This Air Fryer Broccolini is a simple vegetable side dish that is perfect for when you're in a rush and want to skip using the oven. It's easy, delicious, and takes less than 10 minutes to make!
Broccolini is a mix of broccoli and Chinese broccoli and is part of the brassica family.
It has a gentler flavor than broccoli, and you can eat the whole plant, including the leaves.
I love broccoli but broccolini requires less prep. There's no need to deal with a thick stem or chop off florets. Simply trim the ends and that's it!
You can serve broccolini as a side to almost any dish including in stir fries, on grain bowls, or with pasta.
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Ingredients
This quick Air Fryer Broccolini recipe takes just a few minutes to make! Seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and lemon, it produces tender roasted broccolini with crispy edges.
Broccolini: Also sometimes called “baby broccoli” is similar to broccoli but with smaller florets and a milder taste. It has long, thin stalks and are tender all the way through. Trim the ends and it's ready to air fry!
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: I often use spray avocado oil for air fryer recipes but I find that the broccolini is best when made with olive oil.
Seasoning: You can use whatever seasonings you enjoy. I kept it simple with onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Lemon: Add to the broccolini after air frying so you avoid introducing excess moisture that can cause the broccolini to steam instead of roast. I like to add my lemon to the air fryer and then char on a pan for more flavor.
See recipe card for quantities.
Helpful Equipment
You'll need an air fryer for this air fried broccolini recipe.
I have the Ninja AF150AMZ Air Fryer XL.
Alternatively, you can coat the broccolini in the seasonings and bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes.
Please note that results vary depending on the brand of air fryer so adjust the timing as needed by checking on it every few minutes. Once golden and crispy, it's done!
How to Make This Recipe
Trim broccolini, toss it in seasonings and olive oil, and air fry it until it's crisp yet tender.
The full written recipe can be found in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Coat the broccolini in the olive oil and seasonings. Place seasoned broccolini in the air fryer basket. I recommend frying in batches if needed but a little overlap is fine.
Step 2: Air fry at 400F for 5-7 minutes. Check often as the smaller pieces will burn fast- I like mine a little more charred so I leave it in a bit longer.
Squeeze a touch of lemon over the broccolini and serve!
Note: Air fryers can vary. When trying this recipe for the first time, I suggest keeping a close eye on it. Check the broccolini at the halfway mark and in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn't burn.
Topping Ideas
Broccolini, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are tossed together and air-fried to create a flavorful, crisp, and easy side dish!
Keep it simple with a squeeze of lemon or get creative.
Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle on a pinch just before serving.
Vegan Cheese: Vegan parmesan would be delicious grated over the top with some red chili flakes and lemon zest. Sprinkle it on during the last few minutes of baking.
Herbs: Depending on the rest of the dish, fresh herbs would go great sprinkled over the top.
Add a crunch: Add crushed pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
Storage
This vegan broccolini recipe is best served fresh but can be made in advance.
Store: Leftover broccolini should be eaten within 2-3 days.
Reheat: Simply reheat until warmed through in the air fryer or oven.
Froze: This recipe does not hold up in the freezer.
Tips & Tricks
Air fryers can vary. When attempting this air fried broccolini recipe for the first time, monitor it closely. Check on it at the halfway point and during the final 1-2 minutes of cooking.
You might find that you need to slightly adjust the temperature and/or cook time for your particular air fryer.
Wash and dry the broccolini. Removing excess moisture will ensure your broccolini roasts, rather than steams.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer. I recommend baking in batches to ensure the best results.
Add lemon juice at the end: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the broccolini just before serving, not before air frying. This adds unwanted moisture and will cause it to steam.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe works best when air fried in batches. It will brown more evenly. It will also depend on the size of your air fryer.
Yes, the stems and leaves are edible!
More Side Dish Recipes
Looking for other vegetable side dish recipes like this? Try these:
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Recipe
Air Fryer Broccolini
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Broccolini
- 1 tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt see note
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ Small Lemon and zest
Instructions
- Trim the ends of the broccolini.
- Coat the broccolini in the olive oil and seasonings.
- Place seasoned broccolini in the air fryer basket. I recommend frying in batches if needed but a little overlap is fine.
- Air fry at 400F for 5-7 minutes. Check often as the smaller pieces will burn fast- I like mine a little more charred so I leave it in a bit longer.
- Squeeze a touch of lemon over the broccolini and serve!
Notes
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