Air Fryer Broccolini is a quick, delicious, nutritious side dish that goes perfectly with everything from Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter to Miso Glazed Salmon.
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With just 4 ingredients, less than 5 minutes of prep, and 12 minutes in the air fryer, you won’t believe how easy this side dish is to make.
Are you tired of soggy steamed broccoli or roasted broccoli that’s just… blah? This Air Fryer Broccolini recipe will elevate your broccoli game!
Broccolini cooks in the air fryer in just a few minutes and is a healthy, tasty alternative to traditional cooking methods like deep frying, roasting, and steaming.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy: This Air Fryer Broccolini is really quick and easy to make. But it’s also full of flavor even though it uses only a handful of ingredients.
- Crispy and Delicious: Air fryer broccolini comes out crispy and delicious, with a slightly charred exterior and a tender inside.
- Healthy: Cooking broccolini in the air fryer is a healthy choice— it’s lower in fat and calories compared to deep-fried options, but still packed with flavor And of course, broccolini is loaded with nutrients like vitamin C and fiber.
- Versatility: I love that this versatile vegetable can be served in a variety of ways. It’s perfect as a simple side dish. Or toss it into pasta or on top of a rice bowl for added flavor, color, and texture!
Try These Flavor Variations
One of the great things about air fryer broccolini is that it can be flavored in so many different ways. Add your favorite herbs or spices—anything from minced garlic, garlic powder, and Italian seasonings to curry powder or Cajun spice blend—before cooking. Or sprinkle with parmesan cheese, lemon zest or juice, breadcrumbs, or crushed red pepper after cooking.
For a slightly Asian flavor twist, drizzle a bit of soy sauce or fish sauce instead of lemon juice and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or chopped, dry-roasted peanuts.
What is the difference between broccolini, Chinese broccoli, and regular broccoli?
Broccolini is more delicate than regular broccoli, with longer, thinner stalks and less densely packed florets. It is actually a hybrid created by combining Chinese broccoli and regular broccoli.
Broccolini is often referred to as “baby broccoli” and is a bit sweeter than regular broccoli, too. It works great as a side dish on its own, and also makes a nice addition to stir fries, soups, and noodle dishes.
Broccoli rabe, incidentally, is a different vegetable that is more similar to turnips than to broccoli.
Ingredients you need
For the complete list of ingredients with quantities and detailed prep and cooking instructions, please see the recipe card that appears at the end of this post.
This recipe only requires a few ingredients. Here’s what you need:
- Broccolini (be sure to pat dry before tossing with the oil)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh lemon juice (optional)
How to make air fryer broccolini
For the complete list of ingredients with quantities and detailed prep and cooking instructions, please see the recipe card that appears at the end of this post.
The instructions for this recipe are so easy, they’re almost unnecessary. Here’s how to make it:
- Toss the broccolini with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Put the broccolini in the air fryer basket, in a single layer if possible, and air fry it. Flip it halfway through.
- Remove the broccolini from the air fryer and sprinkle with a bit of lemon juice, if desired.
- Serve.
How to serve it
Serve this broccolini with Air Fryer Roasted Chicken, Air Fryer Lamb Chops, Instant Pot Ham, or Instant Pot Char Siu.
If you love to make vegetables in the air fryer, try Air Fryer Artichokes, Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, Air Fryer Elote, Air Fryer Zucchini Fries, Air Fryer Onion Rings, or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips.
Air Fryer Broccolini
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccolini trimmed and leaves removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon juice optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss the broccolini with the olive oil to coat. Season with salt and pepper
- Place the broccolini in the air fryer basket and air fry for 12 minutes on 375°F, flipping the broccoli halfway through the cooking time.
- Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle some lemon juice, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
