Air fryer broccolini is one of the easiest vegetable sides you can make. It cooks fast, uses simple ingredients, and comes out tender with crisp edges. It's a great dish for anything from steak to fish, and it's ready in minutes. It checks all the boxes: low carb, gluten free, vegan, and it tastes great!
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My New Favorite Veggie
Air fryer broccolini has become my new favorite vegetable. I just got a new air fryer, and this is the first thing I keep making. All you have to do is trim the ends, rinse, dry, season, and cook for about 5 minutes. That's it.
It comes out tender, a little crispy and it's easy to find at Publix, which is pretty much the only grocery store we have in the Keys.
We've been cooking everything in the air fryer lately. Fish, vegetables, even liver and onions, and it actually comes out good. Sweet potatoes are another favorite.
For oven roasting instructions, see my roasted baby broccoli and broccolini recipe.
Ingredients
- Broccolini or baby broccoli, about 8 ounces
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Lemon wedge
How to Make Air Fryer Broccolini
- Rinse and trim the ends of the broccolini. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- In a large bowl, toss the broccolini with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is coated.
- Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 5-6 minutes.
- Squeeze fresh lemon over the top.
For a classic oven roasted version, see my roasted broccolini for an easy side that goes with just about anything.
Note: To use this recipe with a regular head of broccoli, cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Optional Toppings
- Grated parmesan or Locatelli Romano cheese (add before cooking)
- Red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat
- Onion powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor
- Furikake Japanese seasoning for umami flavor
Top Tips
- Don't overcrowd the basket. Give the broccoli space so it cooks evenly.
- If the stalks are thick, add 1-2 extra minutes.
- A little char is what you want. That's where the flavor comes from.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes.
What to Serve With Broccolini
This goes with just about everything. Add it to salads or serve it alongside your favorite protein. Here are some ideas:
Takeaway
Air fryer broccolini cooks in about 5 minutes. Toss with a little oil and salt, then cook at 400°F until the edges brown and the stalks are tender.
The air fryer cooks vegetables faster than the oven. Broccolini can be done in as little as 5 minutes, making it one of the quickest sides you can make.
Keep a bunch in the fridge and you always have an easy side ready to go.
FAQ
Yes. Trim the tough ends of the stalks. The rest is tender and cooks quickly.
Broccolini has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of bitterness. The stalks are tender and less fibrous than regular broccoli, so it tastes lighter and cooks faster.
Broccolini is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli, with long stems and small florets. "Baby broccoli" is just a name used at the store for broccolini. Regular broccoli is different. It has thick stalks and large heads and takes longer to cook.
It's usually too wet or crowded. Dry it well and cook in a single layer so the heat can circulate.
You can, but it won't brown the same. A little oil helps it cook evenly and adds moisture.
It pairs with steak, chicken, fish, or shrimp. A squeeze of lemon and a little cheese on top pulls it all together.
Air Fryer Broccolini
Ingredients
- 1 bunch broccolini or baby broccoli, about 8 ounces
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- kosher salt and black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- lemon wedge
Instructions
- Rinse and trim the ends of the broccolini. Remove the leaves. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- In a large bowl, toss the broccolini with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is coated.
- Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer without crowding. Cook at 400°F for 5-6 minutes.
- Serve with a lemon wedge, freshly ground black pepper, and a lemon wedge.
Notes
- Grated parmesan or Locatelli Romano cheese (add before cooking)
- Red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat
- Onion powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor
- Furikake Japanese seasoning for umami flavor
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