These air fryer broccoli cheese bites are crispy on the outside and cheesy and soft inside, with finely chopped broccoli held together by cheddar, egg, and panko. They make a fun party appetizer, a kid-friendly side, or a snack you can prep ahead. A short freeze before air frying keeps them from falling apart.
Table of Contents
Why These Broccoli Cheese Bites Work
Microwaving the broccoli until just tender softens it enough to chop very fine, so it blends into the cheese instead of poking out. The egg and panko bind everything, and the cheddar melts into the mixture and crisps at the edges. Freezing the rolled balls for 30 minutes firms them up so they hold their shape in the hot air.
- Only 7 simple ingredients.
- Crispy outside with a cheesy, tender center.
- A great way to get kids to eat broccoli.
- Easy to make ahead and freeze.
Ingredients
The full amounts are in the recipe card below.
- 10 ounces fresh broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Shred the cheddar yourself from a block. It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking starch.
How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli Cheese Bites
Steam the Broccoli
Put the broccoli and water in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely with a lid or plastic wrap. Microwave for 4 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Let it cool until you can handle it.
Chop and Mix
Chop the broccoli very finely, almost to crumbs. Put it in a bowl with the egg, cheddar, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper and mix until everything sticks together.
Roll and Freeze
Scoop 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture, squeeze it, and roll it into a ball. Set it on a rimmed baking sheet and repeat, making about 28 bites. Freeze for 30 minutes so they firm up.
Air Fry
Heat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites in a single layer without touching, working in batches. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, until golden and crisp. Keep the finished bites warm under a piece of foil while you cook the rest.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Bites
Serve them hot as an appetizer with ranch, honey mustard, or marinara, or as a side dish with chicken or steak. For a party, spear two on a toothpick for an easy finger food. Another cheesy broccoli idea is our velvety crock pot broccoli cheese soup.
How to Store and Reheat
Store cooked bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to re-crisp them. The microwave works but softens the outside. You can also freeze the uncooked rolled balls in a freezer bag for up to 3 months and air fry them straight from frozen with 2 to 3 extra minutes. The USDA recommends reheating leftovers to 165°F.
Tips and Variations
- Chop the broccoli very fine. Large pieces make the bites crumble.
- Do not skip the freezing step. It keeps them from falling apart.
- Spray the bites lightly with oil for extra crunch and color.
- Use a silicone spatula to lift them out of the basket gently.
- Swap in Colby Jack, pepper Jack, or a mix of cheeses for a different flavor.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- Looking for another air fryer snack? Try our air fryer garlic tofu bites or the air fryer cheesy tortilla garlic bread.
- For a cheesy main to serve with them, see our parmesan crusted air fryer chicken tenders.
FAQ
How do I keep broccoli cheese bites from falling apart?
Chop the broccoli very fine, pack each ball tightly, and freeze them for 30 minutes before air frying. Do not overcrowd the basket.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw it, drain it well, squeeze out the extra moisture, and chop it finely before mixing.
Can I bake these instead?
Yes. Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for about 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes. Roll the bites and refrigerate them for up to a day or freeze them, then air fry when ready.
What dip goes well with broccoli cheese bites?
Ranch, honey mustard, marinara, or a spicy mayo are all good choices.
Air Fryer Broccoli Cheese Bites
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 oz fresh broccoli florets
- ¼ cup water
- 1 large egg
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- ¾ cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Cooking
- Place the broccoli and water in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and microwave for 4 minutes until tender. Let it cool enough to handle.
- Chop the broccoli very finely. Mix it with the egg, cheddar, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Scoop 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture, squeeze, and roll into a ball. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and repeat to make about 28 bites.
- Freeze the bites for 30 minutes.
- Heat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the bites in a single layer, in batches, for 5 to 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
