Air Fryer Tenderstem Broccoli (Crispy in 8 Minutes)

Air fry Tenderstem broccoli at 190°C / 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking halfway, until the stems are tender and the florets are lightly charred.

This air fryer Tenderstem broccoli is the quickest, tastiest way to cook a pack of long stem broccoli. A light spray of olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a few minutes in the air fryer give you crispy, charred florets and tender, sweet stems, with no boiling and no soggy broccoli. It’s ready in under 10 minutes, making it an easy healthy side for busy weeknights.

If you love air fried veg, you’ll also want to try my Garlic Air Fryer Broccoli and Air Fryer Broccoli Rabe.

Tenderstem, Broccolini, Long Stem or Purple Sprouting Broccoli?

Tenderstem broccoli is the UK name for broccolini, sometimes sold as long stem broccoli or baby broccoli. It has long, thin, tender stems and small florets, so the whole thing is edible with no peeling or chopping. This recipe works the same way for all of them.

Purple sprouting broccoli also air fries beautifully. Its stems can be a little thicker, so add 1 to 2 minutes and check that the stems are fork-tender.

Using regular broccoli? Cut it into even florets and follow my Air Fryer Broccoli (Low Carb + Keto) instead, since the thicker florets need a little longer.

Why You Will Love Air Fried Tenderstem Broccoli

• Ready in under 10 minutes: Faster than steaming or roasting in the oven.
• Crispy and tender: Charred, crunchy florets with sweet, tender stems.
• No prep: Tenderstem needs no chopping. Just trim any woody ends.
• Healthy and low-carb: Just a light spray of oil and simple seasonings.
• Goes with everything: Pair it with salmon, chicken, steak or a Sunday roast.

Ingredients Needed

• Tenderstem broccoli: One 200g pack is just right for 2 people. Broccolini or long stem broccoli work the same way.
• Olive oil spray: A light mist helps the florets crisp and char.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning lets the sweet broccoli flavor shine.
• Optional: Garlic powder, a squeeze of lemon juice, chili flakes or grated Parmesan.

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Kitchen scissors or a knife, for trimming

How to Air Fry Tenderstem Broccoli

Step 1: Rinse the Tenderstem broccoli and pat it completely dry. Trim any woody ends, and slice any extra-thick stems in half lengthwise so everything cooks evenly.

Step 2: Preheat the air fryer to 190°C / 375°F for 3 minutes.

Step 3: In a bowl, spray or drizzle the broccoli with olive oil and toss with salt, pepper and garlic powder, if using. Make sure the florets are coated so they crisp instead of burning.

Step 4: Arrange the broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed so the pieces aren’t stacked.

Step 5: Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping with tongs halfway, until the stems are tender and the florets are lightly charred.

Step 6: Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and serve right away.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Tenderstem Broccoli

• Dry it well. Wet broccoli steams instead of crisping.
• Coat the florets. The tips cook fastest, and oil keeps them from burning before the stems are tender.
• Single layer only. Overcrowding traps steam and makes the broccoli soggy.
• Check at the halfway mark. Air fryers vary, and smaller models run hotter.
• Use a high smoke point oil like avocado or light olive oil for the best char.

Flavor Variations

• Garlic and lemon: Add garlic powder before cooking and a squeeze of lemon after.
• Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the broccoli for the last 2 minutes. For a cheesier version, try my Air Fryer Broccoli Parmesan.
• Chili and honey: Toss the hot broccoli with a drizzle of honey and a pinch of chili flakes.
• Asian-style: Finish with soy sauce, sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds.
• Crunchy coating: For a breaded version, see my Air Fryer Breaded Broccoli.

Storage and Reheating

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Air fry at 180°C / 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes to bring back the crisp.
• Frozen broccoli: Tenderstem is best fresh, but if you only have a bag of frozen florets, use my Crispiest Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli method.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Tenderstem Broccoli

Tenderstem broccoli is the perfect quick side for salmon. Cook it alongside my Air Fryer Blackened Salmon or Air Fryer Sockeye Salmon, or add it to Easy Air Fryer Salmon Bowls. It’s also great with roast chicken, steak or a Sunday roast, or stirred into Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli in place of the florets.

More Air Fryer Broccoli Recipes

Air Fryer Broccoli Rabe

Garlic Air Fryer Broccoli

Air Fryer Broccoli (Low Carb + Keto)

Air Fryer Broccoli Parmesan

Air Fryer Breaded Broccoli

Crispiest Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Air Fryer Tenderstem Broccoli FAQs

How long do you cook Tenderstem broccoli in the air fryer? 6 to 8 minutes at 190°C / 375°F, shaking the basket halfway through. Thicker stems or purple sprouting broccoli may need 1 to 2 minutes more.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer? A 3-minute preheat gives you a better char, but you can skip it and add a minute to the cook time.

Do you need to trim Tenderstem broccoli? Just snip off any dry or woody ends. Slice extra-thick stems in half lengthwise so they cook as fast as the florets.

Why did my broccoli burn in the air fryer? The florets cook faster than the stems. Coat them well with oil, don’t overcrowd the basket, and check at the halfway mark.

Is Tenderstem broccoli the same as broccolini? Yes. Tenderstem is the UK brand name for broccolini, a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale. You may also see it labeled long stem or baby broccoli.

Can I air fry purple sprouting broccoli? Yes. Use the same method and add 1 to 2 minutes for thicker stems.

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