Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers – 7 Irresistible Savory Wins

Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers are my go-to quick bite for busy weeknights. I’m Gina, a busy mom and founder of SkinnyTaste, and this veggie-forward, cheesy snack is designed for families who crave something crispy and satisfying without a lot of fuss. These poppers come together fast, bake or air-fry to a golden crunch, and hide broccoli in a cheesy, crave-worthy center. Whether you’re juggling soccer practice, school pickup, or a late-night work deadline, this snack proves you can make something both tasty and better for you in under 20 minutes. Read on to see how easy it is to get a tray of these on your table tonight.

What Make This Recipe It Special

Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers are my go-to quick bite for busy days.
I love the contrast of crisp coating with gooey cheese.
Texture, veggie boost, and kid-friendly appeal fit any frantic week.

This snack packs a veggie boost without nagging reminders about broccoli.
It bakes or air-fries to a golden crunch that kids can’t resist.
It’s a win in my house for busy nights and picky eaters.

The best part is veggies hide in cheesy goodness.
The poppers crisp beautifully in the air fryer or oven.
Plus, cleanup is a breeze for busy families.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers

Quick prep, minimal clean-up you can count on

I love how quickly Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers come together.
With a quick chop, a whisk, and a spray of olive oil, I have a tray ready in minutes.
It means weeknights stay sane and snack-time stays delicious.

Foolproof texture: crispy exterior, gooey cheddar center

I always aim for that perfect contrast: a crispy shell with a gooey cheese core.
Using cheddar and Parmesan helps the center stay creamy.
Cooking in the air fryer gives even crunch without extra oil.

Family-friendly flavor that satisfies both kids and adults

This dish delights both kids and grown-ups.
Cheesy broccoli bites hide in a crispy coat that you can tweak with red pepper flakes.
Pair with dips for a party-perfect, everyone-approves moment.

Ingredients Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers. I keep these pantry-friendly and flexible, so weeknights stay easy.

What’s in Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers?

• 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets — steamed or microwaved until tender, then patted dry
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese — melts into a gooey center
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese — adds sharp bite and helps crust
• ½ cup breadcrumbs — whole wheat or gluten-free if needed
• 1 egg — binds the mixture
• ½ tsp garlic powder — for savory depth
• ¼ tsp black pepper — a gentle kick
• Salt to taste — adjust to your preference
• Olive oil spray — light mist to crisp
• Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes — for heat

Note: Gluten-free option: use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For baked version, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes. Exact quantities and printable version are available toward the end of the article.

How to Make Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers

Step 1: Crispy Prep

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or preheat the oven if baking.
• Lightly steam broccoli until tender, then pat dry completely.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

• In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cheddar, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined.
• If the mixture seems loose, add a pinch more breadcrumbs. I often chill it for 10 minutes to make shaping easier.

Step 3: Shape the Poppers

• Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into small balls or nugget shapes. Place on a plate or tray.
• To prevent sticking, moisten your hands lightly or chill the mixture briefly; this helps it stay cohesive.

Step 4: Air-Fry to Perfection

• Lightly spray each popper with olive oil.
• Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket; work in batches if needed for extra crisp.
• Air fry 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the coating is golden and the center is melty.

Step 5: Serving Mindfully

• Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce: ranch, honey mustard, or Greek yogurt dip.

Tips for Success

• I use well-drained broccoli to keep texture crisp, not soggy.
• I lightly press the mixture to help it hold together during shaping.
• If it feels loose, I chill the mixture 10 minutes before shaping.
• For extra crunch, I add a tablespoon of cornmeal or extra breadcrumbs.
• I don’t overfill; a compact scoop ensures even cooking.
• I dust my hands with a little water to prevent sticking.
• If using an oven, I preheat fully to 400°F for even browning.

Equipment Needed

Here are the essentials for Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use a conventional oven with the same tray setup. These tools keep prep fast and cleanup easy.

• Air fryer or conventional oven
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or small scoop (1 tablespoon)
• Baking sheet or air fryer basket
• Parchment paper (optional)

Variations

These variations keep Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers flexible for different tastes, diets, or pantry staples.

• Swap in Italian cheese blend for Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers to add a punchy, melty twist.
• Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat in Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers gluten-free without losing crunch.
• Mix in finely chopped onions or shallots for extra savory notes in Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers.
• Use almond flour plus cheese for a lighter crust in Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers; adjust moisture accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with ranch, Greek yogurt dip, or honey mustard for dipping.
• Pair with a simple green salad or cucumber sticks for balance.
• Plate on a bright platter with dipping sauces in small bowls.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for color.

Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly Tips for Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers

I love having a stash ready for busy nights. These tips help me freeze, reheat, and stay crispy without extra fuss.

• I freeze formed, uncooked poppers on a baking sheet, then bag them once frozen.
• I air-fry or bake from frozen; add 2–3 minutes to cook time.
• I reheat leftovers in the air fryer for maximum crisp.

FAQs

Can I bake Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers instead of air frying?

Yes. Bake Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning once, until crisp and golden.

Are these gluten-free?

Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers can be gluten-free with gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients in Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers are naturally gluten-free.

How should I store leftovers?

Store Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.

Can I freeze the mixture before cooking?

Yes. Freeze shaped Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers on a sheet, then transfer to a bag. Cook from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to cook time.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers prove veggie snacks can be crave-worthy. I love how the cheese-forward center hides broccoli in a golden, crunchy coat. With the air fryer, weeknights feel quick, clean, and totally doable.

On busy evenings, I grab this snack; cleanup is a breeze, flavors stay bright. The broccoli brings veggie goodness, while cheddar and Parmesan give that gooey bite. It scales up for gatherings but stays simple for a solo kitchen sprint.

I love pairing them with a bright dip for a little party vibe. If you cook for picky eaters, this is your stealth veggie win—crunch first. They vanish fast on game night and make weeknights feel lighter.

Print