Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers Recipe

Introduction

These Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers make a deliciously satisfying snack or appetizer that’s both cheesy and crunchy. Perfect for using fresh broccoli in a fun, bite-sized way that everyone will love.

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 finely chopped florets in boiling water 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. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, and blanched broccoli. Add the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well until fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Using your hands, shape about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into small balls or patties roughly the size of a golf ball. Place them on a plate as you go.
4. Step 4: Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each broccoli cheese ball in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure a crispy exterior.
6. Step 6: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray for easy removal. Arrange the poppers in a single layer without touching and spray their tops lightly with cooking spray.
7. Step 7: Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket gently halfway through cooking to promote even browning.
8. Step 8: Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a minute. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or sriracha mayo.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the mixture.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free snack.
• Swap sharp cheddar for mozzarella for a milder, gooey popper.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a bright, herbal note.

Storage

Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep them from getting soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the poppers in advance. Keep them refrigerated until ready to air fry, or freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Air fry frozen poppers, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I use as a dipping sauce?

These poppers are great with a variety of dips like ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or even a tangy marinara sauce. Choose one that suits your taste preference for added flavor.

Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 78 reviews

These Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers are a delicious and healthy snack made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and creamy cheeses, all air-fried to golden perfection for a crispy exterior and gooey interior. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, they are easy to make and packed with flavor.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Vegetables & Cheese

• 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

Others

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 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 process. Pat dry thoroughly 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 into a consistent mixture.
3. Shape the Poppers: Using your hands, take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form it into small balls or patties approximately the size of a golf ball. Place them on a plate as you form them.
4. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each broccoli cheese ball in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated on all sides.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures a crispy texture when cooking the poppers.
6. Air Fry the Poppers: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the broccoli cheddar poppers in a single layer in the basket, making sure they do not touch each other. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
7. Cook: Air fry the poppers for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Halfway through cooking, gently shake the basket to promote even browning on all sides.
8. Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the poppers from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch or sriracha mayo for a delicious treat.

Notes

• Make sure to pat the broccoli very dry after blanching to avoid soggy poppers.
• Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs.
• You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day before shaping and cooking.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
• Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size of the poppers and your specific air fryer model.

Keywords: broccoli poppers, air fryer recipes, cheddar cheese snacks, crispy appetizers, healthy snacks, vegetarian appetizers