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Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers Recipe
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5 from 20 reviews

Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers are a delicious, healthy snack featuring tender broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, coated in breadcrumbs and air fried to golden perfection. These bite-sized treats are easy to make, perfectly crispy on the outside, and cheesy inside, making them an excellent appetizer or side dish.

Ingredients

Vegetables and 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

Binders and Coating

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best)

Seasonings

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

Other

  • 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. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  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.
  3. Shape the Poppers: Using your hands, take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form it into small balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a plate as you go.
  4. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each broccoli cheese ball in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
  5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help achieve a nice crispy exterior.
  6. Air Fry the Poppers: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray for easy removal. Place the broccoli cheddar poppers in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
  7. Cook: Air fry the poppers for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Gently shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
  8. Serve: Once cooked, remove the poppers from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or sriracha mayo.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can double coat the poppers with breadcrumbs.
  • Ensure the broccoli is well dried after blanching to prevent soggy poppers.
  • Use Panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture.
  • These poppers can be frozen before air frying; just add a couple of extra minutes to cooking time if cooking from frozen.
  • Serve with dipping sauces such as ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard for added flavor.

Nutrition

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