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Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers Recipe

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

5.2 from 27 reviews

Deliciously crispy and cheesy, these Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers are bite-sized appetizers made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb coating. Perfectly air-fried to golden perfection, they make a healthy and satisfying snack or party appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Cheese

  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Binding & Seasoning

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Coating & Cooking

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best)
  • 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 immediately run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring the poppers won’t be soggy.
  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 form it into small balls or patties roughly the size of a golf ball. Place each formed popper on a plate as you go to keep them ready for coating.
  4. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each broccoli cheese ball in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated on all sides, which will help create a crispy exterior once fried.
  5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. A properly preheated air fryer ensures a crispy crust and thorough cooking.
  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, avoiding overcrowding and ensuring they don’t touch. Lightly spray the tops of the poppers with cooking spray to promote browning.
  7. Cook: Air fry the poppers for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Gently shake or turn the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.
  8. Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the poppers from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch dressing or sriracha mayo for a tasty snack or appetizer.

Notes

  • Make sure to thoroughly dry the broccoli after blanching to avoid soggy poppers.
  • Panko breadcrumbs yield a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
  • Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
  • You can prepare the poppers ahead and freeze them before air frying for easy snacks.
  • Use a quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor impact.
  • Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
  • Serve with dips like ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Broccoli cheddar poppers, air fryer appetizer, cheesy broccoli bites, healthy snack, air fried appetizers

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