Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Tots

My daughter stood in front of the open fridge one Tuesday afternoon, declaring she was bored with the usual veggie sides. Twenty minutes later, we had golden, crispy broccoli tots coming out of the air fryer, and suddenly she was asking for seconds. What started as a quick solution to the vegetable standoff became something we now make at least twice a month because honestly, it tastes like a snack you shouldn't get away with eating.

Last summer my neighbor mentioned her son had finally agreed to eat vegetables, and when I asked how she pulled that off, she just laughed and said these broccoli tots. I made a batch for a neighborhood cookout the next week, and by the end of the evening, three people asked for the recipe. That's when I realized this wasn't just a weeknight dinner solution—it was something that actually brings people together in the messiest, most authentic way.

Ingredients

• Broccoli florets, 2 cups: Fresh broccoli is your canvas here, and blanching it first softens it just enough to chop fine while keeping it bright green and full of flavor.
• Small onion, finely chopped: This adds a subtle sweetness and moisture that keeps the tots from being dry.
• Sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded: Don't skimp on the sharpness—it makes the flavor pop and actually helps bind everything together better than mild cheese.
• Large egg: Your binding agent and the thing that holds all these pieces together when you shape them.
• Panko breadcrumbs, 2/3 cup: Panko is bigger and airier than regular breadcrumbs, which is exactly why your tots will be crispy and not dense.
• All-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons: Just enough to help with structure without making them heavy or doughy.
• Garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon: A whisper of garlic that rounds out the cheese flavor beautifully.
• Salt and black pepper: Don't underestimate these—they're what make this taste like something intentional and not just mixed vegetables.

Instructions

Heat your air fryer first:

Set it to 375°F and let it run for 3 minutes while you prepare everything else. This small step means your tots start cooking immediately and get that crispy exterior.

Blanch and dry your broccoli:

Boil the florets for exactly 2 minutes—this softens them just enough to chop fine but keeps them from becoming mushy. Drain, rinse with cold water, and pat completely dry with paper towels because any excess moisture will make your mixture soggy.

Chop your broccoli small:

Use a food processor if you have one and pulse until it looks like rice. If you're doing it by hand with a knife, just take your time—the finer the pieces, the better the texture.

Mix everything together:

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, onion, cheese, egg, panko, flour, and seasonings. Stir until it comes together into a sticky but moldable mixture that actually holds when you squeeze it.

Shape your tots:

Scoop about a tablespoon at a time and roll gently between your palms into a short cylinder shape. If the mixture feels too loose, add another tablespoon of panko and mix again.

Prepare the air fryer basket:

Spray lightly with oil and arrange your tots in a single layer with a little space between each one. They need room to get crispy all around.

Air fry with a flip:

Cook at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping each tot halfway through. You'll know they're done when they're golden brown and feel firm to the touch.

Serve while they're still warm:

These are best enjoyed hot from the fryer with whatever dipping sauce calls to you.

Save

There's something special about watching someone's face when they bite into a broccoli tot and realize there's actual broccoli inside something this crispy and delicious. My nephew called them "basically fried cheese" the first time, and that's when I knew they'd won him over completely. These little bites became the thing people actually looked forward to on the plate, not something to tolerate between the more exciting foods.

Make-Ahead and Freezing

Shape your tots, arrange them on a tray without touching, and freeze them solid before transferring to a zip-top bag. They'll keep for a full month, and honestly, they might be even better straight from frozen because they stay moister on the inside while getting extra crispy outside. Just add 2 to 3 minutes to your cooking time and cook them straight from the freezer without thawing.

Flavor Variations That Actually Work

Once you nail the basic version, you can start experimenting without losing what makes them special. A pinch of smoked paprika adds a subtle depth that most people can't quite identify but absolutely notice. Cayenne pepper brings a gentle heat that's not overwhelming, especially for kids who like a tiny kick.

Dipping Sauces and Serving Ideas

Honestly, these are good with almost any sauce you have on hand, but certain pairings make them feel intentional. Serve them with classic ketchup for the purists, creamy ranch when you want something richer, or spicy mayo if your crowd likes a little adventure on their plate. They're equally at home as a lunch box snack, a quick dinner side, or the surprise appetizer that steals the show at a party.

• Make a simple spicy mayo by mixing mayo, sriracha, and a squeeze of lime juice.
• Ranch dip is always a crowd-pleaser, and you can make it fresh if you have buttermilk and fresh herbs.
• These freeze beautifully uncooked, so batch them on a lazy Sunday for easy weeknight meals.

Save

These broccoli tots remind me that sometimes the best food moments come from solving a small problem in your kitchen and discovering you've accidentally created something everyone wants again and again. Keep a batch in your freezer, and you'll have a reliable answer to almost any "what's for dinner" question.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do you achieve crispy tots in the air fryer?

Lightly spraying the air fryer basket with oil and turning tots halfway through cooking helps ensure an even, crispy texture without excessive greasiness.

→ Can broccoli be prepared ahead for these tots?

Yes, blanching and chopping broccoli in advance saves time. Store it refrigerated and mix just before shaping tots.

→ What are good dipping sauce options?

Ketchup, ranch, or spicy mayo complement the cheesy, savory flavors well and bring added moisture to each bite.

→ Is there a gluten-free alternative for the breadcrumbs and flour?

Replacing panko and all-purpose flour with gluten-free versions works great without compromising texture or taste.

→ How can I add extra flavor to the tots?

Adding spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper enhances the flavor profile with subtle smoky or spicy notes.