Air Fryer Broccolini
If you’re looking for a simple, vibrant, and foolproof side dish, this air fryer broccolini is it! With just a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a quick blast in your air fryer, you get tender stems, crispy edges, and a beautifully fresh flavor—all in around 15 minutes.
The air fryer works its magic and does all the heavy lifting, giving broccolini that satisfying crunch without the hassle of roasting or steaming. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end adds the perfect bright finish, making this dish versatile enough to pair with anything—from weeknight dinners to elegant mains. This one’s in my regular dinnertime rotation, and it’s perfect for ensuring everyone has a portion of greens with their meals, without any fuss.
Simple ingredients, effortless prep, and perfect texture every time—this is broccolini at its best!
Ingredients
- Broccolini
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Lemon juice (optional)
Your Step-by-Step Guide for Air Fryer Broccolini
If you prefer screen-free cooking, you can find your free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post! It includes everything you need to make this easy, tasty side dish, including ingredients, measurements, and instructions. Here, I’m going to walk you through the steps and share some photos from behind the scenes…
- Wash and drain the broccolini.
- Remove the leaves off the stems.
- Cut off the end of the stems.
- In a medium bowl, add the broccolini, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add to the broccolini to the air fryer basket and air fry for 12 minutes on 375°F/190°C. Make sure to flip the broccolini over halfway.
- Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle some lemon juice, if preferred.
- Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Broccolini
✔ Check Your Air Fryer Manual – Some air fryers require preheating, while others don’t. If yours does, preheat it for 2-3 minutes before adding the broccolini for even cooking.
✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – To get that crispy, slightly charred texture, make sure the broccolini is arranged in a single layer with space between the stems. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
✔ Cook in Batches if Needed – If making a larger batch, cook in two rounds rather than stuffing everything in at once. It’s worth the extra time for perfectly crisp, evenly cooked broccolini.
✔ Use Evenly Sized Stalks – If some stems are much thicker than others, slice them lengthwise so everything cooks at the same rate.
✔ Shake or Flip Halfway – Tossing the broccolini midway through cooking ensures even browning and crispier edges.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Broccolini
This crispy, flavorful broccolini pairs well with a variety of meals. Here are a few quick ideas:
Protein Mains
✔ Grilled Chicken or Steak – A simple, hearty pairing.
✔ Salmon or Tofu – Adds a crispy, fresh contrast.
Grains & Pasta
✔ Quinoa or Farro – Nutty, wholesome options. I love to toss the broccolini with quinoa and add lots of colorful, crunch veggies for a quick and healthy lunch bowl!
✔ Pasta Dishes – Toss into pesto pasta or lemon garlic spaghetti.
Light & Fresh Sides
✔ Crisp Salad – Arugula with lemon vinaigrette keeps it light.
✔ Dips & Sauces – Drizzle with balsamic glaze or serve with aioli.
Air Fryer Broccolini
Ingredients
- 1 lb broccolini heads
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Dash of salt
- Dash of black pepper
- Lemon juice optional
Instructions
- Wash and drain the broccolini.
- Remove the leaves off the stems.
- Cut off the end of the stems.
- In a medium bowl, add the broccolini, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add to the broccolini to the air fryer basket and air fry for 12 minutes on 375°F/190°C. Make sure to flip the broccolini over halfway.
- Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle some lemon juice, if preferred.
- Enjoy!
Whether you’re serving this air fryer broccolini as a quick side or adding it to your favorite meals, it’s an easy, crispy, and fresh addition to any table. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it! I’d really appreciate it if you could take a second to leave a review in the comments section below.
