Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers: A Family Favorite (Print Version)
Whip up some delightful Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers! These crispy, cheesy bites are perfect for snacks or sides. Easy recipe with personal tips.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Broccoli Cheddar Poppers Base
01 -
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
02 -
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
03 -
1 large egg
→ Flavor Enhancers
04 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
05 -
1/2 tsp onion powder
06 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Coating & Crunch
07 -
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
08 -
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
09 -
Cooking oil spray
→ Optional Dipping Delights
10 -
Ranch dressing
11 -
Sriracha mayo
12 -
Balsamic glaze
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let's get that broccoli ready. You'll want to finely chop your fresh broccoli florets. I usually steam them for about 3-4 minutes until they're tender-crisp, then immediately plunge them into an ice bath. This stops the cooking and keeps their vibrant green color. Then, and this is critical, squeeze out as much water as you possibly can! I use a clean kitchen towel, wringing it out like my life depends on it. Too much moisture means soggy poppers, and nobody wants that.
02 -
In a medium bowl, combine your squeezed, finely chopped broccoli with the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. Add the all-purpose flour, egg, and your trusty garlic and onion powders. Season with a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Now, get in there with your hands! Seriously, mix it all up until everything is well combined and you can form a ball. I once tried using a spoon, and it just wasn't the same; you need to feel the mixture to know it's right for these savory bites.
03 -
Time to get rolling! Grab about a tablespoon of the mixture and gently roll it into a ball or a small cylinder shape. Don't press too hard, just enough to make them hold together. I usually aim for something about the size of a golf ball, maybe a little smaller. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, with bits of green and orange sticking to my fingers, but that's part of the fun of making these snacks!
04 -
Pour your panko breadcrumbs onto a shallow plate. Take each shaped popper and roll it gently in the panko, making sure it's evenly coated on all sides. Give it a light pat to help the breadcrumbs adhere. This step is what gives us that glorious, golden crunch we're after. I remember one time I rushed this and had patchy poppers, which still tasted good, but they didn't have that satisfying crisp, you know? Take your time here for the best texture.
05 -
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange the poppers in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. You might need to do this in batches, and honestly, don't try to cram them all in. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping, and we want crispy! Give these delightful bites a quick spritz of oil too; it helps with the browning and crunch.
06 -
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You're looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and a wonderfully crispy exterior. The cheese inside should be gooey and melted, and the broccoli tender. When they're done, they'll smell absolutely incredible, that savory cheesy aroma filling your kitchen. Let them cool for a minute or two before diving in – that cheese can be lava hot! Enjoy your homemade treats!