Save to Pinterest My daughter came home from school raving about her friend's broccoli tots, and I'll admit I was skeptical—until I realized how many veggies she'd actually eat if they were crispy and cheesy. One Saturday morning, I threw together this air fryer version while she watched cartoons, and the smell alone had her abandoning the TV within minutes. These little cylinders became our secret weapon for sneaking vegetables past the pickiest eaters in the house, and honestly, the adults started stealing them too.
I remember standing in my kitchen on a Tuesday evening, exhausted from work, when my son asked if we could make "those green cheese things" again. That's when it hit me that this recipe had somehow transformed from a desperate parenting hack into something everyone genuinely wanted. We made them together that night, and he handled the shaping while I managed the air fryer, turning dinner prep into one of those quiet, connected moments you don't always plan for.
Ingredients
- Broccoli florets (2 cups, about 1 medium head): Blanching them first removes excess moisture, which is the difference between tots that hold together beautifully and ones that fall apart in the air fryer.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Just a small amount adds sweetness and depth without overpowering the cheese and broccoli.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup): The word "sharp" matters here—it brings real cheese flavor that doesn't disappear when air fried.
- Large egg: This is your binder, making everything stick together so the mixture holds its shape.
- Panko breadcrumbs (2/3 cup): Panko creates that signature crispy exterior because the flakes are larger and toast differently than regular breadcrumbs.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): A small amount helps absorb moisture and gives the mixture just enough structure.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon), salt (1/2 teaspoon), black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): These seasonings are subtle enough to let the broccoli and cheese shine while adding complexity.
Instructions
- Heat your air fryer:
- Set it to 375°F and let it preheat for a full 3 minutes while you prep everything else. This ensures your tots start crisping the moment they hit the basket.
- Blanch and dry the broccoli:
- Boil the florets for just 2 minutes, then shock them in cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels—this step removes the water that would otherwise steam your tots instead of crisping them. The drier your broccoli, the crispier your final result.
- Pulse the broccoli into rice-sized pieces:
- Use a food processor if you have one, or chop with a sharp knife until the pieces are small and uniform. You want texture, not a purée.
- Mix everything together:
- Combine the broccoli, onion, cheese, egg, panko, flour, and seasonings in a large bowl and mix until the mixture feels cohesive and holds together when you squeeze it. You should see flecks of broccoli and cheese throughout.
- Shape your tots:
- Scoop about a tablespoon of mixture and roll it between your palms into a small cylinder shape, roughly the size of a wine cork. Don't worry about perfection—slightly irregular shapes actually crisp better.
- Prepare the air fryer basket:
- Give it a light spray of oil, then arrange your tots in a single layer with a little space between each one. Crowding them prevents air circulation.
- Air fry until golden:
- Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the tots halfway through so they brown evenly on all sides. You'll know they're done when the outside is deep golden and crispy to the touch.
- Serve immediately:
- Transfer to a plate and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce while they're still at their crispiest.
Save to Pinterest There was this one moment when my partner's parents visited and my mother-in-law asked for the recipe after eating half the batch. That felt like winning the lottery of validation in my kitchen, especially after she'd spent years serving those frozen vegetable dishes from the grocery store. Sharing a recipe feels different than just feeding people—it's like passing along a little piece of something that worked for you.
Making Them Ahead (Your Secret Weapon)
Freezing these uncooked tots is genuinely a game-changer for busy weeks. Arrange them on a baking tray, freeze until they're solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag where they'll keep for up to a month. When hunger strikes, just pop them straight into the air fryer and add 2 to 3 minutes to the cooking time—no thawing needed.
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
While the basic cheese and broccoli version is already a winner, I've experimented with adding a pinch of cayenne for heat, smoked paprika for depth, or even a little crispy bacon crumbled in. Each addition changes the personality of the tot without overwhelming the original charm. The beauty is that you can keep the base recipe and swap seasonings based on your mood or what's in your pantry.
Dipping Sauces and Serving Ideas
These tots are honestly delicious on their own, but a good dipping sauce elevates them into something special. I rotate between classic ketchup for the kids, ranch when I'm feeling indulgent, and a spicy mayo made with sriracha for myself. They work as a snack, an appetizer, or even a vegetable side dish for dinner, and I've even seen them disappear at lunch the next day straight from the fridge.
- Serve them warm immediately after air frying for maximum crispiness and best texture.
- Make extra and freeze uncooked for those nights when you need vegetables on the table in under 20 minutes.
- Experiment with different cheeses like gruyère or smoked gouda if you want to change things up.
Save to Pinterest These broccoli tots have genuinely become a staple in our kitchen, proof that sometimes the simplest solutions are the ones that actually work. Whether you're looking to sneak more vegetables into dinner or just need a quick snack that feels homemade, this recipe delivers every single time.
Questions & Answers
- → How do you prepare broccoli for these tots?
Start by blanching the broccoli florets in boiling salted water briefly, then cool them quickly to keep a bright color and firm texture before finely chopping or pulsing them.
- → Can I make these tots gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular panko breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives to keep the texture crisp and safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → What is the ideal air frying temperature and time?
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the tots for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- → How should I store and freeze these broccoli tots?
Arrange uncooked tots on a tray and freeze until solid. Store them in a zip-top bag for up to one month. Air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these tots?
Popular choices include ketchup, ranch dressing, and spicy mayo, each complementing the crispy, cheesy flavor in unique ways.
- → Can additional spices be added for more flavor?
Yes, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika enhances depth and a subtle smoky kick without overpowering the tots.