Description
These bite-sized poppers combine tender broccoli and gooey cheddar in a crisp panko shell — perfect for snacking, party platters, or a family-friendly appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (or set your air fryer to 375°F) and prepare a baking sheet.
- Steam the broccoli florets for about 2 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Press shredded cheddar into each broccoli floret.
- Set up dredging station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko mixed with seasonings.
- Dredge each floret in flour, dip in eggs, and coat with panko.
- Arrange coated poppers on the baking sheet and spray with olive oil.
- Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Let poppers rest for a minute before serving hot with dipping sauces.
Notes
Use panko for a flakier crunch and chill poppers if they feel loose. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: broccoli, cheddar, poppers, appetizer, vegetarian, baked