Charred Broccolini Salad (Printable)

Air-fried broccolini with garlic chips, lemon zest, and Parmesan creates a vibrant, flavorful side or main.

# 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 (200°C) for 3 minutes.
02 - In a large bowl, toss broccolini with 1.5 tablespoons olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Arrange broccolini in a single layer in air fryer basket. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking basket halfway through until broccolini is charred and tender.
04 - While broccolini cooks, heat remaining 0.5 tablespoons 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 serving platter. Drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle with lemon zest, and toss gently to coat.
06 - Scatter garlic chips and Parmesan over broccolini. Add red pepper flakes and pine nuts if desired.
07 - Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert suggestions:

01 -
  • The broccolini gets actual char and crispness, not the sad steamed version you've probably made before.
  • Garlic chips add a salty crunch that transforms a simple vegetable into something you'll crave.
  • It tastes like you spent an hour cooking but actually takes less time than ordering takeout.
02 -
  • Air fryer baskets vary wildly in how they heat—if your broccolini isn't charring after 9 minutes, your machine might run cooler, so add a minute or two and watch it rather than following the time religiously.
  • Don't skip shaking the basket halfway through; it's the difference between evenly charred vegetables and some pieces that never touch the heat.
03 -
  • If you don't have an air fryer, roast the broccolini in a 220°C (425°F) oven for 12 to 15 minutes on a baking sheet, tossing halfway through—it won't be quite as dramatic but it's honestly almost as good.
  • Microplane your lemon zest fresh right over the finished salad instead of zesting ahead of time; it stays brighter and more fragrant when you do it at the last second.
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