Craving a tasty snack that packs a healthy punch? Let me introduce you to Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli Tots! This easy recipe combines fresh broccoli with gooey cheese for a treat your whole family will love. Perfect for kids and adults alike, these tots are quick to make and can be customized to fit your taste. Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

$Here’s what you need to make Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli Tots: - 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed until tender - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (consider using panko for a delightful crunch) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing Each ingredient plays a key role in making these tots packed with flavor. Broccoli gives a nice veggie touch, while cheddar and Parmesan bring rich cheese flavor. Breadcrumbs help bind everything together and add texture. Green onions add freshness, and the spices boost the taste. Using fresh ingredients always helps make the dish better. When you gather all these items, you will be ready to make a delicious snack or side dish in no time. How do I steam the broccoli florets? To steam the broccoli, you need to cook it until tender. Place the florets in a pot with a small amount of water. Cover the pot with a lid and let it steam for about 4-5 minutes. This keeps the broccoli bright and green while softening it. What should I do after steaming? After steaming, let the broccoli cool down. Once it is cool, chop it finely. This helps the broccoli mix well with other ingredients. Make sure the pieces are small for even cooking later. How do I combine the ingredients? In a large bowl, add the chopped broccoli, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and finely chopped green onions. Also, add the beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. How do I ensure consistency? Mix everything well using a spatula or your hands. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together. If it is too dry, you can add a little more cheese or an extra egg. This will help your tots stay together during cooking. How do I shape the tots? Take a handful of the mixture and shape it into small balls, about 1 inch long. Try to make them uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly in the air fryer. What temperature should I preheat the air fryer? Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps to give the tots a nice crispy texture. How long do I cook the tots, and when do I flip them? Place the shaped tots in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not touching. Cook them for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they crisp up on all sides. Look for that golden-brown color to know they are done. - Alternative cheeses: You can swap sharp cheddar for mozzarella or gouda. Both melt well and add great flavor. - Gluten-free breadcrumb options: If you need a gluten-free option, use crushed cornflakes or ground almonds. They work well in this recipe. - Ensuring even cooking: Make sure your tots are the same size. This helps them cook evenly. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; this allows hot air to circulate. - Tips for achieving a crispy texture: Lightly coat the tots with cooking spray or olive oil. This helps them crisp up nicely. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get golden brown. - Dipping sauces: Serve with ranch, sriracha mayo, or a tangy yogurt dip. These add extra flavor to each bite. - Presentation ideas: Arrange the cheesy broccoli tots on a bright platter. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh look. This makes your dish more appealing and fun! {{image_4}} You can boost these tots by adding other veggies. Try carrots, cauliflower, or spinach. These add color and nutrition. You can also mix it up with roasted red peppers for a sweet touch. For flavor enhancements, add a bit of lemon zest or a splash of hot sauce. These will bring a bright taste to your tots. Want some heat? Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy version. You can also create an herb-infused option by adding dried oregano or thyme. Both choices will give your tots unique flavors. Experiment with different spices to find what you love most. You can change the shape of your tots. Try making them into patties for a fun twist. If you prefer, you can also bake them in the oven. Just place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them to get that crispy finish. To keep your cheesy broccoli tots fresh, start by letting them cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. This method helps maintain their crispiness. Using an air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tots in the basket, making sure they aren’t touching. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crunchy and warm. Oven reheating tips: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until they get crispy again. This method is great for larger batches. To freeze your tots, first, let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your tasty treat any time! You can use low-fat cheese options like part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat cheddar. These cheeses still melt well and add flavor. You can also add more vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, to increase the nutrition. Using whole grain breadcrumbs instead of regular ones can boost fiber too. Cheesy broccoli tots are great as a snack or meal side. You can pair them with a fresh salad for a light meal. They also go well with dipping sauces like ranch, sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli. For a fun twist, serve them with some homemade salsa or guacamole. Yes, you can prep the mixture and shape the tots ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. To freeze, place the shaped tots on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Making Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli Tots is fun and simple. You learned about the key ingredients, like broccoli and cheese, and how to prepare and cook them in an air fryer. We covered useful tips, like ingredient swaps and serving ideas. These tots are a tasty way to sneak veggies into meals. Enjoy your cooking and experimenting with flavors and textures. Remember, these tots can easily fit into a healthy meal plan or snack. Happy cooking!$

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli Tots:

– 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed until tender

– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (consider using panko for a delightful crunch)

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

– 1 large egg, beaten

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and pepper, to taste

– Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing

Each ingredient plays a key role in making these tots packed with flavor. Broccoli gives a nice veggie touch, while cheddar and Parmesan bring rich cheese flavor. Breadcrumbs help bind everything together and add texture. Green onions add freshness, and the spices boost the taste. Using fresh ingredients always helps make the dish better.

When you gather all these items, you will be ready to make a delicious snack or side dish in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Broccoli

How do I steam the broccoli florets?

To steam the broccoli, you need to cook it until tender. Place the florets in a pot with a small amount of water. Cover the pot with a lid and let it steam for about 4-5 minutes. This keeps the broccoli bright and green while softening it.

What should I do after steaming?

After steaming, let the broccoli cool down. Once it is cool, chop it finely. This helps the broccoli mix well with other ingredients. Make sure the pieces are small for even cooking later.

Mixing the Ingredients

How do I combine the ingredients?

In a large bowl, add the chopped broccoli, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and finely chopped green onions. Also, add the beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

How do I ensure consistency?

Mix everything well using a spatula or your hands. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together. If it is too dry, you can add a little more cheese or an extra egg. This will help your tots stay together during cooking.

Air Frying the Tots

How do I shape the tots?

Take a handful of the mixture and shape it into small balls, about 1 inch long. Try to make them uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly in the air fryer.

What temperature should I preheat the air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps to give the tots a nice crispy texture.

How long do I cook the tots, and when do I flip them?

Place the shaped tots in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not touching. Cook them for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they crisp up on all sides. Look for that golden-brown color to know they are done.

Tips & Tricks

Ingredient Substitutions

– Alternative cheeses: You can swap sharp cheddar for mozzarella or gouda. Both melt well and add great flavor.

– Gluten-free breadcrumb options: If you need a gluten-free option, use crushed cornflakes or ground almonds. They work well in this recipe.

Cooking Tips

– Ensuring even cooking: Make sure your tots are the same size. This helps them cook evenly. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; this allows hot air to circulate.

– Tips for achieving a crispy texture: Lightly coat the tots with cooking spray or olive oil. This helps them crisp up nicely. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

– Dipping sauces: Serve with ranch, sriracha mayo, or a tangy yogurt dip. These add extra flavor to each bite.

– Presentation ideas: Arrange the cheesy broccoli tots on a bright platter. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh look. This makes your dish more appealing and fun!

Variations

Adding Veggies

You can boost these tots by adding other veggies. Try carrots, cauliflower, or spinach. These add color and nutrition. You can also mix it up with roasted red peppers for a sweet touch. For flavor enhancements, add a bit of lemon zest or a splash of hot sauce. These will bring a bright taste to your tots.

Seasoning Adjustments

Want some heat? Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy version. You can also create an herb-infused option by adding dried oregano or thyme. Both choices will give your tots unique flavors. Experiment with different spices to find what you love most.

Change the Tots

You can change the shape of your tots. Try making them into patties for a fun twist. If you prefer, you can also bake them in the oven. Just place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them to get that crispy finish.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cheesy broccoli tots fresh, start by letting them cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. This method helps maintain their crispiness.

Reheating Methods

Using an air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tots in the basket, making sure they aren’t touching. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crunchy and warm.

Oven reheating tips: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until they get crispy again. This method is great for larger batches.

Freezing Tots

To freeze your tots, first, let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your tasty treat any time!

FAQs

How do I make Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli Tots healthier?

You can use low-fat cheese options like part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat cheddar. These cheeses still melt well and add flavor. You can also add more vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, to increase the nutrition. Using whole grain breadcrumbs instead of regular ones can boost fiber too.

What can I serve with cheesy broccoli tots?

Cheesy broccoli tots are great as a snack or meal side. You can pair them with a fresh salad for a light meal. They also go well with dipping sauces like ranch, sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli. For a fun twist, serve them with some homemade salsa or guacamole.

Can I make these tots ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the mixture and shape the tots ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. To freeze, place the shaped tots on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Making Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli Tots is fun and simple. You learned about the key ingredients, like broccoli and cheese, and how to prepare and cook them in an air fryer. We covered useful tips, like ingredient swaps and serving ideas.

These tots are a tasty way to sneak veggies into meals. Enjoy your cooking and experimenting with flavors and textures. Remember, these tots can easily fit into a healthy meal plan or snack. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli Tots

Delight your taste buds with these Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli Tots, a fun and tasty way to enjoy veggies! Packed with sharp cheddar, crunchy breadcrumbs, and fresh green onions, these tots are not only easy to make but also perfectly crispy. Whether for a snack or a side dish, they're sure to please. Click through to discover this simple recipe and get ready for a deliciously cheesy treat!

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Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets, steamed until tender

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (consider using panko for a delightful crunch)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

1 large egg, beaten

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing

Instructions

Start by steaming the broccoli florets until tender, approximately 4-5 minutes. Once done, let the florets cool slightly before finely chopping them to ensure even mixing.

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Using a spatula or your hands, mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated. The mixture should be cohesive enough to form into balls without falling apart.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to prepare it for cooking.

With your hands, shape the broccoli mixture into small tot shapes, approximately 1 inch in length, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.

Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent the tots from sticking during cooking.

Carefully place the broccoli tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to fry them in batches depending on your air fryer's capacity.

Air fry the tots for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly and attain a golden-brown, crispy texture.

Once they are done cooking, remove the tots from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to maintain their crispiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 (approximately 12 tots)

- Presentation Tips: Serve the cheesy broccoli tots on a colorful platter alongside your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch or sriracha mayo. For a fresh and vibrant touch, garnish with additional chopped green onions!