This super easy Air Fryer Broccolini recipe is the perfect way to add a bit of deliciousness to your favorite meal. Simply seasoned and ready in a flash, broccolini is tender, flavorful and makes for a mouthwatering and healthy side dish.
I am always on the hunt for healthy side dishes with simple ingredients and there is something so enticing about vibrant green broccolini. When it's freshly harvested and bursting with flavor, it has my vote over Air Fryer Broccoli. Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, preparing this delightful veggie has never been easier. Just a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of garlic, and a quick toss in the air fryer, and voila! In very little cook time, you'll have a nutritious, tender, and oh-so-tasty side dish that will leave you craving more.
Broccolini's delicate yet robust flavor, paired with its crisp-tender texture, has made it a favorite among both kids and adults alike. Whether you're serving it up alongside a juicy steak or incorporating it into a vibrant chicken stir-fry, broccolini adds that extra oomph to any meal. This air fryer recipe makes one delicious side dish.
Say goodbye to boiling, steaming and blanching—simply toss it in the air fryer, let it work its magic, and revel in the glory of perfectly cooked broccolini that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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What Is broccolini?
Like traditional broccoli, broccolini is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, broccolini is the perfect choice for health-conscious foodies but you may be wondering what is broccolini.
Broccolini has recently become popular but it's been around over 20 years. It is a cross between regular broccoli and a leafy Chinese broccoli which is sometimes called Chinese Kale. Sometimes broccolini is labeled as Aspabroc or baby broccoli.
Broccolini is similar in appearance to broccoli but has looser crowns, longer stems with thinner stalks and is very tender. It also looks a bit like broccoli rabe but it does not have a bitter taste.
Ingredients
- Broccolini – Broccolini is a hybrid vegetable with long, thin stalks and small florets. If you can't find broccolini, you can substitute it with regular broccoli florets.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil adds richness and helps to coat the broccolini for even cooking. You can substitute it with avocado oil or any other cooking oil of your choice.
- Lemon – Fresh lemon juice provides a tangy and bright flavor to the broccolini. If you don't have lemons, you can use lime juice as a substitute.
- Garlic – Minced garlic adds a savory and aromatic element to the dish. If you prefer milder flavors, you can use garlic powder instead.
- Salt – Kosher salt or sea salt enhances the overall taste of the broccolini. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your preference or substitute it with a low-sodium alternative.
- Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick and complements the other flavors.
See printable recipe card below for exact measurements and instructions.
How to Air Fry Broccolini
- Cut the woody part of the stems off the broccolini and rinse with water. Pat dry. In a large bowl add the broccolini, oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt and black pepper. Toss until all of it is coated.
2. Turn the heat to 400 degrees. Transfer the broccolini into the air fryer basket or rack. Place in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes or until desired tenderness.
Hint: Cook in batches if your air fryer is not big enough to carry all the broccolini in a single layer.
More Broccolini Seasoning Ideas
Broccolini, like many other vegetable, is super versatile when it comes to seasoning. Lemon, garlic, salt and pepper are just the tip of the iceberg! Here are a few of my favorite seasoning ideas for you to experiment with.
- Red Pepper Flakes – For a touch of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the broccolini before air frying. It adds a spicy kick and pairs well with the natural sweetness of the vegetable.
- Parmesan Cheese – After air frying the broccolini, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. The cheesy goodness adds a rich and savory element to the dish.
- Balsamic Glaze – Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the cooked broccolini for a tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile. It adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.
- Sesame Oil and Sesame Seeds – Instead of using olive oil, toss the broccolini in sesame oil before air frying. This imparts a nutty and aromatic taste that pairs especially well Iith Asian-inspired dishes. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
- Lemon Zest – In addition to lemon juice, grate some lemon zest over the broccolini before cooking. The zest adds a vibrant citrus aroma that enhances the overall freshness of the dish.
- Seasoning Blends – Use a seasoning blend to with herbs and spices to add flavor. Italian seasoning, greek seasoning, garlic herb and more all taste great. Look for blends that include herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and parsley, which complement the broccolini well.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonings to create your own signature broccolini dish. It's all about finding the flavors that excite your taste buds!
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Broccolini is the perfect side dish to serve with oven-baked chicken legs or roasted chicken breasts and potatoes. It also pairs well with pasta dishes like angel hair pasta with blush sauce, pasta al forno and can be added to or replace the broccoli in my cavatelli recipe. Broccolini makes a great addition to Chinese chicken stirfry and is perfect for adding to quiche.
Equipment
Air fryers offer a healthier alternative to deep frying. These compact countertop appliances use hot air circulation to cook and crisp food with less oil compared to traditional frying methods. Air fryers can have baskets or look like small ovens and come in many different sizes so you can select one that meets your family's needs.
Storage
Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes until warm and crispy.
While you can freeze leftover broccolini, the texture can become mushier when reheated. It's best to blanch broccolini briefly and freeze before air frying.
Air Fryer Cooking Tips
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Trim off the woody end of the broccolini stems.
- Toss well to ensure even coating of the seasoning.
- Arrange in a single layer on the air fryer basket.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer.
- Check for doneness by piercing with a fork.
FAQ
Yes, you can definitely roast the broccolini in the oven as an alternative to using an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit , spread the seasoned broccolini on a baking sheet, and roast for about 10-15 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
Absolutely! If you can't find broccolini, you can certainly use regular broccoli florets as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may be slightly longer for broccoli florets, as they are larger and denser than broccolini.
The cooking time for broccolini can vary slightly based on personal preference and the thickness of the stalks. To check for tenderness, you can use a fork to gently pierce the stalks. If they are easily pierced and tender, it's a good indication that the broccolini is cooked to your liking.
Related
Looking for more air fryer veggie recipes like this? Try these:
If you like this air fryer broccolini recipe, please give it a 5-star rating below.
RECIPE
Air Fryer Broccolini
Ingredients
- 12 ounces broccolini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small lemon, juiced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cut the woody part of the stems off the broccolini and rinse with water. Pat dry. In a large bowl add the broccolini, oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt and black pepper. Toss until all of it is coated.
- Turn the heat to 400 degrees. Transfer the broccolini into the air fryer basket or rack. Place in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes or until desired tenderness.
Notes
Nutrition
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DK
Great recipe - I love broccolini! I didn't have an air fryer so I made them in the oven and they turned out so great!
Harriet Young
Love this, the crisp broccolini with that hint of lemon makes a perfect side dish.
veenaazmanov
Definitely a healthy way of cooking Broccoli in an Air Fryer.. Your recipe is easy and healthy too. Thanks.
Dannii
The best was to cook broccolini. The texture is amazing.
Gianne
The broccolini was perfectly crispy and flavorful. It was a quick and easy side dish that I will definitely be making again.
Tara
Oh yum! Such a fantastic and vibrant side. I love how easily the broccolini comes together in the air fryer.
Anjali
This was a great way to get perfectly cooked broccolini with minimal effort! Ours was cooked through but still slightly crispy, and had great texture. It was a delicious side dish for our dinner tonight!