Crispy Air Fryer Broccolini

Looking for a healthy and flavorful side dish? Try this easy Air Fryer Broccolini recipe! With just a few simple ingredients and less prep time, you can enjoy perfectly cooked broccolini with crispy edges and tender stems in no time.

Crispy air fryer roasted broccolini

Air fryer broccolini is a dish made by cooking broccolini in an air fryer. Broccolini is a vegetable similar to broccoli but with smaller florets and longer, thinner stalks (that’s why it’s also known as tender-stem broccoli). To make air fryer broccolini, you typically coat the broccolini with olive oil, seasonings (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes), and any desired additional flavorings (like lemon zest or parmesan cheese). Then, you place the seasoned broccolini in the air fryer basket and cook it at a high temperature until it’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, usually around 8 – 10 minutes depending on the air fryer and the desired level of crispiness. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare broccolini with a crispy texture similar to roasting but without needing to turn on your oven.

Why you’ll love the recipe

• The air fryer gives broccolini a crispy texture on the outside while keeping it tender on the inside, providing a satisfying crunch with each bite.

• Air fryer broccolini cooks much faster than traditional oven-roasted broccolini, making it a convenient option for busy individuals who want a healthy side dish in less time.

• Using an air fryer typically requires less oil compared to traditional frying methods, making air fryer broccolini a healthier option without sacrificing flavor or texture.

• You can season it with a variety of herbs, spices, and seasonings to suit your taste preferences, allowing for endless flavor combinations.

• It pairs well with a wide range of main dishes, from grilled chicken to roasted salmon, making it a versatile easy side dish option for any meal.

• Cooking broccolini in an air fryer usually results in less mess compared to traditional cooking methods, with easy cleanup of the air fryer basket and minimal splattering or spillover in the kitchen.

Ingredients for air fryer broccolini

Broccolini: Broccolini, a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli, features tender stems and small florets. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to your diet. Look for fresh broccolini with a vibrant green color and firm stems for the best results.

Sea Salt: A simple yet essential seasoning, sea salt helps to enhance the natural flavors of the broccolini without overpowering them. Choose high-quality sea salt for better taste and mineral content.

Garlic Cloves: Garlic adds depth and complexity to the broccolini’s flavor profile. When roasted in the air fryer, garlic cloves become mellow and slightly sweet, complementing the broccolini’s earthy notes.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil coats the broccolini, helping it to crisp up nicely in the air fryer while adding a hint of fruity flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, making it a healthier choice compared to other cooking oils.

Dressing Options: While broccolini shines on its own, you can elevate its flavor with a variety of dressing options. Consider serving it with a dollop of creamy ranch dressing, a tangy yogurt dill sauce, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a creamy tahini dressing for added depth and richness.

Substitutions

If you’re unable to find broccolini, you can substitute it with regular broccoli florets and make air fryer broccoli instead. While the flavor may be slightly different, the cooking process and cook time remain the same. Also, if you prefer a different type of oil, such as avocado oil or coconut oil, feel free to use it as a substitute for extra virgin olive oil. You can use garlic powder or store-bought garlic mince in place of fresh garlic.

How to cook broccolini in air fryer

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the broccolini.
2. Wash the broccolini under cold running water and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels.
3. Trim off any tough ends from the broccolini stems using a sharp knife.
4. Peel and mince the garlic cloves using a mincer or chop very finely.
5. In a large bowl, toss the broccolini and minced garlic with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil until evenly coated.
6. Season the broccolini with a sprinkle of sea salt, adjusting the amount to taste.
7. Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the broccolini in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd it.
8. Cook the broccolini in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, shaking the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
9. Once the broccolini is crisp and tender, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving platter.
10. Serve the air fryer broccolini hot with your choice of dressing or seasoning in a small bowl.

Extra recipe tips

• For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to the broccolini before serving.

• If you prefer a softer texture, blanch the broccolini in boiling water for a minute or two before air frying. This will help to speed up the cooking process and ensure that the broccolini is tender.

• If you’re short on time, you can prep the broccolini in advance by trimming and seasoning it. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to air fry.

How to serve the crispy garlic air fryer broccolini

This air fryer recipe makes a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Serve it alongside air fryer chicken, roast chicken, steak with mashed potatoes, or baked tofu for a complete and balanced meal. You can also enjoy it as a standalone snack or appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce on the side as I did.

Recipe variations

• Spicy broccolini: Add a pinch of red chili flakes, black pepper, or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the broccolini before air frying for a spicy kick.

• Lemon garlic broccolini: Toss the broccolini with minced garlic, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice before air frying for a bright and citrusy flavor.

• Asian-inspired broccolini: Drizzle the broccolini with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before air frying for an Asian-inspired twist.

• Combine with other vegetables: roast broccoli with mushrooms, green beans, baby corn or asparagus for variety.

How to store and reheat

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the broccolini, simply place it in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy.

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