Air Fryer Broccolini Salad

Easy air fryer broccolini salad with lentils, spinach, cranberries and toasted almonds tossed in creamy hot honey tahini dressing. Top with any protein you’d like or enjoy as a plant-based meal.

Air fryer broccolini is superior to standard roasted broccoli. And when you add it into your salad – OH MY GOSH you will fall in love guys.

Broccolini salads are one of my most favourite things right now. It adds flavour, texture and it just makes this salad a lot more heartier than your usual green base. Plus, roasting broccolini in the air fryer cooks much faster than the oven. Everything is tossed in a delicious hot honey tahini dressing and the flavour are too die for

It is great to prep for work lunches, school, anything. Just add the dressing day of eating and enjoy it friends.

Ingredients you'll need:

You only need 6 simple ingredients to make this air fryer salad:

• Broccolini
• Brown lentils: rinsed and washed
• Baby spinach leaves: just a handful to create our base
• Olive oil spray: just a bit to cook the broccolini
• Dried cranberries
• Toasted almond flakes: for a yummy crunch and flavour. You also use roasted cashews or toasted sesame seeds too
• Lemon juice
• Tahini
• Hot honey: or use honey and a dash of chili powder. Hot honey is my secret weapon in the sauce!

How to cook broccolini in air fryer

Rinse the broccolini, then pat dry with paper towel. Trim the ends.

Season: Toss the broccolini stalks with olive oil, salt, and pepper. 

Air fry: Add the broccolini to an air fryer basket lined with baking paper. Air fry at 180°C/350°F for 8-10 minutes, checking, shaking the basket every 3 – 4 minutes – this is necessary so they cook evenly. 

Dressing: combine the tahini, hot honey, lemon juice,water, salt and pepper. Add more water to thin if needed.

Serve up: In a large bowl or serving dish add the baby spinach leaves, cooked broccolini, lentils, cranberries and toasted almonds. Pour over the tahini dressing and enjoy!

What To Serve With Roasted Broccolini

Need some ideas on how to make this broccolini salad a full meal? I highly recommend pairing it with a yummy protein and starch to make it nutritionally-balanced!

Protein Pairing Ideas:

• Grilled chicken
• Feta cheese
• Grilled tofu steaks
• Poached eggs

Broccolini Nutrition Benefits

This cruciferous veggie is a good source of dietary fibre, and also of micronutrients like:

• vitamin C
• vitamin A
• potassium
• calcium
• iron

Air Fryer Tips and Tricks

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer with the broccolini. Make sure the florets don’t overlap each other.
• Dry the broccolini after rinsing. Water will cause it to steam
• Cooking time will vary by the thickness of the broccolini, but we’re talking seconds vs minutes.
• Trim thicker stems. The florets cook much faster than the stems.

How to store leftovers

Transfer leftovers to airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. I reccomend adding dressing just before eating.

FAQs

Where can you buy broccolini?

Broccolini is seasonal, but can be found in most grocery stores/supermarkets. Woolworths, Coles and Aldi will have it on hand off-season as well.

What's the difference between Broccolini and broccoli?

Broccolini is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli (also known as gai lan). It has a longer and thinner stem compared to the traditional broccoli with a much sweeter taste.

Can I use regular broccoli?

Yes, just decrease the cooking time

If you try this air fryer broccolini recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make

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