Finding a nutritious snack that children actually want to eat can be a challenge. Enter these Cheesy Veggie Poppers—crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and packed with colorful veggies. They’re a quick air fryer treat that’s guilt-free for parents and fun for kids to munch on.

Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (plus extra if needed)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper (optional)
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
Start by steaming or boiling the broccoli just until it’s tender. Then, pat the florets dry and chop them into small pieces if needed. Add them to a bowl with the grated carrot, shredded cheddar cheese, and beaten egg. Toss in the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and a pinch of black pepper, stirring everything until it forms a mixture that holds together when pressed.
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small round poppers—about the size of a ping-pong ball. If you find the mixture too moist, sprinkle in extra breadcrumbs until they’re easy to handle. Lightly coat the poppers with olive oil spray to ensure a crispy outer layer.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. Arrange the veggie poppers in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’re done when they turn golden brown and a little crisp on the outside.
In no time, your Cheesy Veggie Poppers are ready to be savored. They’re ideal for school lunches, after-school snacking, or even a family movie night. The air frying process cuts down on oil, making these an excellent choice for parents who want a healthier spin on fried snacks. You can easily swap in cauliflower for broccoli or use a different type of cheese—whatever suits your family’s taste. These poppers are a versatile, wholesome option that encourage kids to enjoy more veggies while satisfying their craving for crispy, cheesy goodness.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.