Broccoli is one of the most nutritious vegetables around, packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. But it can get boring if only eaten raw or lightly steamed.
That’s why I was excited to try out this recipe for air fryer broccoli cheese bites, an inventive way to enjoy broccoli’s many health benefits in snack form. These tasty broccoli bites are crispy on the outside and cheesy in the middle, making for a perfect pop-in-your mouth appetizer or side.
Read on below for the step-by-step method plus plenty of tips for customizing with different add-ins, seasonings, cheese varieties and serving sauces.
Whether enjoying game day snacks or healthy lunches, these broccoli bites make it easy to get your fill of superfood broccoli.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Amazingly Tasty- We’ve amped up the flavor in these bites to make them irresistibly delicious.
The combination of smoky paprika, savory Parmesan, sharp cheddar, and pungent garlic takes these bites to new heights of scrumptiousness. Your tastebuds will do a happy dance with every bite!
The Perfect Snack- They make for a perfect party snack or appetizer. Keep a batch ready when guests come over and watch them devour plate after plate.
The bites look fancy but take little effort. You can even add some dipping sauces for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Easy to Make- Lastly, the joy of being able to make insanely tasty broccoli bites in your air fryer in less than 10 minutes flat cannot be overstated! This easy peasy recipe will make your air fryer your new BFF!
✨ Recipe Ingredients
To make these air fried broccoli bites you will need:
- 2 Eggs (large)
- 2 1/2 cups broccoli (chopped)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup Regular Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 large Onion (finely minced)
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe to make these tasty air fryer broccoli cheese bites:
Step 1
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil.
Step 2
Add the broccoli, garlic, onion, and salt. Cook and stir until the veggies are soft. It should take 8-10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Step 3
Mix the eggs, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, black pepper, and breadcrumbs in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooled vegetables and mix until thoroughly blended.
Step 4
Preheat the air fryer to 400F (200C).
Step 5
Form 10 or 12 balls from the mixture. Place them in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through. That’s it! Enjoy these amazing air fryer broccoli bites!
💡Tips
1. Experiment With Different Cheeses
While cheddar and parmesan make a classic flavor combo, you can also substitute or add other cheeses. Monterey jack, Gruyère, and fontina all melt wonderfully when baked.
For extra sharp bite, try using aged gouda or smoked gouda. Adding a bit of cream cheese or goat cheese makes the interior extra smooth and creamy.
Get creative with different cheese varieties to put your own unique spin on these broccoli bites.
2. Add Some Heat
To give these bites a spicy kick, mix in a pinch of cayenne, a dash of hot sauce, or a minced jalapeno or habanero pepper. The spicy addition pairs perfectly with the cool and creamy cheeses.
For pickled spice flavor, add some chopped dill pickle or relish to the mix. The possibilities are endless for turning up the heat on these baked broccoli bites.
3. Make Mini Bites
If you want to serve these air fryer broccoli bites as an appetizer or a snack, you can make them smaller. Mini broccoli bites are perfect for parties and gatherings, and they are also a great option for kids’ lunchboxes.
4. Try Different Seasonings
Customize the flavor profile of the filling mixture by adding fresh or dried herbs like basil, dill, parsley, thyme or rosemary. Lemon zest gives a bright, citrusy essence.
For Italian flair, blend in some oregano and red pepper flakes. Get creative with cajun spices, curry powder, or five spice blend for an international twist.
5. Add Some Grated Carrots
For extra vegetable goodness, grate in 1⁄2 cup of carrots when sauteing the broccoli. The extra veggie provides natural sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
It also adds great texture, color, and nutrients. Other add-ins could include corn, spinach, roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes. The options for veggie mix-ins are vast!
6. Top with Some Fresh Lemon Juice
A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up any dish, and these broccoli bites are no exception. The acidity helps cut through the richness of the cheese filling and complements the veggies beautifully. After the hot crispy broccoli bites come out of the air fryer, drizzle them lightly with fresh lemon juice.
Grate a bit of lemon zest over top as well for bonus citrus essence. Tart and tangy lemon juice keeps each bite tasting fresh, balancing the savory cheesiness.
And don’t forget to serve with lemon wedges on the side too. Adding a squeeze or two over each broccoli bite to taste is sure to have everyone coming back for more moreish morsels.
Variations
1. Buffalo Broccoli Bites– For a spicy kick, add 1/4 cup hot sauce to the broccoli mixture before forming into balls. Top the cooked broccoli bites with more hot sauce and creamy blue cheese dressing for dipping. The contrast of the cool dipping sauce and spicy bites is delicious!
2. Panko Broccoli Bites– For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. The Japanese-style breadcrumbs will make the outside ultra crispy!
3. Cheesy Jalapeno Broccoli Bites- Slice 2 seeded jalapenos and mix into the broccoli mixture, along with an extra 1/2 cup shredded cheddar. The jalapenos add a nice flavor kick that pairs perfectly with the gooey cheese.
4. Ham and Swiss Broccoli Bites- Cube up some ham and Swiss cheese to fold into the mixture. The salty ham and nutty Swiss add great flavor to the bites.
5. Italian Broccoli Bites- Add Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan, and chopped pepperoni to the mixture. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping to get that Italian restaurant flavor.
Keto / Low Carb Version
To make a keto and low carb version of this broccoli bites air fryer recipe, there are a few simple substitutions you can make:
Instead of regular breadcrumbs, use crushed pork rinds or almond flour to coat the broccoli bites. This eliminates the carbs and grains.
Skip the onion or use very little, as onions are higher in carbs. Replace it with more broccoli instead.
Add additional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder or red pepper flakes to boost the flavor without the carbs.
To get a nice crunchy exterior, coat the broccoli balls in beaten egg before rolling them through the pork rind crumbs or almond flour.
Gluten Free Version
To make a gluten free version of this broccoli bites air fryer recipe, simply use gluten free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. I would recommend using panko style gluten free breadcrumbs to help the broccoli bites achieve a nice crispy texture when air fried.
Storage
Store the broccoli bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cooked broccoli bites for longer term storage. To freeze, place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
The broccoli bites will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the air fryer or oven.
Dipping Sauces
Here are 5 delicious dipping sauces that would pair perfectly with these crunchy air fryer broccoli cheese bites:
1. Ranch Dressing- The cool, tangy flavor of the ranch contrasts beautifully with the warm, cheesy broccoli bites.
2. Marinara Sauce- The vibrant tomato flavor along with hints of garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning make a robust dipping companion.
3. Spicy Buffalo Sauce- The iconic blend of hot sauce and buttery richness takes these bites over the top. Feel the heat spread as the crisp coating gives way to the fluffy, cheesy interior when dipped in this fan favorite sauce.
4. Guacamole- The cool and smooth avocado pairs divinely with the warmth of the bites straight from the air fryer. Tangy lime, sweet tomato, and savory onion in the guacamole balance out the rich cheese and herbs wonderfully.
5. Thai Peanut Sauce– The nutty crunch of chopped peanuts with aromatic notes of ginger, soy sauce, garlic, and chili make an unexpected but delightful match for our broccoli bites. Sweet, salty, spicy – this sauce brings the perfect party for your palate.
You’ll Love These Recipes Too
If you liked my broccoli cheese bites air fryer recipe, make sure to also check out these amazing recipes for the air fryer:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it necessary to pre-cook the broccoli and onions before mixing them with the other ingredients?
Yes, pre-cooking softens them and enhances their flavors, ensuring that they blend well with the other ingredients and cook evenly in the air fryer.
2. Is it possible to make these broccoli bites without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning once until they are golden and crispy.
3. What dipping sauces go well with the broccoli bites?
These bites would go great with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, sour cream, or cheese sauce for dipping.
Broccoli – Super Food!
Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat. It contains high levels of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
Air frying broccoli helps maximize its nutritional value. Air frying uses hot air to crisp and caramelize the vegetable’s surface while keeping the inside tender. This cooking method requires little to no oil, preventing the addition of unnecessary fats and calories. Air frying also helps retain more nutrients compared to other cooking methods that use higher heat or moisture.
Broccoli cooks up quickly and evenly in the air fryer. The hot air circulates around each floret, ensuring the heads turn out crispy on the outside while staying fork-tender inside. Air fried broccoli also develops a depth of flavor from the light charring on the surface.
The simplicity of cooking broccoli in the air fryer makes it an easy addition to all kinds of healthy recipes. From main courses to side dishes and snacks, air fried broccoli goes with just about anything.
So do yourself and your health a favor by tossing broccoli in your air fryer soon. The satisfying crunch and sweet, roasted notes of this superfood vegetable might just make it your new favorite snack.
These crispy, cheesy air fryer broccoli bites make for a tasty and healthy snack or appetizer. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, they provide a nutritious alternative to typical fried snacks. Be sure to check out the tips for customizing the flavors to suit your tastes.
For more easy air fryer recipes, be sure to explore the rest of the site. Try out the keto and gluten-free adaptations of this broccoli cheese balls air fryer recipe too. Questions or comments? Let us know in the comments below!
We love hearing your ideas and suggestions for new recipes. Subscribe to receive new recipe notifications so you never miss a delicious and nutritious dish. Now who’s ready for seconds of these scrumptious broccoli bites?
Air Fryer Broccoli Bites
- 2 Eggs (large)
- 2 1/2 cups Broccoli (chopped)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup Regular Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 large Onion (finely minced)
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil.
- Add the broccoli, garlic, onion, and salt. Cook and stir until the veggies are soft. It should take 8-10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Mix the eggs, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, black pepper, and breadcrumbs in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooled vegetables and mix until thoroughly blended.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F (200C).
- Form 10 or 12 balls from the mixture. Place them in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through.
