Broccolini Recipes Air Fryer: 5 Simple Steps to Perfection

Name: Broccolini Recipes Air Fryer: 5 Simple Steps to Perfection
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bunch broccolini; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste

By:

Christina R. Jones

October 31, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about cooking broccolini in an air fryer! If you haven’t tried it yet, you are seriously missing out. This vibrant vegetable not only looks gorgeous on your plate, but it’s also packed with nutrients. I remember the first time I brought home a bunch of broccolini; I was intrigued by its unique shape and deep green color. After a little experimenting, I discovered that air frying it brings out an incredible flavor, and it’s so easy to make! You just toss it with a bit of olive oil and seasonings, pop it in the air fryer, and let the magic happen. The result? Tender-crisp perfection! Plus, it’s a healthier option than traditional frying methods, making it a guilt-free side dish that pairs beautifully with just about anything. Trust me, you’ll want this quick and delicious broccolini recipe in your weekly rotation!

Ingredients List

To whip up this mouthwatering air fryer broccolini, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:

1 bunch of broccolini, washed and trimmed
2 tablespoons of olive oil, extra virgin for the best flavor
1 teaspoon of garlic powder, or more if you really love that garlicky goodness
Salt to taste, I recommend sea salt for an extra kick
Pepper to taste, freshly ground if you can!

These ingredients come together to create a deliciously seasoned and perfectly cooked side dish that’s sure to impress!

How to Prepare Broccolini Recipes Air Fryer

Ready to make the most delicious air fryer broccolini? Let’s dive into the steps that will transform this beautiful veggie into a flavorful side dish in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Broccolini

First things first, you want to give your broccolini some love! Start by washing it thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit clinging to those lovely florets. After washing, gently pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This is super important because excess moisture can prevent it from crisping up nicely in the air fryer. Trust me, you want that perfect tender-crisp texture!

Step 2: Season the Broccolini

Now that your broccolini is prepped, let’s get to the fun part—seasoning! In a large mixing bowl, toss the broccolini with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I like to use my hands here; it’s the best way to ensure that every piece gets coated evenly. Just make sure your hands are clean! You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, so feel free to sprinkle in a bit more garlic powder if you’re feeling adventurous!

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving that crispy goodness. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. This little step makes a world of difference in how evenly your broccolini cooks, so don’t skip it!

Step 4: Air Fry the Broccolini

Once your air fryer is preheated, it’s time to cook! Place the seasoned broccolini in the air fryer basket in a single layer—this helps them cook evenly. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to do this in batches, but it’s worth it! Set the timer for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through, give the basket a good shake to ensure everything cooks evenly. You’ll want to check on it to make sure it’s not overcooking; nobody likes mushy broccolini!

Step 5: Check for Doneness

After about 8 minutes, take a peek! The broccolini should be bright green and slightly crispy. If you like it a bit more tender, feel free to add an extra minute or two. Just remember, it will continue to cook slightly after you take it out, so don’t let it get too soft!

Step 6: Serve

Now comes the best part—serving! I love to drizzle a bit of fresh lemon juice over the broccolini right before serving to brighten up the flavors. You can also sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of deliciousness. This air fryer broccolini pairs beautifully with just about any main dish, and I promise it will be a hit at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: In just 20 minutes, you can have a delicious side dish ready to go, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Healthy and Nutritious: Broccolini is packed with vitamins and minerals, making this air fryer recipe a guilt-free addition to your meals.
Flavorful and Versatile: The combination of garlic powder and olive oil brings out the natural sweetness of broccolini, and you can easily customize it with different seasonings or toppings!
Crispy Texture: Air frying gives you that delightful tender-crisp texture without all the oil of traditional frying methods.
Easy Cleanup: With minimal prep and cooking time, and no messy frying pan to deal with, cleanup is a breeze!

Equipment List

Gathering the right equipment makes cooking air fryer broccolini a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need:

Air Fryer: The star of the show! Choose a model that fits your kitchen space and needs.
Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for tossing the broccolini with olive oil and seasonings.
Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure your olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cutting Board and Knife: For trimming and prepping the broccolini.
Kitchen Towel or Paper Towels: For drying the broccolini after washing.
Spatula or Tongs: Handy for shaking the basket halfway through cooking, ensuring even crispiness.

With this equipment on hand, you’ll be all set to whip up the most delicious air fryer broccolini you’ve ever tasted!

Tips for Success

To help you achieve the absolute best air fryer broccolini, I’ve gathered some of my favorite pro tips that’ll ensure your dish turns out just right every time!

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the crispiest results, make sure to arrange the broccolini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have too much in there, it can steam instead of fry, so cook in batches if necessary!
Adjust Seasonings to Your Taste: Feel free to play around with the seasoning! Love a bit of heat? Add some red pepper flakes. Want to bring in some freshness? Try adding lemon zest along with the juice before serving.
Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Since air fryers can vary in cooking power, it’s a good idea to check your broccolini a minute or two before the timer goes off. You want that perfect tender-crisp texture, and even a minute can make a difference!
Experiment with Toppings: After cooking, don’t hesitate to get creative! A drizzle of balsamic glaze or some toasted nuts can really elevate the flavor. Parmesan cheese is a classic, but don’t shy away from trying feta or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a vegan option!
Store Leftovers Properly: If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to retain that crispy goodness!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll become a pro at making air fryer broccolini that’s not just good, but absolutely outstanding!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delightful air fryer broccolini. This information can help you keep track of what you’re eating while still enjoying something delicious!

Calories: 100
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 50mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this nutritious and delicious side dish without a hint of guilt!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making air fryer broccolini? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you nail this delicious recipe:

Can I use regular broccoli instead of broccolini?

Absolutely! While broccolini has a slightly sweeter taste and more tender texture, regular broccoli works just as well in this recipe. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it!

How do I know when my broccolini is done cooking?

The best way to check for doneness is to look for that vibrant green color and a bit of crispiness on the florets. You can also give it a gentle poke; it should be tender but still have a slight bite. If you prefer it more tender, feel free to add an extra minute or two in the air fryer.

Can I prepare the broccolini ahead of time?

Yes! You can wash and season the broccolini a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the air fryer, and you’ll have a quick and easy side dish ready in no time!

What other seasonings can I use for this air fryer broccolini?

The possibilities are endless! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes for a kick, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a unique flavor twist. Just remember to adjust the seasonings to your taste!

Can I cook broccolini in the oven instead of an air fryer?

Definitely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast the broccolini in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Just spread it out on a baking sheet and toss it with olive oil and seasonings. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook!