Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each broccoli cheese ball in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated on all sides.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
