This crispy, juicy, and tender Air Fryer Broccolini is an easy, flavorful side dish you’ll make again and again. With simple, wholesome ingredients, this plant-based recipe combines savory and cheesy notes and is ready in under 15 minutes.
Add this healthy air-fryer broccolini to your weeknight rotation. It requires only a few minutes of hands-on prep, then the air fryer does the rest. The tops crisp up while the stalks stay slightly sweet and tender. Garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper, and nutritional yeast give this vegetable rich, savory flavor without dairy.
Key Ingredients
Broccolini: Also called baby broccoli. Choose bright green stems with compact heads and no signs of flowering. Trim the tough ends before cooking.
Avocado oil: Its high smoke point helps the broccolini crisp without burning. Extra virgin olive oil works well for more flavor.
Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy, savory note without dairy.
Garlic powder: Brings aromatic savory flavor.
Sea salt: Use fine sea salt or fine kosher salt to enhance flavors; adjust to taste.
Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds subtle heat and depth.
Recipe Variations
Try these optional changes to vary the flavor:
Herb infusion: Add up to 1 teaspoon dried thyme, oregano, rosemary, or dill, or garnish with fresh herbs after cooking.
Extra cheesy: Add more nutritional yeast, use shredded plant-based cheese, or finish with a sprinkle of vegan walnut parmesan.
Citrus twist: Add lemon zest to the seasoning and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the broccolini before serving.
Spicy: Substitute red chili flakes for black pepper or use smoked paprika for a smoky heat.
Garlic butter: Swap avocado oil for melted vegan or regular butter and use 1–2 cloves fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for richer flavor.
How to Cook Broccolini in the Air Fryer
- Prepare broccolini. Rinse and trim broccolini, then add to a medium bowl. Drizzle with oil and toss with tongs until evenly coated.
- Season broccolini. Sprinkle with nutritional yeast, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Arrange in the air fryer. Place broccolini in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook in batches if needed for even airflow and crisping.
- Cook. Air fry at 375°F for about 8 minutes, until the tops are golden and crispy and the stalks are fork-tender. For more tender stalks, cook at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- Serve. Remove from the air fryer, garnish with freshly ground black pepper (and lemon if using), and serve hot.
Jenné’s Recipe Tips
Wash and trim: Rinse broccolini under cold water, pat dry, and trim 1–2 inches off the tough stem ends.
Cook in batches: Lay stems in a single layer with space between pieces so air can circulate and make them crisp. Multiple small batches produce the best texture.
Mind cooking time: Air-fryer performance varies. Broccolini is done when stems are fork tender and heads are browned and crisp—watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Flip halfway: Turn broccolini with tongs halfway through cooking to brown all sides evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this broccolini as a quick snack or a healthy side. It pairs well with grain bowls, pastas, or protein mains. Garnish with gremolata or lemon for brightness, or serve alongside roasted vegetables, vegan pasta dishes, or a hearty casserole for a complete meal.
Storage Directions
Broccolini is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. It does not freeze well. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to warm and re-crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cook for about 8 minutes at 375°F, though times vary by air fryer and stalk size. It’s done when stalks are fork-tender and heads are browned and crispy.
No — baby broccoli and broccolini are the same vegetable and can be used interchangeably.
Yes. Spread seasoned broccolini on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until crispy and fork-tender. For extra color, broil for the final minute.
More Vegan Side Dish Recipes
- Vegan Potato Salad
- Instant Pot Mexican Rice
- Smoky Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Carrots
- Gochujang Oven Roasted Carrots
- Black Eyed Pea Salad
Recipe Card
Air Fryer Broccolini
Ingredients
- 12 oz. broccolini (bottoms trimmed)
- 1 ½ tbsp avocado oil (or extra virgin olive oil)
- 2 tsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add broccolini to a medium bowl. Drizzle with oil and toss to coat. Season with nutritional yeast, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper, then toss again to distribute.
- Arrange broccolini in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry at 375°F for about 8 minutes, until tops are crispy and stalks are fork-tender. For more tender stalks, air fry at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- Remove from the air fryer, garnish with black pepper or lemon, and serve hot.
Notes
Storage Directions: Best served fresh. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to re-crisp.
Recipe Pro-Tips:
- Wash and trim: Rinse under cold water, pat dry, and trim the tough stem ends (about 1–2 inches).
- Cook in batches: A single layer with space between pieces encourages even crisping—cook in multiple batches if needed.
- Watch the time: Air fryers vary; check for fork tenderness and browning to avoid overcooking.
- Flip halfway: Use tongs to turn broccolini halfway through cooking for even color and crunch.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 14 g
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Protein: 7 g
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Fat: 11 g