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Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers

Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers for Guilt-Free Snacking

Deliciously crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers, a guilt-free snack combining tender broccoli and creamy cheddar in a crunchy coating.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Cooling Time 2 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings: 4 poppers
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 2 cups Fresh Broccoli Florets Blanched and dried
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Substitute with mild cheddar if preferred
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese Use full-fat for richer flavor
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Swap in nutritional yeast for vegan option
  • 1 large Egg Use flax egg for a vegan alternative
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For the Coating
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs For crispiness
For Cooking
  • as needed Cooking Spray For air fryer crispiness

Equipment

  • air fryer

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Prepare a large pot of boiling water and blanch the broccoli florets for about 2 minutes until bright green, then transfer to an ice bath.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, cream cheese, cheddar, parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, mixing until fully incorporated.
  3. Shape the mixture into balls or small patties about 1-2 inches in diameter for even cooking.
  4. Roll each popper in panko breadcrumbs on a clean surface until evenly coated.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
  6. Place the coated poppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, lightly spray with cooking spray, and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  7. Let the poppers cool for a couple of minutes before serving them with your favorite dipping sauces.

Nutrition

Serving: 1popperCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure the broccoli is dried well before combining with other ingredients to avoid soggy poppers. Customize with different cheeses or herbs as desired.

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