Description
Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside—these air fryer broccoli cheddar poppers are the perfect snack or appetizer. Quick to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to disappear fast, they’re a family favorite you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients
2 cups broccoli, finely chopped (steamed or microwaved until tender)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 large egg, beaten
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
Instructions
Steam or microwave broccoli until just tender, then finely chop.
In a large bowl, mix broccoli, cheddar, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Scoop and roll into 1-inch bite-sized poppers.
Spray air fryer basket lightly, then arrange poppers in a single layer. Spray tops with cooking spray.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Cool for 2–3 minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For frozen broccoli: thaw and pat dry before using to avoid extra moisture.
Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or a mix of cheeses for flavor variety.
To make ahead: refrigerate shaped poppers for up to 24 hours before air frying.
Freeze uncooked poppers for up to 2 months; cook straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe ~5–6 poppers
- Calories: ~210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Air fryer broccoli cheddar poppers, cheesy veggie snack, crispy broccoli bites
