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Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 25 reviews

These Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers are a delicious and healthier twist on traditional fried appetizers. Made with vibrant broccoli florets, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, these bite-sized snacks are coated in crispy breadcrumbs and air fried to perfection, offering a crunchy exterior with a creamy cheesy center. Perfect as a guilt-free snack or party appetizer, they are quick to prepare and sure to please both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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. 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 any excess moisture, which helps maintain crispiness during air frying.
  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 uniform mixture.
  3. Shape the Poppers: Using your hands, take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and gently form it into small balls or patties roughly the size of a golf ball. Place them on a plate to prepare for the coating step.
  4. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each broccoli cheese ball in the breadcrumbs until it is evenly coated on all sides, which creates the crispy crust when air-fried.
  5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for approximately 5 minutes. This step ensures the poppers cook quickly and develop a crispy exterior.
  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, ensuring they do not touch each other. Lightly spray the tops of the poppers with cooking spray to enhance browning.
  7. Cook: Air fry the poppers for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Halfway through cooking, gently shake the basket to ensure even browning on all sides.
  8. Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the poppers from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a minute. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch dressing or sriracha mayo for an extra boost of flavor.

Notes

  • To ensure crispiness, make sure to pat the blanched broccoli dry to remove any excess water.
  • If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • You can prepare the poppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator before air frying.
  • For an extra cheesy flavor, feel free to add a little more cheddar or Parmesan cheese.
  • Spraying the poppers with cooking spray before air frying helps achieve a golden, crispy crust without deep frying.
  • These poppers can be served with a variety of dips like ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheddar poppers, air fryer appetizers, crispy broccoli bites, cheesy broccoli snacks, healthy party snacks

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/crispy-air-fryer-broccoli-cheddar-poppers-recipe/