Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Tots (Print Version)

Golden, cheesy broccoli bites cooked to crisp perfection in an air fryer. Easy and kid-friendly.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 cups broccoli florets, approximately 1 medium head
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

→ Dairy

03 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
04 - 1 large egg

→ Dry Ingredients

05 - 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
06 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Set air fryer to 375°F and allow to preheat for 3 minutes.
02 - Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water. Pat dry completely with paper towels.
03 - Finely chop the broccoli or pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice grains.
04 - In a large bowl, combine processed broccoli, chopped onion, shredded cheddar cheese, egg, panko breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated and mixture holds together.
05 - Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of mixture and shape into small cylindrical forms. Repeat until all mixture is used.
06 - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange tots in a single layer with space between each piece.
07 - Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, until golden brown and crispy.
08 - Transfer to serving plate while hot and serve with preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Crispy without deep frying: The air fryer creates a perfectly golden, crunchy exterior in just 12–15 minutes.
  • Kid-friendly and veggie-packed: A sneaky, delicious way to get broccoli on the plate that even picky eaters will enjoy.
  • Quick and easy: Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish with simple pantry ingredients.
  • Versatile: Works as a snack, appetizer, or healthy side dish for any meal.
  • Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze uncooked tots for a convenient snack anytime.
02 -
  • Dry the broccoli well: After blanching, pat the broccoli as dry as possible to prevent a soggy mixture that won't hold its shape.
  • Pulse, don't purée: When using a food processor, pulse briefly — you want rice-sized pieces, not a paste.
  • Don't overcrowd the basket: Leave space between each tot so the hot air can circulate and crisp all sides evenly.
  • Chill the mixture if needed: If the mixture feels too soft to shape, refrigerate for 15 minutes before forming the tots.
  • Gluten-free swap: Use gluten-free panko and flour for an easy gluten-free version without compromising on crunch.
  • Freeze for later: Freeze uncooked tots on a tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. Air fry straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the cook time.
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