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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 15 reviews

Deliciously crispy and cheesy, these Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers are a perfect snack or appetizer. Made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb coating, they are quick to prepare and cook to golden perfection in the air fryer. A healthier alternative to traditional fried poppers, they offer a savory blend of flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Binding and Seasonings

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

Coating and 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 thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps prevent sogginess.
  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, approximately the size of a golf ball. Place each formed popper on a plate or tray 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 on all sides, providing a crispy exterior when cooked.
  5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the poppers will cook evenly and develop a crisp outer layer.
  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 in the basket, making sure they don’t touch each other for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops of the poppers with cooking spray to enhance browning.
  7. Cook: Air fry the poppers for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Gently shake or turn the basket halfway through cooking to ensure consistent 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 treat.

Notes

  • Make sure to thoroughly dry the broccoli after blanching to prevent excess moisture which can make the poppers soggy.
  • Panko breadcrumbs work best for the crispiest texture but regular breadcrumbs can be substituted.
  • For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the cheese mixture.
  • These poppers can be prepared ahead and frozen. Air fry directly from frozen, increasing cooking time by a few minutes.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese or cheese alternatives to reduce fat content if desired.
  • Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded for best results in crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers, crispy broccoli bites, cheesy appetizers, healthy snacks, air fryer recipes, vegetarian snacks

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