These air fryer broccoli balls are a delicious and healthy snack or side dish. Made with fresh broccoli, cheese, and breadcrumbs, they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for using up leftover broccoli. You can customize the flavor by adding your favorite herbs or spices.
Preparation of Broccoli Balls
Creating these crispy air fryer broccoli balls starts with the broccoli.
Steam fresh broccoli florets until they are tender, then chop them finely.
Allow the chopped broccoli to cool before mixing it with other ingredients.
This step is essential to ensure the balls hold their shape and achieve the right texture when cooked.
The combination of fresh ingredients will provide a vibrant flavor to the final dish.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled broccoli with shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan.
Add a beaten egg along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the taste.
Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
This mixture will form the base of your broccoli balls, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
Shaping the Broccoli Balls
Once the mixture is ready, it’s time to shape the broccoli balls.
Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1-2 inches in diameter.
Make sure the balls are compact to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for approximately 5 minutes.
While it heats up, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the broccoli balls in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch each other.
Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for an extra crispy finish.
Cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning.
The result should be golden brown and crispy broccoli balls that are tender on the inside.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, remove the broccoli balls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
These bites can be enjoyed warm, making them a perfect snack or side dish.
Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
The contrast of the crispy exterior with a creamy or tangy dip elevates the overall experience.
Nutritional Benefits
These air fryer broccoli balls are not only delicious but also nutritious.
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories, making them a guilt-free snack option.
With a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, they provide a satisfying treat without compromising on health.
Incorporating vegetables into your diet has never been this enjoyable!
Easy Air Fryer Broccoli Balls Recipe
These broccoli balls are packed with nutrients and flavor, making them a great addition to any meal. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and yields approximately 12 balls.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil for spraying
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until tender, then chop them finely and let them cool.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Broccoli Balls: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the broccoli balls in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not touching. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Air Fry: Cook the broccoli balls for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Serve: Remove the broccoli balls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 balls
- Calories: 80kcal
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 6g