you need to be careful not to let the foil completely block the fryer's airflow.

A disadvantage is that covering food in the air fryer with foil can prevent or delay the cooking of the food. I actually prefer keeping foil out of the air fryer to minimize cooking times.

Are air fried vegetables healthy?

Unless you drown your air fried veggies in added oil, I would say that air fried vegetables are healthy. Air frying frozen vegetables yields similar results (nutritionally and texture-wise) to cooking them in a convection oven.

Can you cook frozen foods in an air fryer?

As I've demonstrated above, you can cook frozen vegetables in the air fryer. However, you shouldn't stop there! A large assortment of frozen foods can be cooked in an air fryer.

Are you wondering what sorts of foods you can air fry from the freezer? Frozen meats, frozen pizza, frozen egg rolls, and frozen hash browns are good air frying contenders.

In some cases, air frying may reduce the overall fat in the dish, such as when air frying fatty meat. In other instances, such as with frozen pizza, air frying won't change the overall nutrition in the finished dish.

Can frozen vegetables be thawed and eaten raw?

No, you should not eat frozen vegetables raw. Frozen veggies should be cooked before eating. My packages of frozen vegetables say, "For food safety and best product quality, cook to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit."

Cooking frozen veggies can help prevent certain types of foodborne illnesses, particularly listeriosis. It's tempting to throw uncooked, thawed frozen vegetables in salads and smoothies; I've been guilty of this. However, it's better to take the precautionary measure to cook them first.

Can you freeze vegetables that have been previously frozen and thawed?

According to the USDA, it is fine to refreeze thawed food without cooking or heating. Just make sure not to refreeze any vegetables left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.

Are frozen vegetables as healthy as fresh (non-frozen) vegetables?

I would consider frozen vegetables to be as healthy as fresh vegetables in terms of nutrition. Frozen vegetables are often picked and frozen at peak ripeness. Fresh vegetables may (sometimes) experience greater nutrient losses than frozen if shipped long distances or stored at suboptimal temperatures.

Additionally, frozen veggies may have additional advantages over fresh veggies in terms of seasonal availability, price, and storage. I would not avoid frozen vegetables due to a misconception that fresh vegetables are always healthier. Instead, choose a mix of fresh and frozen vegetables based on availability and your household's needs.

🥕 Other Air Fryer Vegetables Recipes

If you're looking for other air fryer vegetable recipes, you've come to the right place. I love cooking both frozen and fresh vegetables in my air fryer! Here are some of my favorite air fryer recipes using fresh veggies:

• Air Fryer Carrots with Herbs, Tahini, and Pomegranate Seeds
• Air Fryer Jicama Fries with Cilantro-Lime Dipping Sauce
• Easy Bolognese Sauce over Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
• Air Fryer Radish – Loaded! (Low-carb, Keto)
• Air Fryer Squash with Brown Butter and Sage
• Frozen Diced Hash Browns in Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Frozen Hash Browns

Have you ever tried air fryer frozen vegetables? If not, why not start with my recipe for air fryer broccoli, air fryer cauliflower, air fryer butternut squash, or air fryer Brussels sprouts? Give them a whirl and drop me a comment to let me know how it turns out!

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And now for the disclaimer…

All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.

The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be wildly inaccurate, so please don't sweat the numbers too much.

For more information on how the three recipe levels may help with a weight management goal, refer to my overnight oats with yogurt post. Let's get cooking!

📖 Recipe