Air Fryer Broccoli Tots Cheddar

My kid came home from school asking why the cafeteria broccoli was so boring, and I found myself on a mission to prove that green vegetables could actually be delicious. That evening, I remembered seeing air fryer recipes online and thought, why not turn broccoli into something that tastes like comfort food? Twenty minutes later, we had golden, crispy tots studded with sharp cheddar, and suddenly broccoli wasn't the enemy anymore. It became our secret weapon for sneaking nutrition into snack time.

The first time I made a full batch for a game day gathering, I was genuinely nervous about how they'd be received next to the usual chip dips. But watching my brother dunk one in ranch dip and immediately ask for the recipe told me everything I needed to know. By the end of the afternoon, the platter was empty, and someone's partner asked if they could become a regular thing at our hangouts.

Ingredients

• Broccoli florets: The star here, and blanching them first removes excess moisture so your tots stay crispy instead of soggy inside.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Don't skimp on quality here, it melts beautifully and gives these tots real flavor personality.
• Panko breadcrumbs: These are coarser than regular breadcrumbs, which means extra crunch when the air fryer works its magic.
• Egg: Your binding agent that holds everything together so the mixture doesn't fall apart during shaping.
• All-purpose flour: Just enough to help with texture without making them dense.
• Garlic powder, salt, and pepper: The quietly essential trio that prevents everything from tasting flat.
• Small onion: Finely chopped, it adds a subtle sweetness and depth that people can't quite identify but keeps them reaching for another tot.

Instructions

Mount paper towels nearby for quick cleanup of spills, grease, and messes while cooking and prepping meals.

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Get your air fryer ready:

Preheat to 375°F for a few minutes while you gather everything. This ensures your tots cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden exterior.

Blanch and dry your broccoli:

Boil the florets for just 2 minutes, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking. This is the move that makes or breaks these tots, so don't skip it or rush it. Pat them completely dry afterward because any lingering moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

Chop the broccoli fine:

Use a food processor if you have one, pulsing until the broccoli looks like tiny grains of rice. If you're chopping by hand, take your time and aim for consistent pieces.

Mix your base:

Combine everything in a bowl, stirring until the mixture holds together when you squeeze it. You'll know it's right when it feels like play-dough that actually wants to cooperate with you.

Shape into tots:

Scoop roughly 1 tablespoon portions and roll them between your palms into little cylinders. This part is oddly satisfying and takes about 5 minutes total.

Oil and arrange:

Give your air fryer basket a light spray with cooking oil, then place tots in a single layer with a little space between each one. They need room to circulate for even cooking.

Air fry with a flip:

Start cooking at 12 minutes, shake the basket or flip them halfway through, then continue until they're golden brown and crispy on all sides. You'll know they're done when they sound hollow if you tap one.

Serve immediately:

They're best enjoyed hot while the outside is still crispy and the cheese is melted warm inside. Set out your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear.

Save

There's something genuinely special about turning a vegetable that gets a lot of eye rolls into something that people ask for by name. The moment my partner caught our youngest requesting these over the usual processed snacks felt like a quiet victory.

Flavor Customization

While these are fantastic as-is, I've learned that the real fun happens when you play with seasonings. A small pinch of cayenne pepper adds a gentle heat that adults notice but kids don't freak out about. Smoked paprika brings a subtle depth that somehow makes the broccoli taste less like broccoli and more like something totally craveable. You can also mix in a quarter teaspoon of everything bagel seasoning if you're feeling adventurous.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of my favorite discoveries was that you can shape these tots ahead of time and freeze them uncooked, which turns a simple snack into a grab-and-go situation. Line a baking tray with the uncooked tots, freeze them solid for a few hours, then transfer to a zip-top bag where they'll keep for up to a month. When you want them, just air fry straight from frozen and add 2 to 3 minutes to the cooking time. It's genuinely game-changing for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These tots are wonderfully versatile and work beautifully in different contexts depending on your mood. As a standalone snack with ranch dip, they're a complete comfort moment. Served warm alongside a simple salad, they feel like a proper side dish that actually excites people. I've even seen them shine as part of a cheese and vegetable appetizer spread at small parties.

• Pair with sriracha mayo for a kick that transforms the entire experience.
• Serve with a good quality ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce alongside.
• Use them as a topping for nachos or a side to grilled chicken for dinner variety.

Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.

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Save

What started as a mission to make broccoli interesting became a recipe I return to constantly, partly because it works every single time and partly because it genuinely makes people happy. There's real joy in turning skeptics into fans with something as simple as cheese and vegetables cooked until they're irresistibly golden.

Kitchen Q&A

→ How do I get the tots crispy in the air fryer?

Ensure blanched broccoli is well drained and dried, then arrange tots in a single layer with space between. Air fry at 375°F and turn halfway for an even golden crust.

→ Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular panko breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free versions to maintain texture and bind the mixture.

→ What is the best way to store leftover tots?

Cool completely, then freeze uncooked tots on a tray before transferring to a bag. Cook from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the air frying time.

→ Can I add extra flavor to the broccoli tots?

Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the mixture provides a subtle spicy or smoky note without overpowering the cheddar.

→ Are these tots suitable for kids?

Absolutely, their mild cheddar flavor and crispy texture are usually popular with children and adults alike as a healthy snack or side.