If you're looking for a healthy and tasty side dish, look no further than air fryer broccolini. This flavorful vegetable is antioxidant-rich, and pairs well with just about any main dish. Best of all, it's easy to prepare.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Broccolini is a healthy alternative to traditional broccoli, and it tastes delicious when cooked in the air fryer. It cooks quickly and lends itself to a variety of seasoning options. Just brush with some olive oil, season, and cook!
Some favorite main dishes to serve with air fryer spaghetti squash are our Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta, Meatloaf with Lipton Soup mix, and Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash for a complete meal.
Jump to:
Ingredients
You want nice fresh broccolini. Calculate ¼ pound per person. Fresh lemon juice and zest is preferred but bottled is fine.

- Fresh Broccolini
- Olive oil
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Salt
- Pepper
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Air Fry Broccolini
You will wash it well, trim off any woody parts of the stem (similar to trimming asparagus). Pat the broccolini dry with a few paper towels so the olive oil and seasonings stick.
Step 1. Prepare the Broccolini

After washing, trimming, and patting the broccolini dry, place it in a bowl.

Add the salt to the bowl of broccolini.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 2. Season for Cooking

Sprinkle the broccolini with pepper, garlic powder, and any other spices or seasonings you are using.

Toss the broccolini so that it is lightly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 3. Air Fry the Broccolini

Spread the broccolini in the air fryer basket. Keep it to one layer. The air fryer should hold about half of the pound of broccolini.

Set the air fryer temperature to 375° F and cook for 6 minutes. Your broccolini will be bright green and still a little crispy.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe is super easy and really fast to prepare. Some favorite main dishes to serve with air fried broccolini are our Broiled Chicken Thighs or Longhorns Salmon, and Roasted Rainbow Carrots for a complete meal.

Substitutions
You can substitute regular broccoli also, just cut the crowns into thin slices about the size of broccolini, so that the broccoli cooks yet still stays crisp.
Equipment
You will need an Air Fryer. Once you have one, you will be so surprised at how versatile and easy to use it actually is. They work by circulating hot air around the food, which results in a crispy outside and tender inside.
Storage
Store any leftover broccolini in an air tight container in the refrigerator.
Tips for Success
- Don't over fill the air fryer basket. Keep the broccolini to a one layer cook. Repeat for the remaining broccolini.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, just cover and freeze up to 3 months. The broccolini will not be quite as crisp on the reheat, but it will still taste fabulous.
Yes! Just wash, trim, and season your carrots, beets, broccoli, zucchini, just like the broccolini. Cooking times will vary according to the hardness of the vegetable.
Food Safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
Connect with Smells Like Delish!
Be sure to follow us on our social media accounts.
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Broccolini
Ingredients
- 1 lb Broccolini, fresh
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the broccolini and trim off any woody end pieces. Pat dry with some paper towels.1 lb Broccolini, fresh
- In a large bowl add the broccolini. Pour the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss broccolini with seasonings until coated lightly.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 clove garlic, minced, salt to taste, pepper to taste
- Transfer the half the broccolini to your air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 375° F for 5 to 6 minutes for broccolini that is al dente, you can cook longer if you like it even softer.
- Remove the air fryer basket and lift out the cooked broccolini to a serving plate. Set aside while you air fry cook the second half of the broccolini.
- Repeat process with the remaining half of the broccolini in the bowl.
- Garnish with lemon zest or seasoning salt if desired, and serve!1 teaspoon lemon zest for garnish
Notes
- Store leftovers in air tight container.
- If cooking for more than 2 people, cook in two sessions.
Nutrition
Like this recipe? Be sure to share it, pin it, or add it to your collection!
Leave a Reply