Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers are a delicious and healthier snack option featuring fresh broccoli mixed with sharp cheddar and cream cheese, coated in crunchy breadcrumbs, and perfectly crisped using an air fryer. These tasty bites are easy to prepare, requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish, making them an ideal appetizer or party snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16 poppers) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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 and Cooking
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best)
- Cooking spray (for air frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the chopped broccoli florets for about 2 minutes until they become bright green. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat the broccoli dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help the poppers hold together and crisp up.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing 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 all ingredients well until fully incorporated into a uniform mixture.
- Shape the Poppers: Using your hands, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form it into small balls or patties roughly the size of a golf ball. Place them on a plate as you go, ensuring they are compact so they don’t fall apart during cooking.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each broccoli cheese ball in the breadcrumbs until they are evenly coated on all sides, which provides the crispy exterior when air fried.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for approximately 5 minutes to ensure it is hot and ready to crisp the poppers evenly.
- Air Fry the Poppers: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the broccoli cheddar poppers in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. Lightly spray the tops of the poppers with cooking spray for an extra crispy finish.
- Cook: Air fry the poppers at 380°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket gently halfway through cooking to promote even browning and cooking.
- Serve: Remove the poppers from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing or sriracha mayo.
Notes
- Patting the broccoli dry after blanching is essential to prevent soggy poppers and help them hold together.
- Using Panko breadcrumbs provides the best crunchy texture for the coating, but regular breadcrumbs can also be used.
- You can add extra seasonings like smoked paprika or chili flakes for added flavor and heat.
- These poppers can be made ahead and refrigerated before air frying; add an extra minute or two to cooking time if cooking cold from the fridge.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed nuts.
Keywords: broccoli cheddar poppers, air fryer appetizer, crispy broccoli bites, cheese poppers, healthy snack, easy appetizer