Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli Tots

$- 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko optional) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup green onions - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Gather these ingredients to start making your cheesy broccoli tots. First, you want fresh broccoli. Look for vibrant green florets. They should smell fresh, not stale. Next, choose a sharp cheddar cheese for a bold flavor. It melts well and gives the tots a great taste. For crunch, use breadcrumbs. I often recommend panko for that extra crispiness. If you can't find it, regular breadcrumbs work too. Don't forget the Parmesan cheese. It adds a salty depth. The green onions give a fresh twist. They add flavor and color to the mix. Lastly, you need an egg. This helps bind the mixture. It holds everything together as it cooks. Now, for the seasonings! Garlic powder gives a nice punch. Onion powder adds sweetness. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. With all these ingredients, you’re on your way to making tasty broccoli tots that everyone will love! 1. Steam the broccoli florets: Begin by steaming 2 cups of broccoli florets for about 4-5 minutes. You want them tender but not too soft. 2. Chop the broccoli finely: Once steamed, let the florets cool a bit. Then, chop them finely. This helps the tots hold together better. 1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl: In a large mixing bowl, mix the chopped broccoli, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. 2. Ensure mixture holds together: Add 1 beaten egg, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well. The mixture should hold together when you shape it into small balls. 1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. 2. Form the mixture into tots: Take the mixture and form it into small tot shapes, about 1 inch long. 3. Cook and flip halfway through: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the tots in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry for 10-12 minutes. Flip the tots halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly. Enjoy making these tasty treats! - Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Panko creates a light, crispy layer that enhances each bite. - Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Space allows hot air to circulate, giving you evenly cooked tots. - Let tots cool slightly before serving. This helps the cheese set and makes them easier to eat. - Serve with a dipping sauce. Ranch or sriracha mayo adds flavor and fun to your meal. - Overcooking or undercooking the tots. Keep an eye on the time and check for golden brown color. - Not chopping broccoli finely enough. Small pieces mix better and create a nice texture in each tot. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for fun. Try using mozzarella for a milder taste. Pepper jack adds a nice kick. For a creamier texture, mix in some cream cheese. It makes the tots rich and smooth. Want to change it up? Use cauliflower instead of broccoli. It gives a nice flavor and texture. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or basil. They bring a fresh taste and color to your tots. Boost the flavor by adding cooked bacon or ham. This gives the tots a savory twist. If you like heat, spice things up with jalapeños. Just chop them fine and mix them in. They add a fun bite! To keep your broccoli tots fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save them for longer, freezing is a great option. - Best practices for freezing: - Allow the tots to cool completely. - Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. - Freeze them for about 1 hour. - Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. - Label the bag with the date. They will stay good for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy leftovers, the air fryer is your best friend. It brings back the crispy texture. - Use the air fryer for crispy texture: - Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). - Place the tots in a single layer. - Heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. If you don’t have an air fryer, the oven works too. - Oven reheating methods: - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Arrange the tots on a baking sheet. - Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, until hot and crispy. These methods will keep your cheesy broccoli tots tasty and enjoyable! Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Just steam them until they are soft, then chop them finely. Frozen broccoli is a great time-saver. It also works well in this recipe. These cheesy broccoli tots last about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container for best results. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the tots. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Yes, you can bake these tots in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the tots on the sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. These cheesy broccoli tots are a fun and tasty way to eat veggies. We covered the main ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for perfect results. Remember to adjust flavors and textures to fit your taste. You can swap ingredients or add spices for a unique twist. Storing and reheating is easy, keeping your tots crisp and delicious. Enjoy creating different versions of this dish, making it a family favorite!$

Enjoy a tasty twist on snacks with these Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli Tots! Packed with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and crunchy breadcrumbs, these bites are perfect for kids and adults alike. Ready in just 30 minutes, they make a delightful appetizer or side dish. Click through to explore the easy recipe and step-by-step instructions that will have you whipping up these delicious tots in no time! Don’t miss out on this healthier snack option!

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Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup green onions, 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

Begin by steaming the broccoli florets until they are tender, about 4-5 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly before finely chopping them.

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

Mix everything until thoroughly combined; the mixture should hold together when formed into small balls.

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

Form the broccoli mixture into small tot shapes (about 1 inch long).

Lightly spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Place the broccoli tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. You may need to do this in batches.

Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the tots halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Once cooked, remove the tots and let them cool slightly before serving.

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

- Presentation Tips: Serve the cheesy broccoli tots on a platter with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or sriracha mayo, and garnish with extra chopped green onions for a fresh look!