Charred Broccolini Salad (Printable)

Air-fried broccolini tossed with garlic chips, lemon zest, and Parmesan for a light, flavorful side or main.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 14 oz broccolini, trimmed
02 - 1.5 tbsp olive oil
03 - 0.5 tbsp olive oil
04 - 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

→ Seasonings & Flavor

05 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
06 - 0.5 tsp kosher salt
07 - 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
08 - 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Cheese

09 - 1.5 oz Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated

→ Garnish

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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the 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 black pepper.
03 - Place broccolini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until broccolini is charred and tender.
04 - Heat remaining 0.5 tablespoon olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic slices and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
05 - Transfer broccolini to a serving platter while hot. Drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle lemon zest, and toss gently.
06 - Scatter garlic chips and Parmesan cheese over the broccolini. Add red pepper flakes and toasted pine nuts if using.
07 - Serve immediately, accompanied by extra lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 25 minutes, leaving you time to actually enjoy your meal instead of being stuck at the stove.
  • The crispy garlic chips and lemon juice make vegetables taste like something you'd order at a fancy restaurant, not health food.
  • It works equally well as a side dish, a light lunch, or part of a vegetarian spread that everyone actually wants to eat.
02 -
  • Don't skip shaking the basket halfway through cooking—this is what prevents some pieces from charring while others stay pale.
  • The garlic burns easily, so keep your heat at medium and stir constantly; there's a narrow window between golden and burnt, and it happens fast.
  • Assembly right after cooking is key because the heat helps the lemon juice and cheese flavors meld into the broccolini instead of sitting on top.
03 -
  • Pat the broccolini dry before oiling it—any water clinging to the florets will create steam instead of char.
  • If you don't have an air fryer, a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat works beautifully; just increase the cooking time to 8–10 minutes and stir occasionally.
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