Description
Discover how to make delicious and crispy Air Fryer Cheddar Broccoli Bites, the perfect fall snack for any occasion. Easy recipe for a tasty treat!
Ingredients
- 2 cups (480 ml) broccoli, cooked and finely chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef Mozzarella cheese, shredded (or shredded cheese of your choice)
- 4 oz (113 g) Cream cheese, softened
- 1 Egg, large
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) salt (salt and pepper to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) paprika
- 1 cup (240 ml) breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
Instructions
- Combine the finely chopped broccoli with the shredded cheeses in a big bowl. Incorporate the egg and seasonings, then mix thoroughly with your hands until everything becomes a cohesive, sticky blend. Note: Reserve some of the broccoli mixture for later use in Air Fryer Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken for an amazing flavor.
- Form the mixture into small, round shapes. Aim for each piece to be about 1 inch in size, but not exceeding 1 and ½ inches to prevent them from flattening. Tip: Create a small indentation in each round with your finger and insert a tiny piece of solid cheese like Velveeta, cream cheese, Mozzarella, or Goat cheese. Seal the hole and continue shaping it into a ball. This optional step will add a delightful cheese ooze and pull.
- Coat each formed ball in breadcrumbs, ensuring full coverage.
- Arrange the balls on a parchment-covered baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to an hour. This optional step helps maintain their shape during air frying.
- Heat your air fryer to 400°F. Do not omit this step, as it’s crucial for the Broccoli cheddar bites to start cooking immediately in a hot environment.
- Place the balls on your greased air fryer tray, ensuring there’s enough space between them for proper air circulation. Lightly spray each ball with cooking spray.
- Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook these bites for 5 minutes on one side, then carefully flip them over for another 5 minutes. Tip: Use two spatulas for a gentle flip, avoiding tongs to prevent crushing.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the balls from the air fryer using a flat silicone spatula and transfer them to a plate.
Notes
- Consider adding a small piece of Velveeta or cream cheese inside each broccoli cheddar bite for a gooey center.
- Freeze the formed balls for 30 minutes to an hour before air frying to maintain their shape.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F before cooking to ensure even cooking and a quick start.