Charred Broccolini Salad (Print)

Air-fried broccolini paired with garlic chips, lemon zest, and Parmesan for a fresh, flavorful dish.

# Components:

→ 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

# 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 freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Place broccolini in a single layer in the 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 and sprinkle with lemon zest. Toss gently to combine.
06 - Top broccolini with garlic chips and Parmesan cheese. Add red pepper flakes and toasted pine nuts if using.
07 - Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges alongside.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in under 25 minutes, which means you can actually make it on a weeknight without losing your mind.
  • The contrast between crispy garlic chips and tender charred broccolini feels fancy but tastes like comfort.
  • It works as a side dish at a dinner party or entirely on its own when you're craving something light but satisfying.
02 -
  • Don't skip shaking the air fryer basket halfway through cooking—the broccolini on the bottom needs that rotation to get properly charred all over.
  • The garlic chips need constant attention; I learned this the hard way after burning a batch and realizing it makes the whole salad taste like regret.
  • Dress the broccolini while it's still hot so the lemon and warmth bring out all the flavors—cold broccolini won't absorb the seasoning the same way.
03 -
  • If you don't have an air fryer, you can roast the broccolini in a 220°C (425°F) oven on a sheet pan for about 12 minutes, stirring halfway, though you might not get quite the same level of char.
  • Make the garlic chips just before serving—they soften as they sit, and honestly, they're only worth eating if they're still crispy and bright.
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