Air Fryer Broccolini – Keto

You’re going to love this super easy roasted air fryer broccolini recipe that you can have on the table in under 15 minutes, using only 5 basic ingredients! A healthy and delicious side dish that’s not only keto, but even Whole30 and Squeaky Clean Keto friendly.

Air fryer broccolini may seem like a strange recipe to get excited about, but guys I’m here to tell you that it’s awesome. The thinner stalks and end pieces get super crispy and shatter on your tongue almost like potato chips, while the thicker parts of the stalk get soft and super sweet as though you roasted it for an hour.

This easy air fryer broccolini has it all – amazing flavor and texture in a low calorie, low carbohydrate package that is keto, Whole30, AND Squeaky Clean Keto friendly!

I know you have questions and I will try to answer them below, but if you don’t find the answer feel free to leave them in the comments and I will get back to you.

Table of Contents

1. What is broccolini?
2. Can I use regular broccoli in this recipe?
3. What kind of air fryer do you use?
4. Can I make this Air Fryer Broccolini in the oven?
5. Serving suggestions for Air Fryer Broccolini
6. Storage information

What is broccolini?

Broccolini is often called baby broccoli, but it’s actually a completely different vegetable that while in the same brassica family as broccoli – won’t ever turn into broccoli no matter how long you let it grow.

Similar in appearance to broccoli rabe, it tastes completely different – whereas broccoli rabe is bitter and a member of the turnip family, broccolini is much sweeter and doesn’t come with leaves like broccoli rabe does.

Can I use regular broccoli in this recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can make this with broccoli and it will have a very similar flavor and texture. I recommend slicing any thicker stalks in half lengthwise though, so that they cook through in the allotted time.

What kind of air fryer do you use?

I have a Geek Chef 7-in-1 Air Fryer and Toaster Oven Combo that I purchased on Amazon last year. We love it.

For this recipe in my machine I put the broccolini in the fryer basket with the little sheet pan below to catch any oil drips.

You can use any air fryer in this air fryer broccolini – just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for loading the veggies and setting the time and temperature.

Can I make this Air Fryer Broccolini in the oven?

Yes, you can easily make this keto broccolini recipe in the oven, but it will take much longer. I will include the oven time in the recipe card, but if you’re using this as a quick reference then you’d want to cook this amount of broccolini for about 30 minutes at 400 degrees to get that crispy texture and sweet, roasty flavor.

Serving suggestions for Air Fryer Broccolini

This crispy air fryer broccolini is delicious hot, but also works awesome chilled on a salad or as part of an antipasto platter.

Here are some suggestions of what you might pair it with as a side dish:

Caesar Baked Chicken Thighs

5 Spice Pork Tenderloin

Salmon with Cranberry Orange Butter

Hasselback Italian Chicken

Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

Storage information

Once cooked this air fryer broccolini will keep very well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. I don’t recommend freezing it because it will ruin the texture.

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