Charred Broccolini with Parmesan (Print Version)

Air-fried broccolini tossed with garlic chips, lemon, and Parmesan for a bright, flavorful dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# How To Make It:

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 air fryer basket and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking halfway through, until charred and tender.
04 - While broccolini cooks, 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 - Top broccolini with garlic chips and Parmesan cheese. Add red pepper flakes and toasted pine nuts if desired.
07 - Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The air fryer does most of the work, leaving you free to crisp up garlic instead of standing over a hot stove.
  • Charred broccolini hits different than raw—nutty, slightly sweet, and completely addictive even for vegetable skeptics.
  • It comes together in under 25 minutes but tastes like you fussed over it for hours.
02 -
  • Add the lemon juice while the broccolini is still hot so it absorbs the bright acidity instead of just sitting on top like a dressing.
  • Don't skip shaking the basket halfway through cooking—moving things around is what gets you that beautiful all-over char instead of soft spots.
  • Garlic burns faster than you think, so watch it like a hawk and pull it off heat the moment it smells toasted, not the moment it looks golden.
03 -
  • Keep your air fryer basket from getting crowded by arranging broccolini in a true single layer; too many pieces pile up and steam instead of char.
  • Prep your garlic slices and lemon zest before you start cooking so you're not scrambling for fine motor skills when everything is hot and ready to eat.
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