Air Fryer Broccoli Bites

Who doesn’t love a delicious and easy air fryer recipe? Today one of my favorites, Air Fryer Broccoli Bites, is easy to make and absolutely delicious. If you have been looking for an easy way to cook broccoli florets in your air fryer, this is one of the best side dishes!

Are you looking for an easy, healthy way to quickly get dinner on the table? Say hello to Air Fryer Broccoli Bites! With just five minutes of prep time and under 15 minutes of cook time, you can whip up this delicious and nutritious snack or side dish anytime you need something simple yet satisfying.

You’ll love how quickly these tasty bites will hit your plate – no matter what diet or lifestyle you follow, these crispy veggie bites will surely please! Read on for the recipe instructions and all my tips so that every bite comes out perfect.

Air Fryer Broccoli Bites​

Broccoli bites are bite-sized snacks made with broccoli and other ingredients, usually served as an appetizer or a side dish. They can be fried, baked, or air fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

The ingredients in broccoli bites vary but often include broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheese, and eggs. They are a great way to sneak some vegetables into your diet while still satisfying your snack cravings. Broccoli bites are a healthy and delicious option that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

Why Cook Broccoli Bites In Air Fryer​

Cooking broccoli bites in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it uses less oil and reduces the overall calorie intake. Air frying also produces a crispy and crunchy texture similar to deep-frying while retaining the natural flavors and nutrients of the broccoli. 

Additionally, cooking broccoli bites in an air fryer is quick and convenient, as it requires minimal prep time and cooks in just a few minutes. This makes it a great option for a healthy and delicious snack, appetizer, or side dish.

And, of course, you will soon see that the air fryer method is perfect for cooking up this delicious finger food. Even your pickiest eaters will love them!​

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Broccoli Bites

These ingredients are easy to find in any grocery store, and you may already have some of them in your kitchen. The broccoli can be fresh or frozen, but it’s best to use fresh for optimal texture and flavor. If you prefer a gluten-free version, the breadcrumbs can be replaced with low-carb flour, such as almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

​Remember the step-by-step directions are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutrition information. ​

• Broccoli Florets: Use fresh broccoli florets, or heads of broccoli, diced.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned bread crumbs or even panko bread crumbs; you can also use almond flour or pork rinds
• Parmesan Cheese: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Eggs: This will help bind the broccoli bites together.
• Seasonings and Spices: Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt, and Black Pepper
• Cooking Spray​

​How To Cook Broccoli Bites In Air Fryer

Healthy, crunchy, and convenient are just three of the best words to describe Broccoli bites. This incredibly versatile dish is made with grated broccoli that’s formed into little balls before being air fried to perfection. The result? Deliciously crispy and healthy tater-tots without any unhealthy deep-frying involved! If you’re wondering how to make this delicious snack using your air fryer, look no further – today, we will show you exactly how it’s done in a few simple steps!

Step One: Cook The Broccoli

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C). Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender, about 3-4 minutes. Then let them cool for about 3-5 minutes.  Use a food processor to pulse the broccoli until it’s fine.

Step Two: Prepare The Air Fryer Broccoli Balls

Combine the steamed broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.

Step Three: Prepare The Air Fyrer Broccoli Cheese Bites

Form the mixture into small balls using a small cookie scoop or a spoon. Place the balls onto the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other.

Step Four: Air Fry Broccoli Tots

Air fry at 375 degrees F for a cooking time of 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.

​Step Five: Serving

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or a favorite dip.

​Pro Tips For Cooking Broccoli Bites In Air Fryer

​Here are some pro tips for cooking broccoli bites in an air fryer:

• Use fresh broccoli for optimal texture and flavor. Frozen broccoli can be used but may result in a softer texture.
• Make sure to steam the broccoli until it is tender but not mushy. Overcooked broccoli can make the mixture too moist and difficult to form into balls.
• To get a crispy texture, it’s important to coat the broccoli bites with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
• Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form the mixture into small balls of even size. This ensures that they will cook evenly in the air fryer.
• Make sure to space the broccoli bites out in the air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and steaming instead of air frying.
• Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your broccoli bites and the power of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning. The broccoli bites are ready when golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. 
• Flip the broccoli bites halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
• Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor.

Following these pro tips will help you achieve perfect, crispy broccoli bites every time you make them in your air fryer.

What To Serve With Broccoli Cheese Balls

Broccoli cheese balls are a versatile and delicious appetizer or snack that can be served with various dipping sauces and side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with broccoli cheese balls:

• Dipping sauces: Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, marinara sauce, or aioli are all great options for dipping broccoli cheese balls.
• Salad: A simple side salad with fresh greens, vegetables, and a light dressing can complement broccoli cheese balls’ rich and savory flavor.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, asparagus, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts are a great side dish that pairs well with broccoli cheese balls’ earthy and nutty flavor.
• Rice or quinoa: A serving of rice or quinoa can help balance out the richness of broccoli cheese balls and provide a healthy source of complex carbohydrates.
• Soup: Pairing broccoli cheese balls with a warm and comforting bowl of soup, such as tomato soup, broccoli soup,  or butternut squash soup, can create a cozy and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Air Fyrer Broccoli Bites

Can I use frozen broccoli to make broccoli bites in the air fryer?

You can use frozen broccoli to make broccoli bites in the air fryer, but the texture may be slightly softer than fresh broccoli.

Can I make broccoli bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the broccoli bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook; place them into an airtight container.  This can be convenient for meal prep or entertaining.

How do I reheat leftover broccoli bites?

To reheat leftover broccoli bites, place them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F until heated through and crispy again.

What dipping sauce goes well with broccoli bites?

Broccoli bites go well with various dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, sour cream, or aioli.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you can use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan, such as cheddar cheese, vegan cheeses,  or mozzarella cheese, but remember that this may affect the flavor and texture of the broccoli bites.

How do I prevent the broccoli bites from falling apart?

To prevent the broccoli bites from falling apart, make sure to steam the broccoli until it’s tender but not mushy, and mix the ingredients thoroughly before forming them into balls. Additionally, make sure to coat the broccoli bites evenly with the breadcrumb mixture and avoid overcrowding them in the air fryer basket.