Air-Fryer Broccolini: Quick, Easy, And Healthy

Broccolini, also known as baby broccoli, is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be prepared in an air fryer in just a few minutes. With its tender-crisp texture and vibrant colour, air-fried broccolini is a tasty and nutritious addition to any meal. This paragraph introduces the topic of how to make broccolini in an air fryer, a quick and easy cooking method that will leave you with a delicious side dish to impress your family and friends.

Trimming and seasoning

Trimming:

First, rinse the broccolini under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, lay the broccolini flat on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, trim off about 1/2 inch to 1 inch of the tough ends of the stems. You only want to leave the thin stalks, so trim thicker stems for a more uniform cook. If desired, you can also remove any large leaves or tough outer layers from the stems for a cleaner look.

If your broccolini is too long to fit in your air fryer basket, you can cut it in half, or just trim the amount needed to ensure it fits. You can save the small ends for another use, such as a stir-fry.

Seasoning:

Broccolini has a mild, sweet flavor that pairs well with various seasonings. You can keep it simple with just olive oil, salt, and pepper, or get creative with additional spices. Here are some seasoning options:

• Olive oil, salt, and pepper
• Olive oil, lemon, and garlic
• Olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Olive oil, tajin (a Mexican spice blend with chili peppers, lime, and salt)
• Olive oil, cayenne, and garlic powder
• Olive oil, onion powder, paprika, and chili flakes
• Olive oil, lemon zest
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

To season the broccolini, place the trimmed broccolini in a large bowl and toss it with your desired combination of oil and spices until it is evenly coated.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor combinations!

Air fryer settings

Air fryers are a convenient and efficient way to cook broccolini, a hybrid vegetable that combines the flavours of broccoli and Chinese broccoli. When preparing broccolini in an air fryer, there are a few key settings and techniques to keep in mind to ensure optimal cooking results.

First, it is important to preheat the air fryer. The ideal temperature for cooking broccolini is between 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Preheating the air fryer ensures that the broccolini cooks evenly and achieves the desired crispy texture.

When placing the broccolini in the air fryer basket, arrange the florets in a single layer with minimal overlap. This allows for even cooking and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of crisping. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the broccolini in two batches.

The cooking time for broccolini in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the stems and your desired level of doneness. On average, cook the broccolini for 5 to 7 minutes for slightly crunchy stems. Keep in mind that the florets cook faster than the stems, so trimming thicker stems can help achieve a more uniform cook. Shake the air fryer basket gently halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

To check if the broccolini is done to your liking, use a fork to assess its tenderness. If you prefer softer stems, cook the broccolini for an additional minute or two. Keep a close eye on the broccolini towards the end of the cooking time to prevent the tops from burning or becoming too dark.

Additionally, it is important to note that different air fryers may vary in terms of cooking time and temperature settings. As such, it is recommended to check the broccolini a couple of minutes early to ensure it doesn't overcook. Adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly based on your specific air fryer model.

By following these air fryer settings and techniques, you can achieve perfectly cooked broccolini with a nice char and a tender-crisp texture.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time for broccolini in an air fryer can vary depending on the desired texture and the thickness of the stems. For slightly crunchy stems, cook the broccolini for 5-7 minutes in the air fryer. If you prefer softer stems, cook for an additional minute or two. Keep in mind that the florets cook faster than the stems, so it's important to monitor the broccolini closely to avoid overcooking.

It's recommended to preheat the air fryer to around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the broccolini. This ensures that the broccolini cooks evenly and achieves the desired crispness.

When cooking broccolini in an air fryer, it's important not to overcrowd the basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the broccolini in batches to ensure even cooking. Additionally, shaking the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time can help ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

The exact cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the broccolini stems. It's always a good idea to check the broccolini a few minutes early to prevent overcooking and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

By following these guidelines, you can achieve perfectly cooked broccolini with a nice char and a tender-crisp texture.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer broccolini is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Air fryer broccolini goes well with almost any cooked meat, such as baked chicken, meatloaf, pork chops, or steak.
• It can also be served with fish, making it a great addition to casseroles, soups, and stir-fries.
• For a vegetarian option, serve it with pasta tossed in garlic and butter.
• Air fryer broccolini also pairs well with blackened pork chops, air fryer hot dogs, and smoked cauliflower.
• For a more indulgent option, sprinkle some cotija or parmesan cheese on top.
• If you're looking for a dip, try serving it with homemade buttermilk ranch dressing.
• To add some crunch, top it with sesame seeds or minced garlic.

Storage and reheating

Air fryer broccolini can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To restore its crispy exterior, reheat it in a preheated air fryer.

While you can freeze leftover broccolini, the texture can become mushy when reheated. It is best to blanch the broccolini briefly and freeze it before air frying for better results.

Frequently asked questions