Marianne Martinez
Air-fried tenderstem broccoli, also known as broccolini, is a quick and easy way to enjoy the delicious flavour of roasted broccoli in half the time. In just 6 to 10 minutes, you can have a healthy, tasty, and crispy side dish that goes well with almost any meal. The recipe is simple: cut the broccoli, season it with olive oil and spices, and air fry for 5 to 6 minutes. You can also add a tangy dressing, such as tahini, sesame oil, and lemon juice, or sprinkle with feta, toasted almonds, and chilli.
How long to cook tenderstem broccoli in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 5-10 minutes |
| Prep time | 1 minute |
| Oven temperature | 180-370°F / 360-190ºC |
| Oven preheating time | 3-4 minutes |
| Seasonings | Olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, za'atar |
| Toppings | Feta cheese, toasted almond flakes, red chilli, black sesame seeds, tahini dressing |
| Leftover storage | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days |
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What You'll Learn
Trimming and slicing
Tenderstem broccoli, also known as broccolini, is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli. Unlike regular broccoli, it is tender from floret to stem, with no woody sections. Before cooking, you should trim off any dead or browned sections of the broccoli. The very ends of the broccolini can be tough and unpleasant to eat, so it is recommended to trim them off before cooking. If you have any particularly large pieces, you may want to cut them in half to ensure even cooking. If any broccolini stems are thicker than the others, slice them lengthwise so they cook evenly.
Tenderstem broccoli requires minimal preparation and cutting. This is because there is no centre section that all the stalks are connected to, unlike regular broccoli. Simply rinse the broccoli under running water, either by holding it in your hands or placing it in a colander. This will wash away any dirt that may be left from harvest or the market. After rinsing, dry the broccoli with paper towels or a clean tea towel. Excess water can cause the broccoli to steam instead of roast.
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Seasoning
Choosing Your Seasonings:
The beauty of seasoning tenderstem broccoli is that you can be creative and adapt the flavours to your taste preferences or the theme of your meal. A simple and classic option is to use extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
You can also experiment with other seasonings, such as thyme, dried or minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and za'atar. If you want to add some crunch and texture, consider topping the cooked broccoli with toasted almond flakes and crumbled feta cheese.
For a spicy kick, increase the amount of chilli flakes and add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Alternatively, create a tangy sesame tahini dressing by mixing tahini, sesame oil, tamari, lemon juice, salt, and a tablespoon of warm water. Drizzle this dressing over the cooked broccoli for an exotic twist.
Preparing the Broccoli:
Before seasoning, it is important to prepare the tenderstem broccoli. Start by washing and drying the broccoli thoroughly. Trim the very ends of the stems, as they can be tough and unpleasant to eat. If any of the stems are thicker than others, slice them lengthwise so that they cook more evenly.
Coating the Broccoli:
Place the prepared broccoli in a large, dry bowl. Drizzle or brush your chosen oil over the broccoli. Then, add your selected seasonings and toss everything together until the broccoli is well-coated. Ensure all the florets and stems are evenly coated for a consistent flavour and texture.
Cooking Tips:
When placing the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer, arrange it in a single layer with a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook the broccoli in batches, especially if you have a smaller air fryer.
During cooking, remember to shake or toss the broccoli halfway through to prevent it from sticking and to promote even browning. Adjust the cooking time according to your preferred level of crispness.
Storing and Reheating:
If you have any leftover seasoned broccoli, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days. When reheating, simply place the broccoli in the air fryer or microwave for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture.
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Air frying
To prepare the broccoli for air frying, trim the ends and slice any thick stems. The ends can be tough and unpleasant to eat, and thick stems should be sliced to ensure even cooking. Dry the broccoli with paper towels or a clean tea towel, as excess water can cause the broccoli to steam instead of roast.
Next, season the broccoli. Place it in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle on dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the broccoli to ensure it is evenly coated. You can also add other seasonings, such as onion powder, red pepper flakes, or lemon juice, to taste.
Preheat your air fryer to 180C/360F or 190ºC/370°F for 3-4 minutes. Place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces are spaced apart to allow for even cooking. You may need to cook the broccoli in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side.
Cook the broccoli for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the broccoli halfway through to prevent it from sticking and to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on the broccoli to ensure it doesn't burn. The broccoli is ready when it is tender-crisp (al dente) and slightly crispy on the edges.
Once the broccoli is done, transfer it to a serving dish and sprinkle with toppings of your choice, such as red chilli, toasted almond flakes, and crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Serving
If you want to add a tangy twist to your broccoli, you can serve it with a sesame tahini dressing. To make the dressing, stir together tahini, sesame oil, tamari, lemon juice, salt, and a tablespoon of warm water until thickened. You can then drizzle the dressing over the broccoli and, optionally, top it with black sesame seeds and chopped red chilli or chilli flakes.
If you have any leftover broccoli, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. To reheat the broccoli, simply place it back in the air fryer or microwave for a few minutes.
Tenderstem broccoli, also known as broccolini, is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you enjoy it as a crispy appetizer or a tender and flavourful side, this vegetable is sure to impress.
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Storing leftovers
Storing in an Airtight Container
Place any leftover tenderstem broccoli in an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the broccoli from drying out or absorbing excess moisture, which can affect its texture and taste. Airtight containers also reduce the risk of cross-contamination and prevent odours from escaping or entering, keeping your broccoli tasting fresh.
Refrigerating
Refrigerate the airtight container of leftover broccoli. Storing it in the fridge slows down the growth of bacteria, maintaining food safety and extending the shelf life of the broccoli. You can safely store leftover broccoli in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days, depending on the source.
Reheating
When you're ready to enjoy your leftover broccoli, there are a few simple reheating methods to choose from. You can use the air fryer again to reheat the broccoli, placing it back in for a few minutes to warm it up. Alternatively, you can use a microwave. Reheating in the air fryer will help maintain the crispy texture, but either method is suitable. Just be sure to check the temperature to ensure it's heated through before serving.
Freezing
If you don't plan to eat the leftover broccoli within the next few days, you can also freeze it. To do this, place the broccoli in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring it is sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date, and it will be good to eat for several months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw and reheat using one of the methods mentioned above.
Food Safety
It's important to practice good food safety habits when storing and reheating leftovers. Always ensure your hands, utensils, and containers are clean to prevent bacterial growth. Additionally, be mindful of the "two-hour rule" – leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 5-10 minutes to cook tenderstem broccoli in an air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 180C / 360F for 3 minutes. Then, cook the broccoli at the same temperature for 4-5 minutes.
Wash and dry the broccoli, then trim off any tough ends with scissors. Cut any large pieces into smaller ones for even cooking. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with seasonings such as thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Tenderstem broccoli is overcooked when it turns olive green in colour and becomes softer.
