Broccolini gets the royal treatment in this easy air fryer recipe! Those tender stems and extra delicate florets get beautifully crisp and caramelized in just 8–10 minutes. Using the air fryer is quick and mess-free, while garlic, lemon, and Parmesan make it perfect to serve alongside most meals.
Serve this fancy side dish next to our 15 Minute Shrimp Scampi or Easy Baked Pork Chops.
Why Our Recipe
- Caramelized broccolini with lightly crisped florets in just 8–10 minutes.
- Flavored with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan or choose from one of our flavor variations.
Broccolini is not the same as broccoli, but it’s kind of like broccoli’s fancy cousin. With longer, thinner stalks, and smaller florets, its flavor is slightly sweeter than broccoli and less bitter. A cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli, this hybrid vegetable was developed in Japan, and we love them for it.
Ingredient Notes
- Broccolini: Sometimes called baby broccoli. This vegetable has a sweeter, milder flavor than traditional broccoli. Its long stems and small florets make it perfect for air frying.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will always give the best flavor. Pre-minced garlic also works but has a slightly milder taste.
- Olive Oil: Don’t feel like you need expensive olive oil, most extra-virgin olive oils will work well.
- Lemon: This recipe uses both the lemon juice and lemon zest. If you don’t own a zester, you can use the smallest size of your cheese grater. Some cheese graters even have a zester side.
- Parmesan Cheese: Shredded parmesan cheese can be found in plastic bags or tubs in the cheese section of the grocery store, but if you can get a wedge of parmesan cheese, grating it on the smallest size of your cheese grater will give you the best meltage.
Buying Broccolini
Broccolini is widely available in the produce section of most grocery stores. If you’ve never noticed it, that’s okay, you aren’t alone. Find it near other specialty greens like asparagus or baby bok choy. Look for bunches with bright green florets and firm stems. Avoid broccolini that appears wilted or has yellowing florets.
Preparing Broccolini
Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit, especially around the florets. Trim the ends of the stems by about 1/2 inch, as the base can be tougher. If the stems are particularly thick, slice them lengthwise for even cooking.
Flavor Variations
Spicy: Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1/8 teaspoon cayenne to the olive oil mixture.
Cheesy: Swap Parmesan for shredded asiago or crumbled goat cheese.
Herby: Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning over the broccolini before cooking.
Asian-Inspired: Toss the broccolini with 1 teaspoon soy sauce and 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil.
Adapting for Different Air Fryers
Basket Air Fryers: Cook in a single layer at 400°F for 8–10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even browning.
Toaster-Oven Style Air Fryers: Arrange broccolini on the tray, leaving space between pieces. Rotate trays halfway through. Check for doneness at 10 minutes and add more time if needed.
Ovens with Air Fryer Settings: Use a wire rack over a baking sheet or the oven’s air fryer tray. Set to 400°F and start checking at 10 minutes. Cooking may take up to 12 minutes.
Repurpose Leftovers
Store leftover broccolini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Don’t let anything go to waste! Use them up in one of these:
Breakfast: Add chopped broccolini to scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas.
Lunch or Dinner: Toss it into a grain bowl, salad, or pasta.
