Easy Air Fryer Broccolini (Gluten-Free, Low-Carb)

Air fryer broccolini is a quick, healthy and delicious side dish with so much flavor! A few basic ingredients come together to create tender broccolini stalks with slightly charred florets. A savory miso seasoning and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice elevate the sweet, earthy flavor of the broccolini.

This easy air fryer broccolini is the best broccolini recipe. It's a great side dish that is healthy and versatile, plus the air fryer makes it a breeze to prepare.

Just like my traditional broccoli in the air fryer, the delicate florets turn deliciously charred in the cooking process.

But broccolini has an earthy sweetness which is enhanced even more with some simple seasonings and air fryer magic. This recipe will give you easy-to-make broccolini with the best flavor. 

about air fryer broccolini

Did you know that broccolini (sometimes called broccolette or baby broccoli) is a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli (also called Chinese kale)?

It has a more mellow flavor than regular broccoli and can be ready in a matter of minutes thanks to its thin stalks which cook quickly.

Keep in mind that it's a completely different vegetable than broccoli rabe, which has a more bitter flavor and a leafier appearance.

The air fryer cooks it perfectly: the stems are softened and tender while the floret of each broccolini roasts until lightly charred. There's much less prep involved when the air fryer comes into play, too. 

why this recipe works

While recipe testing, I made this note to self: enjoy more broccolini.

It's one of those vegetables that I sometimes forget about but it always works. 

Whether you're tossing it into a salad or prepping it as a side dish, the crispy texture and milder flavor of broccolini is so versatile.

The best way to enjoy broccolini is cooked since tougher stems soften and the broccoli florets get perfectly charred with a light crisp and caramelized flavor. Plus, you can't beat the ease of the air fryer!

Here's why you'll love it:

• Tender broccolini is a great addition to any main dish.
• It's healthy and versatile with under 10 ingredients.
• This is a quick and easy air fryer recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, you're left with minimal cleanup afterward!
• It's a side dish that works for all eaters.

the ingredients

Simple ingredients shine in this recipe! I use a bit of white miso paste for a rich umami flavor, but you can certainly skip it and still get great results. I like the miso from Trader Joe's as it has just a few ingredients and is much "cleaner" than other brands.

Here's what you'll need:

• Broccolini. Most grocery stores sell broccolini in small bunches, about 8 ounces. That's just enough to fit into an air fryer basket and will usually give you about two servings.
• Olive oil or avocado oil. A healthy oil that works great in the air fryer since it can withstand higher cooking temperatures. 
• White miso paste (optional). This adds a light umami flavor but you can definitely skip it!
• Garlic. Any veggie is always better with garlic. If you don't have fresh garlic, you can substitute it with garlic powder instead.
• Sea salt and black pepper. Simple seasonings are all you need. 
• Fresh lemon juice. A drizzle of freshly-squeezed lemon juice just before serving adds a bright and subtly tangy addition. 
• Red pepper flakes or sesame seeds (optional). These are more than just a garnish! They add a pop of flavor and interest, too.

a simple air fryer broccolini recipe

This recipe is for one bunch of broccolini, which will usually serve 2-3. To increase the yield, cook the broccolini in two separate batches instead of trying to squeeze more into the air fryer. The hot air should circulate the broccolini and if they're crowded, they'll steam instead of roast.

Here's a quick look at the process but make sure to refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page to view all of the details!

Before you begin: rinse and pat dry the broccolini with paper towels to remove excess moisture. You want it to be dry before tossing in the oil mixture.

In a large bowl, combine the oil, miso paste (if using), garlic, salt and pepper. Add the broccolini to the bowl and toss to coat.

Place broccolini in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F for 7-9 minutes or until the broccolini stems are tender.

Remove from the air fryer and squeeze fresh lemon juice on top. Garnish with red pepper flakes or sesame seeds.

tips for the best results

• You can sub the fresh garlic for a ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
• The cook time will vary based on the thickness of each piece. If your broccolini has thinner stalks, check on it after 6-7 minutes of cooking time. If it has thicker stalks, it may need to cook 8-9 minutes to make sure the thick stem is tender. 
• The broccoli florets will crisp up a little.Smaller florets may get extra charred, and that's okay. In fact, I love it that way but you can cook the broccolini a bit less or more depending on how you like it done.
• To air fry two batches, cook them separately in your air fryer and cover one with aluminum foil to keep warm while the second batch cooks.

how to store and reheat

Store leftover broccolini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can re-heat it in the microwave or pop it back into the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes.

variations of air fryer broccolini

The miso paste is completely optional but will give the broccolini a light umami flavor. However, here are other variations:

• Cheesy air fryer broccolini: You can sprinkle it with parmesan cheese while hot or return to the air fryer and cook for another 1 minute to let the cheese melt. For extra cheesy flavors, use cheddar cheese. You can also sprinkle it with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. 
• Lemony broccolini: Top the cooked broccolini with fresh lemon zest for an even punchier lemon-y flavor. A sprinkle of sumac will also enhance the lemon.
• Spicy broccolini: Whisk 2 teaspoons harissa paste or sriracha into the oil mixture for a deliciously bold broccolini with a kick! If you prefer a dry seasoning, you can add a sprinkle of chili powder, chipotle powder, or a harissa seasoning blend. 

more air fryer recipes

• Air fryer salmon is a delicious and easy way to prep salmon! A quick and flavorful coffee rub coats the salmon fillets and they air fry for a few minutes, becoming flaky and tender.
• Air fryer rotisserie chicken! The perfect spice blend coats a whole chicken and the air fryer gives it a tasty, crispy skin.
• These easy air fryer onions are a wonderful addition to a variety of meals and they're so simple to prepare!