Follow these detailed steps to ensure your Cheesy Broccoli Tots come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender and cheesy on the inside every single time. We’ve included instructions for both the traditional oven method and the popular air fryer method.

Preparation:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for just 1-2 minutes. The goal is to tenderize them slightly and brighten their color, not to cook them through. Immediately drain the broccoli and transfer it to a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This is called “shocking” and it’s key to keeping the broccoli vibrant green.
3. Chop the Broccoli: Once cooled, drain the broccoli thoroughly. Pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Finely chop the broccoli until it resembles the texture of coarse breadcrumbs. A food processor can make this step much faster; just be careful not to over-process it into a paste. Pulse it a few times until you get the right consistency.
4. The Most Important Step – Squeeze!: Transfer the chopped broccoli to the center of a clean kitchen towel or a few layers of heavy-duty paper towels. Gather the ends and twist, squeezing out as much excess water as you possibly can. You will be surprised at how much liquid comes out. This step is absolutely critical. Removing the water is the secret to preventing soggy tots and helping them get crispy.
5. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thoroughly squeezed broccoli, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
6. Mix Thoroughly: Using a spatula or your hands, mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly combined and the mixture holds together when you press it.

Forming and Cooking:

Now, choose your preferred cooking method.

Oven Method (Classic and Reliable)

1. Shape the Tots: Scoop about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture into your hands. Gently press and roll it into a classic tater tot or small cylinder shape. Place the formed tot onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture, ensuring the tots are in a single layer and not touching each other.
2. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then carefully flip each tot over.
3. Final Bake: Continue baking for another 10-12 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and heated through.
4. Serve Hot: Remove from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. They will firm up slightly as they cool.

Air Fryer Method (Extra Crispy and Fast)

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange the Tots: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the formed broccoli tots in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure air can circulate around each tot.
3. Air Fry: Cook the tots for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
4. Check for Crispiness: They are done when they are deeply golden brown and feel crisp to the touch. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes if you prefer them extra crispy.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve hot from the air fryer with your favorite dipping sauces.