Charred Broccolini Salad (Print version)

Air-fried broccolini with crispy garlic, lemon zest, and Parmesan for a fresh, vibrant dish.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 14 oz broccolini, trimmed
02 - 1.5 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:

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 halfway through, until charred and tender.
04 - While broccolini cooks, heat 0.5 tablespoon olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic slices and cook, stirring frequently, until golden and crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
05 - Transfer broccolini to a serving platter. While still warm, drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest. Toss gently.
06 - Scatter garlic chips and Parmesan over broccolini. Add red pepper flakes and toasted pine nuts if desired.
07 - Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Charred broccolini tastes nothing like steamed versions—crispy, slightly smoky, and genuinely crave-worthy.
  • It comes together in under 25 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something that feels special.
  • The garlic chips and lemon create brightness that makes this feel fresh rather than heavy, so it works as a side or a light main.
02 -
  • Don't skip the shake halfway through cooking—it prevents one side from burning and ensures even charring across all the florets.
  • Watch your garlic like a hawk; the difference between golden and burnt is about 30 seconds, and burnt garlic tastes acrid and bitter.
03 -
  • If you don't have an air fryer, roast the broccolini in a 200°C oven for 12–15 minutes, stirring halfway, until charred and tender.
  • Make the garlic chips ahead of time and store them in an airtight container; they actually stay crispy and make assembly faster on busy nights.
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