So quick and easy to make, this air fryer Tenderstem broccoli (also known as broccolini) will fast become a favorite vegetable side dish I think! We use a few pantry staples to give lots of flavor, and it comes together in just 10 minutes.
I love my air fryer for many reasons, and cooking veggies is definitely one of them. Just like my air fryer root vegetables and air fryer baby corn, this recipe is so simple to do while your main dishes are cooking.
And of course, there's lots of flavor in this air fried Tenderstem broccoli! We season with thyme and garlic powder to really bring out the nutty roasted flavor of the broccolini. Serve it up as an appetizer with a fun dipping sauce or as a veggie side dish!
Have a peek at my air fryer baby carrots and air fryer leeks for more super simple air fryer vegetable recipes!
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🥦 Ingredients
All the ingredients and their quantities are set out in the recipe card below.
Some notes on a few of them:
- Tenderstem broccoli - also known as broccolini, choose fresh bright greens stems. Personally I remove any larger leaves, but they are edible so can be left if you prefer. If there are thicker stems in your bunch, you may wish to slice lengthways into two pieces.
- Olive oil - this gives the broccolini extra flavor and encourages browning.
- Dried thyme and garlic powder - these add extra flavor. They are optional, but recommended!
📖 Swaps and variations
Change up the herbs. Swap dried thyme for oregano, Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence for flavor.
Add toppings. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice would be nice, but please note that they wouldn't likely be suitable for low histamine readers.
🔪 How to cook Tenderstem broccoli in the air fryer
Step 1: Prep the Tenderstem broccoli
Wash and dry the Tenderstem broccoli, trim the very ends if they are tough or woody. Add to a bowl, drizzle on olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt and black pepper. Toss to coat the broccolini in the oil and herbs (image 1).
Step 2: Air fry the Tenderstem broccoli
Preheat the air fryer, then use tongs (not fingers, the basket will be hot!) to add the Tenderstem broccoli to the basket in a single layer with a little space between them to allow for the air to circulate. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, flipping the broccoli or shaking the basket after about 3 minutes (image 2).
💭 Recipe tips and notes
- If your Tenderstem broccoli is of varying sizes, cut down larger stems so they are roughly the same size. This helps with an even cook time.
- Add the stems to an air fryer basket so they are in an even layer and with a little space between them to allow for air circulation (this means they 'roast' rather than steam). You may need to work in batches.
- Adjust the cook time to preference. If you like less browning, reduce the time by a minute or so. For more crispy edges, add another minute. Also note that air fryers can run hotter (or colder!) so adjust timings to your personal model.
📋 Frequently asked questions
It isn't necessary to remove the leaves as they are edible, but you can remove any larger leaves to preference.
For more crispy Tenderstem broccoli be sure to use enough oil, and cook for a little longer. Make sure to check the air fryer basket though as you want some browning and not burning!
Yes, you can freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Tenderstem broccoli (also known as broccolini) has long stems with the flowers on the ends. It's a mix of broccoli and Chinese kale. Broccoli has a shorter main stem and is a round head of short stems and flowers.
🥣 Serving suggestions
Enjoy this air fryer Tenderstem broccoli as an appetizer or a side dish:
- Pair with a fun dipping sauce or drizzle on a dressing such as my tahini dill dressing or my pumpkin seed dressing for a tasty appetizer.
- For an easy all air fryer meal, pair the broccolini with my air fryer chicken bites, air fryer skinless chicken thighs or my frozen cod in air fryer recipes.
- Add to a summer salad for some extra greens. It would be delicious with my cucumber potato salad, chicken kale salad or my beetroot and sweet potato salad.
🥕 More air fryer side dishes
Find so many air fryer recipes here on the site including veggie sides including my air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts and air fryer broccoli and cauliflower, as well as these fun recipes:
I'm always in the kitchen, so come join me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to be the first to hear of new recipes! And I love to hear from you - so please do leave a star rating ⭐⭐⭐ and comment if you've tried the recipe!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Tenderstem Broccoli
Ingredients
- 180 g Tenderstem broccoli tough ends trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch salt
- pinch black pepper optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 180C / 360F for 3 minutes.
- Wash and dry the broccoli, then snip off any tough ends with scissors. If you have any particularly large pieces, you may wish to cut into two pieces for a more even cook time. Add to a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle on the dried thyme, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Toss to coat the broccoli.
- Use tongs to place the stems in the air fryer basket, in an even layer with a little space between them. You may need to work in batches if you have a smaller air fryer.
- Air fry for 4-5 minutes at 180C / 360F, using tongs to flip after about 3 minutes (and checking the amount of browning). For more browning, you can air fry for a few more minutes to preference.
Notes
- If you have Tenderstem broccoli pieces of different sizes, cut the larger pieces into two for a more even cook time.
- Air frying time is rather dependent on the amount of 'char' that you like. For less, subtract a minute from the cook time, for more add another minute or two.
- Nutritional information is auto-generated and should be understood to be an estimate.
- Tenderstem broccoli (or broccolini) isn't mentioned, but broccoli scores 0.
- garlic, which scores 1.
- black pepper, which scores 2.
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