These Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli Balls are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with melty mozzarella and flavorful herbs. They’re an easy air fryer snack or side dish that turns simple broccoli into an irresistible, family-friendly bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy without deep frying
- Kid-friendly way to enjoy broccoli
- Made with simple, pantry ingredients
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect for snacks, appetizers, or sides
Ingredients
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated if possible
- 4 ounces broccoli florets
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or mixed dried herbs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Steam the broccoli florets until tender but not mushy. You can microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until soft.
- Transfer the broccoli to a bowl and mash with a fork until broken down but still slightly chunky.
- Add mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb moisture.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls. You should get about 17–18 balls.
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper if desired. Arrange the balls in a single layer.
- Lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Tricks
- Chop broccoli finely for better binding
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melting
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
- Flip halfway through for extra even browning
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 17–18 balls
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, vegetarian
Notes
These broccoli balls are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 6g
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, thaw and drain very well before using.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
What cheese works best besides mozzarella?
Cheddar or a mozzarella-cheddar blend works well.
Why do my balls fall apart?
Make sure broccoli isn’t too wet and let the mixture rest before shaping.
Can I bake these instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked balls up to 1 month
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes
Similar Recipes
Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese freshly grated if possible
- 4 ounces broccoli florets
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or mixed dried herbs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Steam the broccoli florets until tender but not mushy. You can microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until soft.
- Transfer the broccoli to a bowl and mash with a fork until broken down but still slightly chunky.
- Add mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb moisture.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls. You should get about 17–18 balls.
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper if desired. Arrange the balls in a single layer.
- Lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli Balls are the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and wholesome. Easy to make and even easier to love, they’re a great way to add more vegetables to your menu without sacrificing flavor.