Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Tots (Printable version)

Crispy broccoli tots with cheddar cheese, cooked quickly in the air fryer for a tasty snack or side dish.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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

# Step-by-step guide:

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 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 about 1 tablespoon of mixture and shape into small tot cylinder forms. Repeat with remaining mixture.
06 - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange tots in a single layer, leaving space between each.
07 - Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
08 - Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish
  • Made with wholesome ingredients including fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar
  • Kid-friendly and a great way to serve vegetables
  • Customizable with your favorite seasonings and spices
  • Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep
  • Vegetarian and easy to adapt for gluten-free diets
02 -
  • Make a double batch and freeze half for quick snacks throughout the month
  • To freeze: Arrange uncooked tots on a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month
  • Cook frozen tots straight from the freezer, adding 2–3 minutes to the cook time
  • Use a food processor to quickly chop the broccoli to a rice-like consistency
  • Test one tot first to ensure your air fryer temperature is correct before cooking the full batch
  • Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before forming tots for easier shaping
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