You know those nights when you’re craving something crispy and satisfying, but you don’t want to feel guilty afterward? That’s where these air fryer broccoli tots come in! I first made them as a sneaky way to get my kids to eat more veggies, and now they beg for them as snacks. The magic happens when you combine fresh broccoli with just the right amount of Parmesan and spices, then let the air fryer work its crispy magic. In less than 30 minutes, you’ve got golden-brown bites that are crunchy on the outside, tender inside – healthier than fries but just as addictive. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters at my house can’t resist grabbing a handful straight from the basket!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Broccoli Tots

Let me tell you why these little green gems became a staple in my kitchen. First off, they give you that perfect crispy crunch without deep frying – just a light brush of oil and the air fryer does the rest. But here’s the real magic:

Healthier than fries but just as satisfying (my kids don’t even realize they’re eating veggies!)
Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for last-minute snacks or sides
Picky eater approved (I’ve converted three broccoli-hating neighbors with these)
Customizable with your favorite cheeses or spices
Great for meal prep – they reheat beautifully in the air fryer

Honestly? I make a double batch every time because they disappear faster than cookies at my house!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Broccoli Tots

Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy little wonders – and trust me, every ingredient plays a special role! The broccoli needs to be finely chopped (not pulsed to mush!), and please use freshly grated Parmesan – that pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt the same way. My secret? I pack the Parmesan slightly when measuring for extra cheesy goodness.

2 cups broccoli florets (finely chopped by hand – about 1 small head)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I like panko for extra crunch)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (pack it lightly in the measuring cup)
1 large egg (room temperature binds better)
1/2 tsp garlic powder (not garlic salt!)
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp each salt & black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing – extra virgin gives great flavor)

See? Simple ingredients with big flavor payoff. Now let’s get mixing!

How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli Tots

Okay, let’s get these crispy little guys made! I’ve learned through trial and error (and a few mushy tot disasters) that following these steps exactly makes all the difference. Don’t worry – it’s easier than you think!

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli Mixture

First things first – preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) while you mix. This gives it time to get nice and hot, which is key for that perfect crisp. Now grab your chopped broccoli (I like pieces about the size of rice grains) and toss them in a bowl with all the dry ingredients. Here’s my trick: mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and spices together first before adding the broccoli – it distributes everything more evenly. Then crack in that egg and really get your hands in there! You want every bit coated – the mixture should hold together when you squeeze it, but not be soggy. Too wet? Add a sprinkle more breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Shape and Oil the Tots

Now for the fun part – shaping! Scoop up about a tablespoon of mixture and roll it between your palms into a little cylinder, about 1-inch long. Pro tip: if your hands get sticky, rinse them in cold water occasionally (the mixture sticks less to wet hands). Arrange your tots on a plate – they’ll look a bit pale and sad now, but just wait! Lightly brush or spray them with olive oil. I use one of those kitchen spray bottles filled with oil for easy coverage – gets them evenly coated without making them greasy.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Here’s where the magic happens! Place your tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer with a little space between each – overcrowding makes them steam instead of crisp. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip them carefully with tongs (they’ll be delicate at this stage). Another 5-6 minutes and they’ll transform into golden-brown beauties! Watch closely near the end – some air fryers run hotter than others. They’re done when they’re crispy outside but still tender inside. Let them rest for a minute before serving – they firm up as they cool slightly. Trust me, that first crunchy bite makes all the prep worth it!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Broccoli Tots

After making dozens of batches (some great, some… let’s call them learning experiences), here are my can’t-miss tips:

Don’t skip the oil spray – it’s the secret to that golden crunch! I use an oil mister for even coverage without making them greasy.
Leave breathing room in the basket – overcrowding leads to steamed, not crispy, tots (I learned this the hard way).
Gluten-free? Swap in almond flour or gluten-free panko – they work just as well!
Too sticky? Wet your hands with cold water before shaping – the mixture won’t cling as much.
Double batch? Cook in rounds – fresh-from-the-air-fryer crispiness is unbeatable!

Follow these, and you’ll get perfect tots every single time – crispy outside, tender inside, and totally addictive!

Variations for Air Fryer Broccoli Tots

Oh, the fun you can have with these little guys! My family calls these our “blank canvas” snacks because you can mix in so many flavors. Try sharp cheddar instead of Parmesan for a cheesier bite (my kids’ favorite), or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle kick. For dipping, we go wild – ranch is classic, but sriracha mayo or garlic aioli take these tots to party-worthy status. Last week I stirred in some crumbled bacon (because everything’s better with bacon, right?), and let’s just say the batch disappeared before I could snap a photo!

Serving Suggestions

These broccoli tots are crazy versatile! We love them with a simple ranch dip for snacking, but they’re also fantastic as a side with grilled chicken or burgers. My favorite? Tossing them into salads for extra crunch – they’re way better than croutons! For parties, set out an array of dips (honey mustard is our sleeper hit) and watch them vanish.

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the good news – these tots keep beautifully! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes – they’ll crisp right back up like magic. No soggy leftovers here!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about why these broccoli tots are my go-to guilt-free snack! This nutritional breakdown is for about 5 tots – though let’s be honest, you’ll probably eat double that (I always do!). Keep in mind these numbers can vary depending on exactly how much oil you use and which brands of ingredients you choose.

Calories: 120
Protein: 6g (thanks to that egg and Parmesan!)
Carbs: 12g (with 2g fiber from the broccoli)
Fat: 5g (mostly the good kind from olive oil)
Sugar: Just 1g naturally occurring

Compared to regular potato tots? These have way more vitamins from the broccoli, less starch, and none of the mystery ingredients. My nutritionist friend actually high-fived me when she tried them – though she did suggest I ease up on the ranch dipping sauce (oops!).

FAQs About Air Fryer Broccoli Tots

I get asked about these broccoli tots all the time – here are the most common questions from my friends (and my own kitchen experiments!):

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw it completely and squeeze out ALL the excess water (I wrap it in a clean towel and press). Frozen broccoli tends to be wetter, so you might need an extra sprinkle of breadcrumbs to balance the moisture.

Can I freeze these broccoli tots?
You bet! Freeze them after shaping but before cooking – place them on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, air fry straight from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes. They’re perfect for quick snacks!

Why are my tots falling apart?
Usually this means your mixture is too dry. Next time, make sure to really pack the broccoli when measuring (it shrinks as you chop), and don’t skimp on the egg – it’s the glue that holds everything together!

Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 400°F on a greased sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get quite as crispy, but still delicious. My oven method saved me when my air fryer was out of commission!

What’s the best dip for broccoli tots?
Oh, let me count the ways! My family votes for ranch, but I’m partial to spicy sriracha mayo (just mix mayo with sriracha to taste). For something different, try honey mustard or even warmed marinara sauce – so good!

Irresistible Air Fryer Broccoli Tots in Just 30 Minutes

Author: Ella Parker
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 20 tots 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy and delicious air fryer broccoli tots, perfect as a snack or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add the egg and mix until well combined.
Shape the mixture into small tots, about 1-inch in size.
Lightly brush or spray the tots with olive oil.
Place the tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra crispiness, spray the tots lightly with oil before air frying.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 5 tots
Calories: 120
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: air fryer broccoli tots, crispy broccoli tots, healthy snack