• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Short Order Cook

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Food & Fun
  • Products I Love
  • Travel & Dining
  • Meet Angela
    • Bluesky
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Food & Fun
    • Products I Love
    • Travel & Dining
    • Meet Angela
    • Bluesky
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Air Fryer, Instant Pot, & Crock-Pot

    Updated: Feb 27, 2024 · Published: May 23, 2022 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    Air Fryer Broccolini with Lemon & Parmesan

    Jump to Recipe

    For a side dish with so much flavor, air fryer broccolini with lemon and parmesan will blow your mind. Crisp stalks of tender broccolini come out slightly charred when air frying. The seasoned broccolini is not just garlicky but also has a salty nutty taste thanks to ribbons of shaved parmesan cheese. This broccolini is perfectly seasoned and finished with fresh lemon that really smacks your taste buds.

    Air frying gives vegetables a simple complexity with little effort. To singe the ends until they are toasty is so amazing and it is ridiculously easy to do. This is one of the best ways to elevate ordinary vegetables into something extraordinary. Once you try this recipe you will want to air fry every fresh vegetable and I don't blame you. It is also a healthy way to cook broccolini but no one needs to know this yummy recipe is also good for you.

    Platter of air fryer broccolini topped with shaved parmesan and a lemon half on the plate.

    What I love about this recipe is that it was inspired by the tasty broccolini served in many Italian restaurants. You can find crisp, fresh, & flavorful broccolini on many menus in Italy under the contorni section. It is a lovely side to serve with your favorite Italian recipes. I love it with my Low-Carb Keto Lasagna or Lobster Ravioli.

    The addition of acidic lemon juice & flavorful zest is a common way to dress vegetables in Italy. And of course, the parmesan on top is the perfect final step to take my tastebuds back to Italy. So what are you waiting for, get your air fryer ready and enjoy what will likely become your favorite way to cook broccolini.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • How Long to Air Fry Broccolini
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • What to Serve with Broccolini
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Top tip
    • Air Fryer Broccolini with Lemon & Parmesan

    Ingredients

    This easy vegetable side dish recipe call for several fresh ingredients and a few pantry staples. Like many recipes for making fresh vegetables, having fresh ingredients is key. This is very true for this healthy broccolini recipe.

    For this recipe fresh tender broccolini is key. You want small slender stalks and not large big thick stalks of broccolini. This is key to making sure this cooks without it burning on the outside and being hard and raw on the inside. If you have broccolini that is large, broccoli rabe, or you are using regular broccoli florets, see the substitutions section for how to cook this properly.

    Along with the broccolini, fresh lemon, parmesan, and garlic round out the remaining ingredients. This recipe uses shaved ribbons of parmesan. Do not substitute it with finely grated parmesan, it will not add the flavor that you want in this delicious combination. Then you need good oil for air frying, avocado oil spray. Finally, the seasonings add the finishing touch that brings it all together.

    Ingredients for air fryer broccolini.
    • Broccolini
    • Lemon
    • Garlic Cloves
    • Avocado Oil Spray
    • Shaved Parmesan
    • Salt & Pepper

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    Begin by prepping the broccolini and lemon. Wash and thoroughly dry the young broccolini stems. Add it to a large mixing bowl. Lightly spray with the avocado oil and toss or flip over & spray again. You want both sides to have a light dusting of oil. Add the crushed garlic and toss to coat. Next, add salt and pepper. Toss to coat.

    How Long to Air Fry Broccolini

    Once the broccolini is ready, set the air fryer and the timer. For the best temperature to cook broccolini in the air fryer, set it at 375°. Next, set the air fryer cook time for 7 minutes for small broccolini.

    To the basket or tray of the air fryer, add the broccolini pieces. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. No need to preheat, let the broccolini sit in the air fryer during the preheat and cooking time. This will take about 10 minutes total depending on your air fryer model.

    While it is cooking, you can prep the other ingredients. Shave the parmesan if you didn't buy it that way. Also, zest and juice the lemon.

    Broccoli on the air fryer tray crispy and cooked.

    I did not find a need to flip the pieces over in my air fryer with a tray. If you have a basket and find you need to flip food to air fry properly, you may flip it halfway through cooking.

    Once the broccolini is done with air frying, carefully remove it from the air fryer to a serving platter. Arrange it in a single layer.

    broccolini plated with bowls of shaved parmesan, lemon juice, and lemon zest on the side.

    Drizzle the lemon juice evenly over the broccolini. Sprinkle on the lemon zest. Finally, sprinkle on the shaved parmesan. Using tongs, toss to coat or serve as is with salty nutty slices of shaved parmesan on the top.

    In 15 minutes you have not only a quick and easy broccolini recipe, but it tastes fantastic. No one will believe this fancy side dish takes little effort to make & only a few simple ingredients. The pop of citrus from the lemon zest and juice is so refreshing in contrast to the sharp parmesan and earthy broccolini. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

    Hint: Shaved parmesan works best for this recipe. To taste the sharp cheese against the hearty broccolini you need bold big pieces like you get when shaving it. Grated parmesan just doesn't stand a chance so make sure to use large shavings. You will thank me.

    Closeup of broccoli cooked with shaved parmesaon on top and wedge of lemon on the side.

    Substitutions

    Here are a few substitutions you can make to ensure it fits your liking or dietary preference. As mentioned above, if you cannot find small broccolini and you have thick stems on your broccolini or you are using broccoli florets instead, please see the notes below.

    • Large Broccolini - substitute the crushed garlic for ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder. Larger broccolini will take longer to cook and fresh garlic will burn.
    • Broccoli Florets - if using regular broccoli florets, cut them into small 1" pieces so that they can cook in the short 7 minutes.
    • Broccoli Rabe - you can use this too but since it is smaller than broccolini, cut the cooking time down to 4-5 minutes in the air fryer.
    • Low-Sodium - omit the salt and let the cheese be the only salty component. See the nutrition information below to determine if this is low-salt enough for your diet.
    • Vegan/Paleo/Whole30 - use nutritional yeast instead of the shaved parmesan.

    This recipe is already gluten-free, vegetarian, low-fat, and low-carb.

    Overhead of white platter filled with broccoli topped with parmesan and lemon juice and serving utensils and blue napkin to the side.

    Variations

    Air fryer broccolini is a tasty simple side dish or appetizer recipe. You can jazz it up or make small changes to get a variety of other tasty ideas. Here are a few suggestions to make some great vegetable sides.

    • Spicy - add ½ teaspoon chili pepper flakes while cooking to add heat to the dish.
    • Cheesy - add a variety of Italian cheeses along with the parmesan such as gorgonzola or mozzarella. Or omit the parmesan and add a soft and creamy cheese like goat cheese, brie, or boursin.
    • Lemon - if you don't like lemon you can drizzle olive oil at the end for some brightness & help add moisture.
    Plated ready to eat on a white platter with wooden serving utensils, garlic, and lemon wedge on the side.

    What to Serve with Broccolini

    Broccolini made in the air fryer is a quick recipe that goes with so many main meals. This fancy vegetable can be served as either a wonderful vegetarian first course or as an appetizer. I have been to gourmet pizza restaurants that offer broccolini as a small plate and I always order it. So whether you serve air fryer broccolini as an antipasto or as a side dish, you will love it.

    It is amazing with anything from pasta to steak. For some great recipes that go well with broccolini, try some of these. There are vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, and hearty meat dishes so there is surely something to please everyone. One of my favorites is serving it with Smoked Beef Short Ribs - a great summer meal!

    • Smoked Beef Short Ribs featured close up on a plate with parsley and fork to the right
      Smoked Beef Short Ribs
    • Pasta al Forno (baked pasta) featured in a casserole dish ready to eat
      Rigatoni al Forno (Baked Pasta)
    • plated crispy brown fish fillets with ranch dipping sauce
      Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Fish
    • Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers featured overhead of plate with sausage and peppers
      Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers

    Equipment

    For this recipe, you need an air fryer. Whether you have a basket style or a toaster oven combination with a tray as I have, this broccolini recipe comes out fantastic. I love doing vegetables as they get a little charred or crispy which adds so much flavor. One of my favorites is an easy appetizer or side dish recipe for Air Fryer Shishito Peppers - they are addicting so you have been warned.

    If you are shopping for a new air fryer model, here are some I recommend. Whether you want a small one or a large one to feed a big family (like mine), there is something to love. Also here are some great air fryer accessories that help my air fry cooking.

    200pcs Air Fryer Parchment Paper Disposable Liner 8.5inch, Premium Perforated for Air Fryer, Streamer, Pans, No Burn, Easy Cleanup (Brown)
    $5.59
    200pcs Air Fryer Parchment Paper Disposable Liner 8.5inch, Premium Perforated for Air Fryer, Streamer, Pans, No Burn, Easy Cleanup (Brown)
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/13/2025 12:56 pm GMT
    HOTEC Premium Stainless Steel Locking Kitchen Tongs with Silicon Tips, Set of 2-9" and 12"
    $9.99
    HOTEC Premium Stainless Steel Locking Kitchen Tongs with Silicon Tips, Set of 2-9" and 12"
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/13/2025 11:05 am GMT
    8 Inch Air Fryer Accessories, XL Air Fryer Accessories with Recipe Cookbook for Air Fryer Oven Microwave Air Fryer Accessories
    8 Inch Air Fryer Accessories, XL Air Fryer Accessories with Recipe Cookbook for Air Fryer Oven Microwave Air Fryer Accessories
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, Brushed Stainless Steel, BOV900BSS
    $399.95
    Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, Brushed Stainless Steel, BOV900BSS
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/13/2025 10:26 am GMT
    tifanso Silicone Oven Mitts Pot Holders Sets for Kitchen Heat Resistant Small Kitchen Mittens Rubber Air Fryer Mitts Mini Pot Pinch Grip for Cooking and Baking 1 Pair (Black)
    $5.99
    tifanso Silicone Oven Mitts Pot Holders Sets for Kitchen Heat Resistant Small Kitchen Mittens Rubber Air Fryer Mitts Mini Pot Pinch Grip for Cooking and Baking 1 Pair (Black)
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/13/2025 12:26 pm GMT

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you!  

    Storage

    This recipe makes 4 servings. If you have leftover broccolini, it stores well in the refrigerator. Place it in an air-tight container and store for up to 5 days. Reheat broccolini in the microwave or air fryer.

    Cooked broccolini can be frozen as well. To store leftover broccolini in the freezer, place it in an air-tight container or ziplock bag. It can be frozen for up to 30 days. To defrost, place frozen broccolini in the refrigerator for 1-2 days to thaw. Defrosted cooked broccolini will not be as crisp and may lose some of its moisture but is still safe to eat.

    Top tip

    Wondering if you can eat broccolini that has started to flower? Do not throw it away, keep that loved broccolini and the flowers too. They are perfectly edible, tasty, and pretty. So yes you can eat broccolini, broccoli, or broccoli rabe that has flowers on it.

    Platter of air fryer broccolini with lemon and parmesan.

    Air Fryer Broccolini with Lemon & Parmesan

    Angela
    Broccolini is crispy thanks to the air fryer. It is all dressed up with fresh lemon & parmesan. This garlicky recipe is savory, salty, & bright with a punch of citrus.  You'll love this Italian-inspired fresh vegetable side dish or appetizer.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 8 minutes mins
    Cook Time 7 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 4

    Equipment

    • air fryer

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound small broccolini w thin tiny stalks ** see notes above if using thick broccolini or regular broccoli florets
    • avocado oil spray
    • 3 cloves garlic minced or crushed
    • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
    • ⅓ cup shaved parmesan cheese
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Wash & dry the broccolini.   Add broccolini to a large mixing bowl. 
    • Spray with avocado oil & toss with hands or tongs to coat.
    • If using tender baby broccoli, sprinkle with the fresh garlic & toss to coat.  Add salt & pepper & toss again.
      ** If using thicker large broccolini or florets, add only salt & pepper now, no fresh garlic at this time.
    • Place seasoned broccolini on the rack or in an air fryer basket.  Make sure it is in a single layer.
    • No need to preheat.  Set the air fryer to 375° for 7 minutes (for small tender stalks).
      NOTE: Set it for 10 minutes for larger/thicker stalks or large broccoli florets; fresh garlic will burn in 10 minutes so if using larger broccoli, add garlic midway through cooking or use ¼ teaspoon garlic powder instead. 
    • When done, carefully place air-fried broccolini on a platter. Drizzle on the lemon juice & zest.
    • Top with shaved parmesan.  Add more salt & pepper to taste. 
    • ENJOY IMMEDIATELY!   
    • Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Notes

    Nutrition Facts
    Servings: 4
    Amount per serving  
    Calories 52
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 2.4g 3%
    Saturated Fat 1.6g 8%
    Cholesterol 8mg 3%
    Sodium 217mg 9%
    Total Carbohydrate 4.2g 2%
    Dietary Fiber 1.3g 5%
    Total Sugars 1g  
    Protein 4.5g  
    Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
    Calcium 117mg 9%
    Iron 0mg 2%
    Potassium 163mg 3%
    *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
    Keyword air fry, healthy, low carb, low fat, vegetable, vegetarian
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    « 8 Fruits That Have No Seeds
    How to Reheat Ribs in the Air Fryer »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Bryce says

      June 13, 2022 at 11:21 am

      5 stars
      Best broccolini ever. The lemon is the key.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Angela the short order cook on a step stool reaching into the top kitchen cupboard.

    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. As a former personal chef & caterer, I specialize in family recipes that taste great & are easy to make. I rely on my trusty stool every day to create & test recipes I know you will love.

    More about me →

    This site has links to products/services that may make us a commission. #ad

    Popular

    • Red Velvet Brownies with Cake Mix cut in squares on a counter with white chocolate chips.
      Red Velvet Brownies with Cake Mix
    • Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries featured close up with dipping sauces on the bottom
      Deep-Fried Sweet Potato Fries
    • 4- Ingredient Key Lime Pie in graham cracker crust topped with whipped cream.
      Easy 4- Ingredient Key Lime Pie
    • Naked Chicken Wings on a plate.
      Naked Chicken Wings
    • How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven featured
      How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven
    • Fried Spaghetti with Eggs featured closeup overhead of bowl filled and topped with parmesan and parsley
      Fried Spaghetti with Eggs
    • Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream Overhead two bowls of ice cream and black napkin.
      Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream
    • A set of black pots and pans.
      Best Pots & Pans for Gas Stove
    Try Audible Plus
    Join Amazon Prime - Watch Thousands of Movies & TV Shows Anytime - Start Free Trial Now
    Create an Amazon Wedding Registry
    Shop Amazon - Create an Amazon Baby Registry

    The Short Order Cook LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

    Top Categories

    • Main Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Italian
    • Holidays
    • Southern
    • Recipe Roundups

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    • Disclosure Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Meet Angela
    • Meet the Family

    Copyright © 2019- 2025 The Short Order Cook LLC, All Rights Reserved. All recipes, original photos, and articles on this site are the property of The Short Order Cook LLC. You are welcome to share an original photo ONLY with an accompanying do-follow link to this site. Publishing any item as if it were your own is prohibited & illegal. The Short Order Cook tests every recipe & never uses AI to create recipes or images.

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read Privacy Policy
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT