Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers: Snack Time Magic (Print Version)
Get these Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers on your plate! Quick, cheesy, and so easy for a snack or side. A family favorite, honestly.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Main Stars
01 -
2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
02 -
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
03 -
1 large egg
→ Crispy Coating Crew
04 -
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 -
Olive oil spray
→ Flavor Boosters
07 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 -
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 -
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
11 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
→ Dipping Dreams (Optional)
12 -
Ranch dressing
13 -
Warm marinara sauce
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your broccoli florets steamed until they're tender-crisp. I usually steam mine for about 5-7 minutes. You want them cooked enough to mash easily but not so soft they're watery. After steaming, let them cool down a bit, then give them a good chop or mash them up with a fork. I mean, really mash 'em; nobody wants big chunks of broccoli trying to escape the popper! This step is key for uniformly delicious Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine your mashed broccoli, shredded sharp cheddar, egg, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Now, get in there with your hands! Seriously, mix it really well until everything is evenly combined and it forms a cohesive, somewhat sticky mixture. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, but it’s part of the fun, right? Make sure there aren't any dry spots; that's a recipe for popper disaster.
03 -
Time to get shaping! Take about a tablespoon or so of the mixture and roll it into a ball, then gently flatten it into a small disc or patty, about 1-inch thick. You want them uniform so they cook evenly. This is where patience comes in; I usually line a baking sheet with parchment paper to place them on as I go. Don't worry if they're not perfectly round; rustic is charming, I tell myself!
04 -
Pour your panko breadcrumbs onto a shallow plate. Gently roll each broccoli cheddar patty in the panko, pressing lightly to make sure it's completely coated. You want a good, thick layer of panko on there for maximum crunch! This is the secret to getting those super Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers. I usually do a batch of five or six at a time so I don't make too big of a mess.
05 -
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Once hot, lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil, then arrange your poppers in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness, my friends! Give the tops of the poppers a light spray with olive oil too; this helps them get beautifully golden brown.
06 -
Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they're golden brown and wonderfully crispy on all sides. Honestly, the smell that fills your kitchen during this step is just divine! They should feel firm to the touch and have that satisfying crunch when you tap them. Serve these Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers warm, and try not to eat them all before they hit the table!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; they won't get crispy! I learned that the hard way with soggy poppers.
02 -
You can prep the broccoli-cheddar mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just form and air fry when ready.
03 -
Tried gluten-free panko once, and honestly, they still held up beautifully. A great swap!
04 -
Serve these with a little sprinkle of fresh chives or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Air fryer
02 -
large mixing bowl
03 -
shallow plate
04 -
parchment paper (optional)
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 8g
Total Carbohydrate: 12g
Protein: 7g