Broccoli Rabe Air Fryer Recipe

Crisp, tender, and thoughtfully flavored with zesty lemon and pine nuts, this broccoli rabe air fryer will become a family favorite!

You will love how earthy garlic and the fresh citrus taste of lemon juice complement this tender broccoli rabe air fryer. All topped off with crunchy pine nuts and tangy Parmigiano Reggiano, this side feels decadent but is super healthy and easy to make.

My favorite thing about this easy broccoli rabe recipe is how quick it is to make! It only takes 10 minutes to cook, and the preparation time is minimal, making it the perfect dish for those warm summer evenings when you just don’t want to be in the kitchen.

Roast broccoli rabe is not only quicker in the air fryer, but it’s also more delicious, too! Air frying helps to seal in all of the delightful juices while lightly charring the outside and bringing out the natural flavors of this superstar veggie.

Ingredients for broccoli rabe

**Find the full list of ingredients along with the recipe instructions at the end of this post**

Broccoli rabe: Broccoli rabe has a unique flavor, slightly bitter and nutty, and is wonderful with Parmigiano Reggiano. If you can’t find broccoli rabe, this recipe works well with regular broccoli or broccolini. 

Minced garlic: If you don’t feel like mincing garlic yourself, you can buy ready-prepared minced garlic, which works just as well. 

Lemon (zested): Lemon juice also works well to add a fresh, citrus flavor to this dish.

Parmigiano Reggiano: Sometimes called the King of Cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano is rich and sharp, with a crumbly texture, perfect for roasted broccoli rabe. You could also use Parmesan or Grana Padano. For a vegan alternative, blend soaked raw cashews with nutritional yeast, sea salt, and garlic powder.

Pine nuts (toasted): Mild and sweet with an almost creamy texture, pine nuts are extra special when they’re toasted! If you don’t have pine nuts, cashews also work well.

Tools used to make the recipe.

• Large bowl
• Air fryer

How to cook broccoli rabe in an air fryer?

First, wash and trim the broccoli rabe and cut in portions larges pieces if you have some. 

Next, mix garlic and olive oil together in a large bowl; add the broccoli rabe to the bowl and toss them until well coated.

Then, transfer the broccoli rabe to the air fryer basket and air fry to 380ºF for 10 minutes shanking the basket occasionally or until tender and crispy. 

Finally, remove from the basket to a platter and sprinkle with cheese and toasted pine nuts. Serve and Enjoy!

Recipe tips

• To zest the lemon, simply run the lemon over the smallest part of a box grater until all of the yellow skin has disappeared - that’s the zest!
• You can toast pine nuts in the air fryer by setting the temperature to 300°F and cooking for 4-6 minutes (be sure to shake the basket at least once during cooking). Alternatively, you can toast them in a skillet over medium-high heat - no need for oil, just keep them moving until they are golden brown, and you can smell a deliciously nutty aroma.

How long to cook broccoli rabe

Cook broccoli rabe in air fryer for 10 minutes at 380°F, or until the broccoli rabe is tender and the outsides are charred.

Cooking times will vary depending on which model of air fryer you use.

What to serve with roasted broccoli rabe

• Air fryer chicken wings (no flour)
• Best air fryer salmon steak
• Air fryer whole cauliflower
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops

How do you store broccoli rabe

If you have leftover air fryer broccoli rabe, ensure you move it to the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to stop bacteria from growing and seal it in an airtight container. After that, you can keep it in the fridge for 3-5 days. 

You can also store broccoli rabe in the freezer. It’s safe to keep in the freezer indefinitely, although you should consume it within 10-12 months for the best results. When you freeze broccoli rabe, lay it out on a baking sheet and freeze for 8 hours before transferring it to freezer bags - this helps to prevent the pieces from sticking together.

FAQ’S

More Air Fryer Recipes 

• Broccoli Bites in Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Broccoli Parmesan

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