Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Tots (Print version)

Crispy cheddar and broccoli bites made effortlessly in the air fryer. A tasty snack or side dish for any occasion.

# What You Need:

→ 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 - Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
02 - 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 thoroughly with paper towels.
03 - Finely chop the broccoli or pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice-sized pieces.
04 - In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, onion, cheddar cheese, egg, panko, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined and mixture holds together.
05 - Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of mixture and shape into small cylindrical tot forms. Repeat with remaining mixture.
06 - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange tots in a single layer, leaving adequate space between each piece.
07 - Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, until golden brown and crisp.
08 - Serve hot with your preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Air fryer magic: No deep frying needed — the air fryer delivers a perfectly crispy exterior with minimal oil.
  • Kid-approved: A fun and delicious way to get kids excited about eating broccoli.
  • Quick and easy: With just 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time, these tots are on the table in 35 minutes.
  • Vegetarian-friendly: A satisfying snack or side dish that fits a vegetarian lifestyle.
  • Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze uncooked tots for a ready-to-go snack anytime.
02 -
  • Dry is key: Make sure the broccoli is thoroughly patted dry after blanching — excess moisture will prevent the tots from holding their shape.
  • Don't skip the preheat: Preheating the air fryer ensures an even, crispy cook from the very first minute.
  • Leave space: Arrange tots in a single layer with space between them so hot air can circulate freely for maximum crispiness.
  • Flip halfway: Turning the tots at the halfway point ensures both sides are evenly golden brown.
  • Flavor boost: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
  • 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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