Healthy Snack To Go – Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers!
If you’re craving something crunchy, cheesy, and sneakily good for you, say hello to Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers — your new favorite Healthy Snack To Go. These little bites of joy bring together tender broccoli, melty cheddar, and that golden, crisp coating we all secretly dream about. Best part? They’re air-fried, not deep-fried — which means you get that satisfying crunch without the greasy guilt.
Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a hungry crowd, or just need a pick-me-up between Zoom calls, these poppers hit all the right notes. Let’s roll into the recipe before your stomach starts growling louder than your air fryer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped (fresh works best — skip frozen if you want that crisp factor)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar (the sharper, the better!)
- ½ cup softened cream cheese (this keeps everything creamy and dreamy)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (adds that salty kick)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for the crunch that makes these poppers irresistible)
- 1 large egg (to bind it all together)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray, for that golden air fryer finish
Instructions
- Prep the Broccoli:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your chopped broccoli and let it cook for just 2 minutes — that’s enough to brighten the color and soften the bite. Immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking (and preserve that gorgeous green). Pat dry with paper towels — moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large bowl, stir together the cream cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, and broccoli. Crack in the egg and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything becomes one happy, cheesy family.
- Form the Bites:
- Scoop out spoonfuls of the mixture (about a tablespoon each) and roll them into small balls or patties. If the mixture feels sticky, chill it for 10–15 minutes before rolling — it’ll make life easier.
- Coat for Crunch:
- Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each popper around until evenly coated. This step is key for that crispy, golden texture once they hit the air fryer.
- Heat Things Up:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). It’s a small step, but trust me — preheating ensures those poppers start crisping the second they go in.
- Air Fry Away:
- Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray, then arrange the poppers in a single layer (no crowding — they need space to crisp!). Give the tops a light mist of spray too.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden and firm to the touch.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Let them cool slightly (just enough to avoid molten cheese burns — ask me how I know), then serve with your favorite dips. Ranch, spicy mayo, or even marinara all work perfectly.
Notes
- Dry your broccoli like you mean it. Too much moisture = soggy poppers.
- Want more crunch? Double-dip! Roll in egg wash before coating with panko for a thicker crust.
- Cheese swap: Mix things up with pepper jack for a kick or mozzarella for that gooey stretch.
- Batch cooking bonus: Make extra and freeze them — they reheat beautifully in the air fryer for last-minute snacks.