Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Tots (Print Version)

Golden broccoli tots loaded with cheddar, crispy and easy to make using an air fryer.

# Components:

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes until ready for cooking.
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 the mixture holds together.
05 - Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of mixture and shape into small cylindrical tot forms. Repeat with remaining mixture to create uniform pieces.
06 - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange tots in a single layer, leaving adequate space between each piece for air circulation.
07 - Air fry for 12-15 minutes, turning tots halfway through cooking, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
08 - Remove from air fryer and serve hot with preferred dipping sauce such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come out impossibly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, no deep frying required.
  • Kids who normally push vegetables around their plates actually ask for seconds.
  • The whole thing takes less time than ordering takeout, but tastes homemade in the best way.
  • You can freeze a batch and cook from frozen whenever hunger strikes.
02 -
  • The moisture in raw broccoli is your enemy—blanching, draining, and patting dry aren't extra steps, they're the foundation of the whole recipe.
  • Halfway through cooking, you must turn them because the side touching the basket bottom gets crispier than the top, and flipping ensures even browning.
03 -
  • Don't skip the blanching step no matter how much you want to—it's the difference between crispy and disappointing every single time.
  • If your mixture feels too wet after combining ingredients, add a tablespoon more panko to help it hold together better during cooking.
Return