Imagine a side dish that's so irresistibly crisp, so perfectly seasoned, and so quick to prepare that it'll become your new go-to recipe. This Air Fryer Broccolini Salad is not just a side dish—it's a culinary revelation that transforms humble broccolini into a restaurant-quality masterpiece in just 15 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook, a health-conscious foodie, or someone who loves bold, vibrant flavors, this recipe is about to become your kitchen's newest star!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g broccolini, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the broccolini by washing thoroughly and trimming off any tough woody ends. Pat the broccolini completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy roasting.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help achieve a crispy and slightly charred texture.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the trimmed broccolini with olive oil, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Arrange the broccolini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Air fry the broccolini for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure uniform browning and crispy edges.
- Once cooking is complete, transfer the broccolini to a serving plate. Immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice for brightness and acidity.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the hot broccolini, allowing the cheese to slightly melt from the residual heat.
- Serve immediately as a warm side dish or let cool slightly to use as a salad base. Can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness: Always thoroughly pat your broccolini dry before cooking to ensure maximum crunch.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each broccolini piece space to breathe and crisp up evenly.
- Shake the basket midway through cooking to promote uniform browning and prevent any soggy spots.
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor impact.
- Experiment with additional seasonings like red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or herbs de Provence to customize your dish.
- For an extra flavor boost, try finishing with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze or toasted pine nuts.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, but this dish is also delicious at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
