Air Fryer Broccolini

Name: Air Fryer Broccolini
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 bunches broccolini; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese (✅)

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Air Fryer Broccolini is a tasty and nutritious vegetable that is a great way to get your kids to eat their greens, and it’s super simple to prepare. When cooked in an air fryer, it becomes crispy and flavorful, making it an ideal side dish for any meal. In just a few minutes, you can have a wholesome and delicious dish that your kids will ask for time and time again. So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get your family to eat their veggies, give this Air Fryer Broccolini recipe a try!

Air fried broccolini is sure to change the way your family views green vegetables. They will forget the days of overcooked greens and instead remember the perfectly charred edges and crunch with every bite. It is a recipe set to impress each and every time!

You’ll also like Air Fryer Asparagus, Air Fry Green Beans and Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts if on the search for more kid-approved veggies.

top down view of broccoli topped with grated parmesan on a plate

Have you ever wondered what is broccolini? It is often referred to as baby broccoli and is a hybrid of broccoli and kale. Characterized by its small florets and long stems, this veggie also takes on a sweeter flavor than broccoli.

Broccolini can be sauteed, boiled, roasted and of course, air fried. We find air frying is the best way to cook broccolini if feeding kids of any age. They absolutely love the crispiness of the vegetable, especially when seasoned with spices or cheese.

Crispy broccolini can be served with any dinner entree or simply as an afternoon savory snack. Keep this recipe at top of mind the next time you are looking for a nutrient boost for your family!

Keep reading to learn everything from how to cut broccolini to storing, reheating and seasoning this green vegetable. We are sharing all the tips to making broccolini in the air fryer.

To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card. Enjoy!

broccolini, salt, pepper, olive oil and parmesan cheese displayed

Table of Contents

Ingredients

2 bunches broccolini
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese ✅

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

chef's knife slicing broccolini on cutting board

How To Make

Wash the broccolini then cut off the bottom inch of the stalks. Remove the leaves and cut any thick pieces down the center lengthwise. Place them onto the air fryer tray.

Season the broccolini

Drizzle the olive oil over the broccolini then the salt and pepper. Using clean hands stir to cover all pieces.

Air Fry

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Cook for 5-7 minutes depending on how firm or tender you like your vegetables.

Serve

Sprinkle with the shaved parmesan cheese and serve hot.

raw broccolini on an air fryer tray seasoned with salt and pepper

Seasoning Broccolini

Drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper is the easiest way to season before frying. Once crispy, top with grated parmesan cheese for the final touch of saltiness that makes the flavor irresistible.

Fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dry ranch seasoning, red pepper flakes, lemon pepper seasoning and chili powder are other ways to season broccolini to elevate the flavor. We recommend adding these seasonings in addition to the salt and pepper instead of swapping.

You can also top with shredded cheddar cheese or omit the cheese for a dairy-free option.

Serving Suggestions

As mentioned, air fried broccolini compliments any dinner protein such as pork, chicken, beef or fish. Serve broccolini stems or chop into small pieces for young children.

Other side dishes to consider adding in addition would be any of the following:

Storing Air Fryer Broccolini

In the fridge: Store in a covered container for up to 5 days.

In the freezer: Store in a freezer safe container or Ziploc bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate to heat in 30-second increments until warm.

Air Fryer: To keep crispy, add back to a preheated air fryer for 3-4 minutes or until the desired crispiness is reached.

Skillet: Add to a preheated skillet for 3-5 minutes or until heated through.

top down view of air fryer broccolini topped with grated parmesan cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

How to trim broccolini?

Trimming broccolini is actually very easy. You will hold the bunch then carefully slice the ends off and discard like you would with asparagus. The ends tend to be difficult to chew so it is best to remove before eating.

How long to cook broccolini in the air fryer?

Cook for 5-7 minutes depending on how firm or tender you like your vegetables. The longer the broccolini cooks, the crispier and tender it will become.

How to eat broccolini?

This green vegetable can be eaten plain, seasoned or drizzled with cheese sauce. It is a versatile veggie that can be enjoyed however your family likes it.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Arrange the broccolini steams in a single layer on the tray with space between each piece so the stems cook evenly.
You can make broccolini extra crispy by cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the desired crispiness is reached.
If topping with cheese or cheese sauce, wait to add to the stems until after frying to prevent burning.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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