Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers Recipe

Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers are a tasty and crispy snack, perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized treats combine fresh and sharp cheddar cheese with a crunchy breadcrumb coating, all cooked quickly and evenly in the air fryer.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray (for air frying)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli by blanching the chopped florets in boiling water for about 2 minutes until bright green. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Step 2: Mix the Filling by combining the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and blanched broccoli in a large bowl. Add the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then mix until fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Shape the Poppers by taking about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and forming small balls or patties roughly the size of a golf ball. Place them on a plate as you go.
4. Step 4: Coat with Breadcrumbs by rolling each broccoli cheese ball in the breadcrumbs until evenly covered, using a shallow dish.
5. Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 5 minutes to help achieve a crispy exterior.
6. Step 6: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the poppers in a single layer without touching, and spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
7. Step 7: Air fry the poppers for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket gently halfway through to ensure even cooking.
8. Step 8: Remove the poppers from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
• Add finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh flavor boost.
• For a spicier kick, mix some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the filling.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the poppers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.

Storage

Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it to remove excess moisture before mixing. This helps prevent soggy poppers.

What dipping sauces go well with these poppers?

These poppers pair well with ranch dressing, sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or a simple garlic aioli. Feel free to choose a sauce that suits your taste preferences.

Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 140 reviews

These Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers are crispy, cheesy bites perfect as a healthy appetizer or snack. Made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb coating, they’re easy to prepare and cooked to golden perfection using an air fryer for a delightful texture without deep frying.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (about 16 poppers) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Broccoli Mixture

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Coating & Cooking

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best)
• Cooking spray (for air frying)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broccoli: In a pot of boiling water, blanch the chopped broccoli florets for about 2 minutes until bright green. Drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the blanched broccoli. Add the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Shape the Poppers: Using your hands, take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form it into small balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a plate as you go.
4. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each broccoli cheese ball in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to help achieve a crispy exterior.
6. Air Fry the Poppers: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray for easy removal. Place the broccoli cheddar poppers in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
7. Cook: Air fry the poppers for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Gently shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
8. Serve: Once cooked, remove the poppers from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or sriracha mayo.

Notes

• Be sure to pat the broccoli very dry after blanching to prevent soggy poppers.
• You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.
• Make sure to not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even crisping.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer for best results.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Poppers, Air Fryer Appetizer, Cheesy Broccoli Bites, Healthy Snack, Vegetarian Snack