air fryer tenderstem broccoli (broccolini) with garlic soy

Air Fryer Tenderstem Broccoli (broccolini) with garlic soy sauce is a delicious way to get healthy veggies on your table with very little time and effort!

This Air Fryer Tenderstem Broccoli (broccolini) with garlic soy sauce consists of fresh, tender stem broccoli, tossed in a simple, yet delicious, garlic soy sauce made with garlic, soy sauce, agave, mirin, rice vinegar, and sesame oil…and then cooked quickly, easily, and perfectly in the air fryer!

Air Fryer Tenderstem Broccoli (broccolini) with garlic soy sauce makes the perfect side dish for any Asian inspired meal! This recipe only takes 10 minutes! That’s right, a super flavorful, healthy, low calorie side dish in a flash.

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What is tenderstem broccoli

Before we dive into the recipe, lets start with the basics. Tenderstem broccoli, also known as broccolini, is a cross between Chinese kale and broccoli. It basically looks like a tall thin broccoli.

Tenderstem broccoli is absolutely delicious! It can be described as slightly nutty and sweet, with a firm texture that becomes slightly tender and juicy when properly cooked.

Tenderstem broccoli is not only delicious, it’s a great low calorie, low fat addition to any meal. This versatile veggie also brings plenty of nutrients to the table, including potassium, fiber, manganese, vitamin A, and vitamin C! So say yes to tenderstem broccoli!

Can I eat the stems and leaves of tenderstem broccoli

You sure can! All of tenderstem broccoli is edible! This includes the stems and leaves.

Easy Garlic Soy Sauce for Air Fryer Tenderstem Broccoli

Air Fryer Tenderstem Broccoli is super delicious with just a touch of salt and oil…but add the right sauce to it and now you’ve got a super flavorful vegetable side dish you won’t be able to keep your hands off.

For this air fryer tenderstem broccoli I went with a super simple, yet super flavorful easy to make garlic soy sauce. To make this, combine 1 garlic clove, 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium), 1/2 tbsp agave, 1/2 tbsp mirin, and 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar. After the tenderstem broccoli has finished air frying, you will add the finishing touch of toasted sesame oil. You add the toasted sesame oil AFTER you have finished cooking your dish because it is already a toasted oil…this means it’s very easy to overcook (over toast) this oil. So adding it to a dish after you have finished air frying it leads to the best flavor.

How to Air Fry Tenderstem Broccoli

Air frying tenderstem broccoli is so easy! And because the air fryer gives tenderstem broccoli a perfect roasted flavor and crispy edges, it’s definitely one of my favorite ways to cook this tasty vegetable.

Preheat the air fryer

Before you pop your tenderstem broccoli in the air fryer, you need to preheat the air fryer to 375ºF. If your air fryer does not have a preheat button, simply turn your air fryer on with nothing in it for 5 minutes before using.

Oil the tenderstem broccoli

When it comes to air frying vegetables, I often just skip the oil all together to save on fat and calories. However, when it comes to tenderstem broccoli I always use a little bit of oil. Why? Because the heads of the tenderstem broccoli will dry out and crisp A LOT if you do not toss them in oil.

So the first step for making Air Fryer Tenderstem Broccoli is tossing them in a bit of oil. Combine 1 tbsp of olive oil and 8 oz of tenderstem broccoli. Mix until evenly coated and place in a single layer in an air fryer tray.

Air Fry the tenderstem broccoli with just oil

Place tenderstem broccoli in the preheated air fryer and cook for 5 minutes at 375ºF.

Add the sauce

Once you have cooked your tenderstem broccoli for the first 5 minutes, it’s time to add the sauce! Combine 1 garlic clove, 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium), 1/2 tbsp agave, 1/2 tbsp mirin, and 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar. Mix until evenly combined and drizzle over the tenderstem broccoli.

Why do you add the sauce later on? You wait to add the sauce so the sauce and garlic won’t over cook in the air fryer. You can just combine everything in the beginning if you want to streamline things. But I find everything tastes better if the sauce and garlic do not over cook.

Once the tenderstem broccoli has been coated with sauce, pop it back in the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes. Air fryer temperatures will vary, so be sure to keep an eye on thing. Your air fryer might require more or less time.

When stems are slightly tender and the head of the tenderstem broccoli is slightly crisp, it’s ready! Remove from air fryer. Drizzle with 1/2 tsp of toasted sesame oil. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for making Air Fryer Tenderstem Broccolini

• Cut the tenderstem broccoli – Tenderstem broccoli tends to be pretty similar in size, but if if some of the stems are significantly larger than others, cut them. This will allow your tenderstem broccoli to cook more evenly.
• Coat with oil– I often like to skip the oil when it comes to air fryer vegetables. However, when it comes to tenderstem broccoli, I always use oil. Why? Because the heads of the tenderstem broccoli will try a out…A LOT…and become to crispy for my taste. If you want to use as little oil as possible, just coat the heads of the tenderstem broccoli and skip adding oil to their stems.
• Preheat your air fryer– Always preheat your air fryer! If you don’t have a preheat button on your air fryer, simply turn on the empty air fryer for 5 minutes before using. This will allow everything to cook evenly and for the amount of time you expect.
• Cook in a single later– To ensure your air fryer tenderstem broccoli cooks evenly, make sure you lay them out on the tray in a single layer.
• Dry your tenderstem broccoli– You want to make sure your washed tenderstem broccoli is patted dry before cooking. If your tenderstem broccoli it will steam instead of roast, resulting in a different flavor and texture
• Add sauce half way through– I prefer to add my sauce half way through the cooking process. This allows the tenderstem broccoli to roast properly before moistening it with sauce. It also insures your garlic and sauce will not over roast in the air fryer, resulting in a much more pleasant flavor

What to serve with air fryer tenderstem broccoli

Air fryer tenderstem broccoli with garlic soy sauce makes that perfect side dish to any Asian inspired meal…or any meal! Serve with air fried tofu and rice for a healthy, easy, vegan meal. Serve this air fryer tenderstem broccoli along side this Gochujang miso udon noodle soup or miso tofu tacos.

Want more Asian-Inspired Vegetable Side dishes that can be made in the air fryer? Check out these recipe!

• AIR FRYER GREEN BEANS WITH SPICY GOCHUJANG SAUCE
• AIR FRYER JAPANESE SWEET POTATO FRIES AND GOCHUJANG DIP
• GARLIC MISO RADISHES IN THE AIR FRYER
• AIR FRIED LOTUS ROOT WITH GARLIC GINGER SAUCE

Can you prep air fryer tenderstem broccoli ahead of time

Yes! You can prep and reheat air fryer tenderstem broccoli! Of course, this dish is best served immediately after cooking. But air fryer tenderstem broccoli is still delicious when reheated! Simply prepare and complete recipe, then store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you are ready to server, simply reheat, serve and enjoy!

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