If you're looking for a side dish that feels a little elevated but takes almost zero effort, air fryer broccolini is it. It's quick, it's tasty, and it somehow makes dinner feel like you put in way more work than you actually did.
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Broccolini looks delicate, but don't let it fool you. It holds up like a champ in the air fryer. The florets get those crispy edges, the stalks stay tender, and it has this subtle sweetness that somehow works with just about anything you throw at it. And get this, it cooks in about 5 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights when I still want a veggie on the table without babysitting the oven. I'll pile it next to something bold like my Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp (because buffalo anything is my love language) or pair it with a cozy, hearty side like Sweet Potato Succotash.
Come along and let me show you how easy it is to make this tasty side dish!
Ingredients
What is broccolini?
People always ask if broccolini and baby broccoli are the same thing. Yep, they are. Just two different names for the same veggie. Easy enough.
How's it different from regular broccoli?
Broccolini has skinnier stalks, tinier florets, and it cooks way faster. The flavor is a little milder, a little sweeter. Honestly, it's like broccoli's cooler, more laid-back cousin.
What about the yellow flowers? Can you eat those?
Totally! The little blossoms are edible. They taste mild and almost a little peppery. I also think they're pretty, it feels like a garnish without even trying.
Step by step
- Cut the bottom inch of the broccolini stems off, then add them to a large bowl. Add a drizzle of avocado oil or olive oil and the seasonings, and coat the broccolini.
- Add the seasoned broccolini to the basket of your air fryer and cook at 400 degrees for 5 minutes, shaking the basket about halfway through cooking.
Tips
- Check it early. It cooks fast! The first time I tested it, I let it go 7 minutes and it came out like charred twigs. Five minutes was the sweet spot in my air fryer. Peek at the 3 minute mark just to be safe.
- Flip or shake halfway. Helps everything cook evenly so you don't end up with half burned florets and half raw stems.
- Trim the ends. The bottoms can be stringy. Snip off about half an inch to an inch, and you'll get tender bites all the way through.
Storing and reheating
Storing: Let it cool completely before storing. Store in an airtight container in the fridge, and it'll keep about 3-4 days.
Reheating: Toss it back in the air fryer at 350Β°F for 2-3 minutes, and it perks right back up. A skillet with a splash of oil works too. I'd skip the microwave unless you're okay with soft, sad stalks.
If you make this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a star rating or drop a comment below. Your feedback means so much to me! And if you snap a photo, tag me on Instagram at @kaleenas.kitchen so I can see your version!
Recipe
5 Minute Air Fryer Broccolini
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch broccolini
- drizzle of avocado oil
- ΒΌ teaspoon salt
- ΒΌ teaspoon pepper
- ΒΌ teaspoon garlic powder
- ΒΌ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Cut the bottom inch of the broccolini stems off, then add them to a large bowl.
- Drizzle a little avocado oil or olive oil over the broccolini and add the seasonings. Using your hands or tongs, toss everything together.
- Add the seasoned broccolini to the basket of your air fryer and cook at 400 degrees for 5 minutes, shaking the basket about halfway through cooking.
Notes
-
- Check it early. It cooks fast! The first time I tested it, I let it go 7 minutes and it came out like charred twigs. Five minutes was the sweet spot in my air fryer. Peek at the 3 minute mark just to be safe.
-
- Flip or shake halfway. Helps everything cook evenly so you don't end up with half burned florets and half raw stems.
-
- Trim the ends. The bottoms can be stringy. Snip off about half an inch to an inch, and you'll get tender bites all the way through.
Nutrition
*nutrition information is an approximate
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Hi, I'm Kaleena!
I'm a 30-something wife and dog mom who shares mostly gluten-free, dairy-free, Whole30, and Paleo-friendly recipes. Since doing my first Whole30 in 2017, I have completely changed my way of cooking. I love to create recipes made from real, flavorful ingredients that the whole family will love!
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