Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Tots (Printable view)

Crispy cheddar and broccoli bites air fried to golden perfection; great snack or side dish.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 cups broccoli florets (about 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

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat your 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 about 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 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 favorite dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Healthy & Vegetarian: A nutrient-dense snack that fits perfectly into a vegetarian diet.
  • Kid-Approved: The combination of sharp cheddar and crispy breadcrumbs makes broccoli irresistible to picky eaters.
  • Quick & Easy: With only 15 minutes of cooking time, these are perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer achieves a deep-fried texture using only a light spray of oil.
02 -
  • Don't Overcrowd: Always air fry in a single layer to ensure the hot air can reach all sides for maximum crispiness.
  • Freezing for Later: You can freeze uncooked tots by arranging them on a tray until solid, then transferring to a zip-top bag for up to 1 month.
  • Cook from Frozen: No need to thaw! Just add 2–3 extra minutes to the air frying time when cooking straight from the freezer.
  • Oil Spray: A light mist of oil on the basket and the tots themselves helps achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
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