Air Fryer Broccoli Cheese Bites
Intro:
These Air Fryer Broccoli Cheese Bites are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with cheesy, veggie-filled goodness. They make a fantastic snack, appetizer, or even a kid-friendly side dish. Plus, using the air fryer makes them wonderfully crunchy without deep-frying — quick, mess-free, and delicious!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time (Air Fryer): 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 20–24 bites (makes about 1 tablespoon-sized balls)
Ingredients:
2 cups broccoli florets (steamed & finely chopped)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp preferred)
½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Cooking spray (for air fryer)
Instructions:
Prepare Broccoli:
Steam broccoli for about 5–6 minutes, then finely chop it. You want small bits — not puréed — for good texture and easier shaping.
Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine:
Chopped broccoli
Cheddar cheese
Parmesan
Breadcrumbs
Eggs
Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
Form the Bites:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls (or shape into nuggets/patties if preferred).
Optional: Chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to help them hold shape better.
Air Fry the Bites:
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2 minutes.
Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
Place bites in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd).
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through or shaking the basket, until golden brown and crispy.
Tips & Tricks:
Want more crunch? Coat the outside lightly in panko crumbs before air frying.
Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or hot sauce to the mix for a kick.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve hot with ranch, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo for dipping.
Pair with a simple salad or soup for a light meal.
Storage & Reheating:
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to re-crisp.
Freeze before or after cooking — freeze bites on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Nutrition (Per 2 Bites, Approximate):
Calories: 130
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Carbs: 7g
Fiber: 1g