Air Fryer Broccoli Tots Cheddar (Printable version)

Delicious crispy broccoli tots with cheddar, cooked quickly for a cheesy, healthy snack or side dish.

# What You’ll 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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
02 - Bring a medium pot of salted water to 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.
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 space between each piece.
07 - Air fry for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
08 - Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Healthier than deep-fried tots, made crispy in the air fryer with minimal oil
  • Packed with broccoli and sharp cheddar for a flavor-rich, veggie-forward snack
  • Kid-approved and perfect for picky eaters who need extra vegetables
  • Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish
  • Great for meal prep—freeze uncooked tots and air fry them straight from the freezer
02 -
  • Freeze uncooked tots on a tray, 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
  • Use a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture evenly for uniform cooking
  • Flip the tots halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for extra depth and a hint of heat
  • Serve immediately for maximum crispiness, or keep warm in a low oven until ready to serve
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