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    Home » By Meal » Sides

    Published: January 14, 2023

    Air Fryer Broccolini

    5 from 1 vote
    Jump to Recipe Pin Print
    air fryer broccolini 10 minutes
    10 minute air fryer broccolini
    air fryer broccolini
    crispy air fryer roasted broccolini

    The easiest 10-minute tender, crispy, and garlicky air fryer roasted broccolini recipe. It’s healthy and made with just 4 ingredients. The perfect side dish for any meal!

    sprinkling parmesan cheese on top of air fried broccolini

    Tender and crispy air fryer roasted broccolini

    Broccolini is such an underrated vegetable. It is delicious, easy to make, and goes well with so many dishes. And this air fryer broccolini is next level! It’s tender, crispy, garlicky, and cheesy.

    Most broccolini recipes either call for steaming or sauteing. Air frying broccolini is the best of both worlds: the broccolini stalks are tender, and the heads are crispy. But I don’t like soggy vegetables, so that’s why I developed this super crispy one. It is very similar to oven roasting but takes a third of the time.

    One of my favorite parts about this recipe is that it calls for four simple ingredients and only takes 10 minutes to make. It’s the perfect easy side dish for any recipe! Plus, you can customize it by adding pesto, balsamic glaze, or soy sauce for an Asian-inspired taste. I left a long list of options below.

    Anyways, I cannot wait to hear what you think about this incredibly delicious and easy broccolini recipe. Once you try air fryer broccolini, you’ll never be able to eat any other kind. It’s so good!

    Why you’ll love this air fryer recipe

    • Air fryer roasted broccolini is crispy and tender.
    • Ready in under 10 minutes.
    • Perfect for a busy weeknight side dish.
    • Easy to make.
    • It’s lemony and garlic parmesan flavored.
    • Kids and picky eaters will love it!
    • Only 4 ingredients.
    • Healthy recipe.
    • Gluten-free, dairy-free, and a vegan option.
    • Customizable with over 5 flavor variations.
    • Try this crispy and delicious air fryer broccoli and cauliflower next!
    air fryer roasted broccolini

    Ingredients & substitutions

    This air fryer roasted broccolini is made with four ingredients, plus salt and pepper. Here is a list of all the ingredients so you are prepared – scroll to the bottom of this blog post to see the entire recipe card with measurements.

    • Broccolini: You need 8 ounces. Once air fried, the broccolini is tender and crispy.
    • Olive Oil: To help crispen the broccolini up as we air fry them. You can substitute extra-virgin olive oil with melted unsalted butter or avocado oil.
    • Garlic: For that classic garlic flavor. I used fresh minced garlic for the best flavor. You can substitute this with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.
    • Spices: Salt, pepper, and red chili flakes if you want to give the air fryer broccolini a little kick.
    • Lemon & Parmesan: For garnish! Fresh lemon juice gives the broccolini the best tangy brightness. The parmesan makes it cheesy and delicious.

    Kitchen tools required

    You only need a few kitchen utensils to make these crispy air fryers broccolini. Clean-up is so easy! Here is a list:

    • Air Fryer
    • Small mixing bowl
    • Tongs
    • Cutting Board & Kitchen Knife
    • Measuring Tools: 1/2 teaspoon and 1 Tablespoon.
    all ingredients in small bowls labeled

    How to make air fryer broccolini

    Air frying is the easiest and fastest way to prepare tender and crispy broccolini. Roasting or sauteing broccolini can take up to 20 or 30 minutes, but air frying them only takes 10 minutes. Here are step-by-step directions and pictures for visual reference:

    Step 1:

    First, preheat your air fryer to 370°F and lightly grease the basket with non-stick olive oil spray.

    Step 2:

    Then, rinse your broccolini, pat it dry, and cut the bottoms of the stalks off.

    trimming the ends of broccolini stalks

    Step 3:

    Now, toss the broccolini in a mixing bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

    broccolini in a mixing bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper

    Step 4:

    After that, add to preheated air fryer in a single layer. Make sure not to overlap, or else the broccolini won’t get crispy.

    Step 5:

    Finally, air fry at 370°F for 6 – 7 minutes until tender and crispy.

    TIP: every air fryer is different, so I recommend piecing the broccolini with a fork at the 6-minute mark to check if it is tender and cooked. You can add up to 2 minutes extra of cooking time if needed.

    Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parmesan. Enjoy!

    seasoned broccolini in air fryer basket before roasting
    crispy broccolini in air fryer basket after roasting

    Taste & texture

    Air fryer roasted broccolini is seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper. It’s garlicky, flavorful, and bright with the added fresh lemon juice. It truly has the best flavor and makes for an easy meal prep side dish.

    The texture of air fryer broccolini is tender and crisp; it is very similar to oven roasting. They are slightly charred on the edges but soft on the inside. Don’t worry they are NOT mushy.

    Expert recipe tips

    Here are my expert cooking tips for making the perfect air fryer roasted broccolini:

    Trim the ends of the broccolini. The ends of broccolini are tough and chewy, so make sure to trim them off before air frying.

    Make sure the broccolini is dry before air frying! You MUST do this because if you don’t, the broccolini may get mushy and steam instead of air fryer from all the excess liquid.

    Shake the basket at the 6-minute mark. Every air fryer is different, so I recommend shaking the broccolini around at the 6-minute mark to ensure they are cooking evenly.

    Don’t skip out on the olive oil. You only need one tablespoon, and it is super important. The olive oil helps crispen up the broccolini as it air fries while also making them tender.

    Make it vegan. You can easily make this air fryer broccolini recipe vegan by omitting the parmesan cheese or substituting it with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.

    air fryer broccolini in a serving bowl with parmesan cheese and lemon

    Air fryer broccolini variations

    Here are a few of my favorite air fryer broccolini flavor variations to change things up if you feel more adventurous!

    Pesto. Add 2 – 3 tablespoons of your favorite pest to the broccoli before or after air frying. I love this nut-free basil one.

    Asain-Inspired. Add 1 – 2 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce, 1/2 a teaspoon of sesame oil, and garnish with sesame seeds. Don’t add extra salt since soy sauce is already salty.

    Balsamic Glazed. Drizzle and toss the air fryer broccolini in balsamic glaze.

    Italian. Sprinkle 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese on top of the roasted broccolini after air frying them.

    Cinnamon Maple Glazed. Add one tablespoon of pure maple syrup along with the olive oil. Remove the garlic powder, and replace it with 1/2 a teaspoon of cinnamon.

    Rosemary or Parsley. Add freshly chopped up rosemary or parsley as a garnish to brighten the flavors up!

    What to serve with air fryer broccolini

    Air fryer roasted broccolini goes well with so many dishes. Here are some options broken out by protein types. You can serve it with chicken and turkey, salmon and tilapia, soups, and pizza recipes. Here are a few of my favorites:

    Chicken & Turkey Recipes:

    • Chicken Parm Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
    • Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Recipe
    • Balsamic Feta Stuffed Chicken
    • Goat Cheese & Pesto Crusted Chicken
    • Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Boneless & Skinless)
    • Zucchini Turkey Meatballs

    Fish Recipes:

    • Everything Bagel Crusted Salmon
    • Air Fryer Tilapia
    • Crispy Salmon with Pesto

    Soup Recipes:

    • Pumpkin Sweet Potato Soup
    • Cauliflower Leek Potato Soup
    • Creamy Tomato Soup
    • Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Soup

    Pizza Recipes:

    • Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
    • Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
    • Air Fryer Pizza Bagel Bites
    garlic lemon air fryer broccolini in a bowl

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use regular broccoli for this recipe?

    Yes, you can also use broccoli florets for this air fryer recipe. The cook time may increase by 2 – 4 minutes. So check at the 7-minute mark and assess if you want the broccoli to be crispier. Check out this air fryer broccoli and cauliflower recipe too!

    Why do I need to trim the ends off the broccolini?

    The ends of broccolini stalks are tough and chewy, so I highly recommend trimming them off before cooking.

    Can I make it oil free?

    To make this air fryer broccolini recipe oil-free, substitute the olive oil with cooking spray. My favorites are olive oil spray and avocado oil spray. The broccolini will not be as crispy and tender, but it will work.

    Is broccoli and broccolini low FODMAP?

    Broccoli and broccolini can be low FODMAP; it depends on the serving size and part of the stalk. The florets (top parts) are low FODMAP if you enjoy a 3/4 cup serving. The stalks of both broccoli and broccolini are not considered low FODMAP.

    Why is this recipe healthy?

    Broccolini is a great healthy side dish for any meal. This recipe only uses healthy and simple ingredients, there is no added sugar, and they are vegan. Plus, broccolini is packed with calcium and magnesium.

    Do they keep well for meal prep?

    For maximum crispiness, air fryer roasted broccolini is best served warm straight out of their fryer. You can meal prep and reheat it later, but it will not be as crispy.

    What temperature should I air fry broccolini?

    You should air fry broccolini at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for tender stalks and crispy heads.

    How long should I air fry broccolini at 370°F?

    You should air fry broccolini for 6 to 8 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit.

    How to store and reheat leftovers:

    Storing: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    Reheating: You can reheat broccolini in an air fryer or microwave. For best results, reheat in an air fryer at 350ºF for 3 – 6 minutes until warm and crisp. If you are in a rush, you can microwave them for 30 – 45 seconds until warm (they will not be as crispy).

    crispy garlic air fryer broccolini

    If you loved this recipe, try these next!

    • Air Fried Parmesan Zucchini
    • Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
    • Air Fryer Green Beans (4 Ways!)
    • Air Fryer Butternut Squash (3 Ways!)
    • Air Fryer Baby Carrots

    Did you make this recipe?

    If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

    garlic air fryer roasted broccolini

    Air Fryer Broccolini

    The easiest 10-minute tender, crispy, and garlicky air fryer roasted broccolini recipe. It's healthy and made with just 4 ingredients. The perfect side dish for any meal!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 3 mins
    Cook Time 7 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Serving 4 servings

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 bunch broccolini, (8 ounces)
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 large garlic clove, minced
    • ½ tsp salt, more to taste
    • ½ tsp fresh black pepper
    • ½ tsp red chili flakes, optional
    • 1 lemon, for serving
    • Freshly grated parmesan, for serving

    Instructions

    • Preheat your air fryer to 370°F and lightly grease the basket with non-stick olive oil spray.
    • Rinse your broccolini, pat it dry, and cut the bottoms of the stalks off.
    • Toss the broccolini in a mixing bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
    • Add to preheated air fryer in a single layer. Make sure not to overlap, or else the broccolini won’t get crispy.
    • Air fry at 370°F for 6 – 7 minutes until tender and crispy. Every air fryer is different, so I recommend piecing the broccolini with a fork at the 6-minute mark to check if it is tender and cooked. You can add up to 2 minutes extra of cooking time if needed.
    • Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parmesan. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Make sure the broccolini is dry before air frying! You MUST do this because if you don’t, the broccolini may get mushy and steam instead of air fryer from all the excess liquid.
    Make it vegan. You can easily make this air fryer broccolini recipe vegan by omitting the parmesan cheese or substituting it with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
    Meal Prep: For maximum crispiness, air fryer roasted broccolini is best served warm straight out of their fryer. You can meal prep and reheat it later, but it will not be as crispy.
    Storing: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    Reheating: You can reheat broccolini in an air fryer or microwave. For best results, reheat in an air fryer at 350ºF for 3 – 6 minutes until warm and crisp. If you are in a rush, you can microwave them for 30 – 45 seconds until warm (they will not be as crispy).

    Nutrition

    Calories: 58kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 308mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 830IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Please leave a comment and star rating on this post and tag @HealthfulBlondie on Instagram & hashtag it #healthfulblondie!

    I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. In full disclosure, by purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!

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    Comments

    1. Debra says

      February 20, 2021 at 10:55 pm

      This looks absolutely delicious! I’m adding this to my meal prep this week! Thanks for the recipe

      Reply
      • Tati Chermayeff says

        February 22, 2021 at 11:12 am

        YAY!!! Can’t wait to hear what you think.

        Reply

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    Tati, founder and creator of Healthful Blondie

    I’m Tati, a foodie, recipe developer, and blogger based in Austin, Texas. I started Healthful Blondie in 2020 to celebrate life, health, and my passion for cooking and baking. If you are in search of “lightened-up,” healthier versions of classics, you are in the right spot! My recipes are easy to follow, simple, and super tasty.

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