Rant: Frozen veggies in the air fryer are a total waste of time

I tried making frozen broccoli in my air fryer last night and it came out like sad little burnt twigs. Meanwhile my friend swears by fresh broccoli tossed in oil and garlic powder for 8 minutes at 375. The difference is night and day. Frozen stuff just releases too much water and gets soggy before it crisps up. Fresh veggies actually get that char and crunch you're looking for. I wasted a whole bag of frozen cauliflower before I figured this out. Has anyone else had better luck with frozen options or am I just doing it wrong?

3 comments

3 Comments

oscarcooper22d ago

Fresh veggies actually get that char and crunch" is true, but frozen can work too if you change your method. You need to toss them in a little oil and cornstarch first to soak up the moisture and help them crisp. Also don't overcrowd the basket or they'll just steam instead of getting that char you want.

kim.emma22d ago

Honestly I think frozen veggies in the air fryer are totally fine if you just don't expect restaurant quality. People act like a $30 machine is supposed to fix bad technique. I throw frozen broccoli in with a little oil and salt, no cornstarch or anything fancy, and it comes out fine. Not amazing, but fine. The problem is everyone wants that perfect char like it's a $15 side dish from a nice place. If it's edible and didn't take much effort, it's a win.

sam_rivera18d ago

My sister tried that cornstarch trick once and ended up with a cloud of white powder everywhere and the smoke alarm going off. She said the broccoli was still soggy too. I just stick with oil and salt and call it a day.