Charred Broccolini Salad (Printable)

Air-fried broccolini tossed with garlic chips, lemon, Parmesan, and pine nuts for a fresh, flavorful salad.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 14 oz broccolini, trimmed
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

→ Seasonings & Flavor

04 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
05 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
06 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Cheese

08 - 1.5 oz Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated

→ Garnish

09 - 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional)
10 - Extra lemon wedges, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
02 - In a large bowl, toss broccolini with 1.5 tablespoons olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper.
03 - Arrange broccolini in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking halfway through, until charred and tender.
04 - Meanwhile, heat remaining 0.5 tablespoon olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic slices and cook, stirring frequently, until golden and crisp, about 1 to 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
05 - Transfer hot broccolini to a serving platter; drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle lemon zest, and toss gently.
06 - Scatter garlic chips and Parmesan over broccolini. Add red pepper flakes and pine nuts if desired.
07 - Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in less than 25 minutes, which means weeknight dinners don't have to be complicated.
  • The contrast between the charred, tender broccolini and crispy garlic chips is honestly addictive.
  • It works as a standalone lunch, a side for grilled fish, or part of a vegetable spread—genuinely flexible.
02 -
  • Don't skip shaking the basket halfway through cooking—it's the difference between evenly charred broccolini and some pieces that steam instead of crisp.
  • Fry your garlic separately in a skillet rather than in the air fryer; it lets you control the timing perfectly and keeps it from overcooking while the vegetables finish.
  • Add the lemon juice while the broccolini is still hot so it absorbs into the florets rather than just sitting on top.
03 -
  • If you don't have an air fryer, roast at 220°C (425°F) on a sheet pan for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring halfway through—you'll get similar results with slightly longer cooking.
  • Buy your broccolini from somewhere with good turnover; fresher stems mean better texture after cooking.
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