These delicious Broccoli Tater Tots are made with cheddar cheese. The air fryer makes these broccoli tots crisp and golden with minimal oil. Serve with sauce for dipping and watch them disappear fast! Freezer friendly. Oven method also provided. (Gluten free option).
Start cooking: Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add broccoli and cook, stirring occasionally, until bright green, about 3 minutes.
Mix: Transfer broccoli mixture to a large bowl. Stir in salt, pepper, and lemon zest until evenly distributed. Push the mixture to the edges of the bowl to make a well. Crack the eggs into the middle, then beat the eggs until mixed. Stir the beaten eggs into the broccoli mixture. Stir in cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
Shape tots: Scoop the mixture into 20 small balls (about 2 tablespoons each). Lightly dampen your hands with water (to prevent sticking), then shape the balls into small cylinder tots. Arrange the tots in a single layer in an air fryer basket (see note 3).
Spray and bake: Lightly coat the tots with oil spray. Bake in air fryer (no need to preheat) at 400°F (200°C) until golden-brown (about 10 minutes).
Video
Notes
Grated broccoli: Grate broccoli crowns/tops (not the stalks) with the large holes of a box grater. See the photo in the post to illustrate. Measure after grating: 3 cups weights 10 ounces / 283 grams. You'll likely need to start with 2 to 3 heads of broccoli to get 3 cups grated.
Cheddar cheese: If you can find smoked cheddar cheese, it's extra delicious in these tots! Otherwise, use aged cheddar. Mild cheddar also works in a pinch.
Don't overcrowd basket: Air fryer basket sizes vary, so bake in batches if needed.
Storage and reheating tips: These tots can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, let the tots cool, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag. To reheat tots, arrange them in a single layer and bake in an airfryer set at 350°F (177°C) until heated through (about 6-8 mins from frozen, 3-4 mins from refrigerated).
Alternative baking instructions (oven method) : For best results use an air fryer. If you don't have an air fryer, you can make these tots in the oven. Bake at 425°F (220°C) on a parchment lined baking sheet for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown, shaking the pan halfway through. The tots won't get as crispy as the air fryer method (as photographed), but they'll still taste delicious!