Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Tots

If you've ever tried to sneak more vegetables into your family's snack routine, these Air Fryer Broccoli Tots with Cheddar are about to become your new secret weapon. Crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside, these golden little bites bring together fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar in a way that even the pickiest eaters can't resist. Ready in just 35 minutes and made entirely in the air fryer, they are the perfect vegetarian snack, appetizer, or side dish for any occasion.

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These broccoli tots are proof that wholesome ingredients and incredible flavor can go hand in hand. Blanched broccoli is finely chopped and combined with sharp cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, egg, onion, and a handful of seasonings to create a mixture that shapes beautifully into small cylindrical tots. Once air fried until golden brown and irresistibly crunchy, they are best served hot alongside your favorite dipping sauce — think ketchup, ranch, or a bold spicy mayo. Whether you're hosting a game day gathering or packing after-school snacks, these tots always steal the show.

Ingredients

• Vegetables:
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
• Dairy:
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 large egg
• Dry Ingredients:
  • 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 2 – Blanch the Broccoli

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 3 – Chop the Broccoli

Finely chop the broccoli, or pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice.

Step 4 – Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, onion, cheddar cheese, egg, panko, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined and the mixture holds together.

Step 5 – Shape the Tots

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and shape into small tot (cylinder) forms. Repeat with remaining mixture.

Step 6 – Prepare the Basket

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange tots in a single layer, leaving space between each.

Step 7 – Air Fry

Air fry for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and crisp.

Step 8 – Serve

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Damit deine Broccoli Tots perfekt gelingen, achte darauf, den Brokkoli nach dem Blanchieren wirklich gründlich trocken zu tupfen — überschüssige Feuchtigkeit kann dazu führen, dass die Masse nicht gut zusammenhält. Wenn du die Tots formst, drücke die Mischung fest zusammen, damit sie beim Frittieren nicht auseinanderfallen. Lass zwischen den einzelnen Tots genügend Abstand im Korb, damit die heiße Luft gleichmäßig zirkulieren kann und alle Stücke gleichmäßig knusprig werden.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Dieses Rezept lässt sich ganz einfach anpassen: Für eine glutenfreie Version einfach glutenfreies Panko und glutenfreies Mehl verwenden. Wer es würziger mag, kann eine Prise Cayennepfeffer oder geräuchertes Paprikapulver in die Mischung geben. Für Menschen mit Milchunverträglichkeit können milchfreie Käsealternativen verwendet werden. Die Tots eignen sich auch hervorragend zum Einfrieren: Ungekochte Tots auf einem Tablett einfrieren, bis sie fest sind, dann in einem Gefrierbeutel bis zu einem Monat aufbewahren und direkt aus dem Gefrierschrank in den Air Fryer geben — einfach 2–3 Minuten länger garen.

Serviervorschläge

Diese knusprigen Broccoli Tots schmecken am besten frisch und heiß aus dem Air Fryer. Reiche sie mit Ketchup, Ranch-Dressing oder einer würzigen Mayonnaise als Dip. Sie eignen sich hervorragend als Snack für Kinder, als Vorspeise bei Partys oder als gesunde Beilage zu Burgern und Sandwiches. Für ein vollständiges vegetarisches Gericht passen sie wunderbar zu einem frischen Salat oder einer cremigen Suppe.

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These Air Fryer Broccoli Tots with Cheddar are the kind of recipe you'll find yourself coming back to again and again. They're simple enough for a weeknight snack, impressive enough for entertaining, and wholesome enough to feel good about every single bite. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and the help of your air fryer, you can have a plate of golden, cheesy, crispy tots ready in under 40 minutes. Go ahead — make a double batch. They won't last long.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prepare the broccoli for the tots?

Blanch broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 2 minutes, then cool and chop finely or pulse in a food processor until rice-sized.

→ Can I make these tots gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular panko breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free versions to accommodate dietary needs.

→ What temperature is best for air frying these tots?

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook tots for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway for even crispiness.

→ How can I store or freeze the broccoli tots?

Arrange formed tots on a tray and freeze until solid, then store in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Air fry from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to cook time.

→ What are some good dipping sauce options?

Try ketchup, ranch, or spicy mayo to complement the crispy and cheesy tots.

→ Can I add extra flavors to the tots?

Yes, adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika enhances the flavor with a subtle kick.