Get ready to fall in love with Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers—a snack that’s truly the best of all worlds! These little bites are crispy on the outside, packed with cheesy goodness, and have a burst of fresh broccoli in every bite. Whether you’re craving something savory for movie night or need a healthy appetizer that’ll wow your friends, these poppers strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. Plus, they’re super easy to make and deliver all the flavor of deep-fried treats without the oil. Trust me, once you try these Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers, you’ll make them again and again!

Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple, fuss-free ingredients to whip up these poppers, but each one plays a vital role—from giving that gooey, stretchy center to locking in unbeatable crispiness on the outside. Here’s how each component helps create the taste and texture you’ll crave:

Fresh broccoli florets: The vibrant, earthy base that brings crunch and nutrition to every bite.
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Delivers bold, tangy cheese flavor that pairs perfectly with the broccoli.
Cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy richness that helps bind everything together.
Breadcrumbs (Panko works best): Ensure a crispy outer layer—Panko gives unbeatable crunch!
Grated Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty punch that enhances the overall cheesy flavor.
Large egg: Helps the mixture stick together and keeps the poppers tender.
Garlic powder: Subtle garlic warmth running throughout every bite.
Onion powder: Adds depth and a little savory magic to complement the cheeses.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Brings all the flavors together harmoniously—don’t skip the seasoning!
Cooking spray (for air frying): A light spritz ensures the poppers crisp up beautifully and don’t stick.

How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Start by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil and toss in your chopped broccoli florets. Blanch them for about 2 minutes—just long enough to brighten the green and slightly soften them. Then, drain and run the broccoli under cold water to halt the cooking instantly. It’s key to pat them dry thoroughly, as excess moisture will make the mixture too wet to hold its shape.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, and the blanched broccoli. Add the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, plus salt and pepper. Mix everything together until you have a thick, uniform mixture—this is the delicious ‘dough’ for your poppers!

Step 3: Shape the Poppers

Now comes the hands-on fun! Scoop about a tablespoon of the broccoli cheese mixture and roll it gently between your palms to form a ball, or press to make a mini patty. Aim for golf ball size for perfect bite-sized poppers. Arrange each one on a plate as you go so you can keep track.

Step 4: Coat with Breadcrumbs

Pour your Panko breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each formed ball in the breadcrumbs, giving it an even, crunchy coat. This step ensures every popper gets that golden, crispy shell that’s absolutely irresistible out of the air fryer.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

While you finish the coating, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Starting with a hot basket guarantees that signature crunch!

Step 6: Air Fry the Poppers

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to keep things nonstick and super easy. Arrange the poppers in a single layer—don’t overcrowd them. Give the tops a quick shot of spray, too, so you get a crispy finish all over.

Step 7: Cook

Set your air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes. Give the basket a gentle shake about halfway through to get even browning on all sides. The poppers are done when they’re golden brown, crisp, and bursting with cheesy aroma!

Step 8: Serve

Let the poppers cool for a minute before serving (if you can wait!). They’re delightful with your favorite dip—ranch and sriracha mayo are my go-tos. Get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!

How to Serve Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives over the top of your Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers makes them look (and taste) extra special. Try a pinch of extra grated Parmesan, or even a dash of smoked paprika, to bring some color and depth to your plate.

Side Dishes

Pair your poppers with crisp veggie sticks, a tangy coleslaw, or a refreshing green salad. They also go perfectly alongside soups or even as a tasty side for sandwiches and wraps—think of them as the ultimate upgrade to classic chips or fries!

Creative Ways to Present

Take your snack game up a notch by serving these on a platter with a trio of dips—ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, and honey mustard. Pile the poppers into paper cones for game day, or skewer them on cocktail sticks as bite-sized, party-ready appetizers. However you serve them, Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers always delight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra poppers (it’s rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for about 3 days—making them ideal for make-ahead snacking or quick lunchboxes.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers! Let them cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a zip-top bag. That way, you can pull out just as many as you need for a future crispy craving.

Reheating

To bring back their magic, reheat the poppers in your air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes. They’ll reclaim their crunch without drying out—no soggy microwave snacks here!

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in a pinch! Just be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it, then pat dry before chopping and adding to the mixture. Removing excess water is important to keep the poppers from getting soggy.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you prefer, swap out the cream cheese for Greek yogurt or a plant-based cream cheese alternative. The result will be a little lighter but still beautifully creamy and delicious.

Are Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers gluten-free?

If you choose gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, these poppers are easy to adapt for a gluten-free diet. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so just be mindful of your coating.

Can I make the poppers ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! Form and bread the poppers in advance, then store them covered in the fridge. Just air fry them right before serving for the best flavor and crunch. Great for prepping before guests arrive!

What dips go best with these poppers?

Ranch dressing and sriracha mayo are classic favorites, but honey mustard, yogurt dip, or even tangy marinara work beautifully. Try a few and find your own signature dip!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers enough—they’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and always a smash hit at any gathering. I hope you’ll give them a try soon and discover just how crave-worthy this tasty twist on a classic can be. Happy air frying!