Learn how to make delicious, crunchy broccolini using an air fryer for a healthier take on this classic side dish!
Perfectly cooked in minutes, you’ll never want to go back after trying it. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients—broccolini is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron.
Let’s take a look at how to cook air fryer broccolini in the perfect way every time and how to store and reheat it!
Contents
How to Cook Air Fryer Broccolini?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook air fryer broccolini:
1. Preparing Your Broccolini
The most important step of cooking your broccolini in the air fryer is prepping it for cooking.
- Start by rinsing off your broccolini under cold water and drying it off with a paper towel or cloth kitchen towel.
- Then, cut off the bottom inch of each stalk (you can discard this part).
- Next, toss your broccolini with olive oil and seasonings of your choice—garlic powder, salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning are all great options.
2. Cooking Your Broccolini
Once your broccolini has been prepped, you’re ready to cook!
- Place it inside the air fryer basket so that none of the stalks are touching.
- Set your air fryer temperature to 400°F (or 200°C) and let it cook for 10 minutes.
- Halfway through cooking time (at 5 minutes), use tongs to flip each stalk over so that they cook evenly on both sides.
- Once they’re finished cooking, remove them from the air fryer basket immediately and enjoy!
3. Optional Toppings
If you want extra flavor for your air-fried broccolini, try adding some toppings!
Grated Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes are always great options. You could also serve your cooked broccolini with a creamy dip like ranch dressing or garlic aioli sauce.
For an extra punch of flavor, try drizzling some balsamic glaze over top of the cooked broccoli before serving!
These additions will take your dish from a tasty side dish to a full-blown meal in no time flat.
| Prep time | Cook time: | Serves |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Minute | 7 Minutes | 2 |
How Long to Air Fry Broccolini?
Well, the answer to the question of how long to air fry broccolini depends on the size and thickness of the stalks.
Generally, it takes about 7-10 minutes to cook this dish in an air fryer set at 400°F (or 200°C).
Be sure to check your broccolini every 5 minutes to make sure it doesn’t get too crispy. It should be slightly charred on the outside, but still tender and juicy inside.
Once it’s done cooking, remove it from the air fryer immediately and enjoy!
Can You Cook Raw Broccoli in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook raw broccoli in an air fryer!
- Start by cutting the florets into even-sized pieces and tossing them with olive oil and seasonings of your choice (garlic powder, salt, pepper, etc.).
- Then place the florets inside the air fryer basket so that none of them touch.
- Cook at 400°F (or 200°C) for 7-10 minutes, flipping the florets midway through cooking time. Once they’re finished cooking, remove them from the air fryer basket and enjoy!
How to Store Air Fryer Broccolini?
Let’s explore the best ways to store air fryer broccolini.
1. Proper Refrigeration
The best way to store your leftovers is in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To keep your broccolini fresh, make sure that all of the air is pressed out of the container before securing the lid.
If stored properly, your leftovers should stay fresh and crisp throughout their refrigerator life.
When reheating your refrigerated air fryer broccolini, use a low heat setting on either a skillet or oven so that it does not become too crispy or dry out. You can also add a small amount of water or oil to help ensure that your vegetables stay moist and flavorful.
2. Freezing Your Broccolini
If you have more than three days’ worth of leftovers, freezing them is a great option!
To freeze your broccolini, place it in an airtight container and label it with the date before transferring it into the freezer. Frozen broccolini will last up to six months if stored properly!
When you’re ready to eat it again, defrost it completely before reheating using either a skillet or oven on low heat settings so that it does not become too crispy or dried out.
How to Reheat Air Fryer Broccolini?
Reheating your frozen or refrigerated leftovers correctly is key for getting tender and flavorful results every time!
To reheat either frozen or refrigerated leftovers, preheat an oven or skillet in low heat settings for about five minutes before adding the food.
For both reheating methods, make sure that you stir occasionally until heated thoroughly (around 8-10 minutes).
If needed, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water or oil during this process as well so that your food doesn’t dry out while reheating!
Variations:
-Try adding some lemon juice and garlic powder to the broccolini before cooking for a flavor boost.
-Top cooked air fryer broccolini with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy twist.
-If you’re looking for a spicy kick, drizzle your cooked broccolini with hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
-For a heartier dish, try adding cooked sausage or bacon to your air fryer broccolini.
Conclusion:
Air-frying broccoli is an easy way to create a delicious and nutritious side dish in just minutes!
Preparing it beforehand will ensure that it cooks evenly once placed in the air fryer basket; simply toss it in some oil and seasonings before popping it into the appliance.
With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy all of your delicious air fryer creations over multiple meals!
By properly storing and reheating your leftovers—whether that be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to six months—you can enjoy tender, flavorful dishes throughout the week without having to start from scratch each time!
So go ahead and whip up some delicious Air Fryer Broccolini—your stomach (and wallet) will thank you later!
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