Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers Recipe
Crispy and cheesy air fryer broccoli cheddar poppers that make a perfect appetizer or snack. Made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and flavorful seasonings, these bite-sized poppers are air-fried to golden perfection for a healthier twist on classic cheesy bites.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 16 poppers (serves 4-6) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Broccoli Mixture
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg (or 1 flax egg for plant-based option: 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water)
Instructions
- Prepare Broccoli: Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Optionally, blanch the broccoli by boiling it briefly for 1-2 minutes followed by an ice water bath to retain vibrant color and soften the texture.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped (and blanched) broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and egg (or flax egg). Stir everything until the mixture is cohesive and can hold shape.
- Form Poppers: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they are compact enough to hold together during cooking.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small brush of oil to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry Poppers: Arrange the broccoli cheddar poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching to allow even air circulation. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the poppers from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack or plate for 2-3 minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, marinara, or a spicy aioli.
Notes
- You can blanch the broccoli to soften it and reduce cooking time, but it’s optional based on texture preference.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten free.
- For a vegan version, replace cheddar with vegan cheese and egg with flax egg.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Leftover poppers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to regain crispness.
Keywords: broccoli cheddar poppers, air fryer appetizers, cheesy broccoli bites, easy party snacks, vegetarian poppers
