Air Fryer Broccoli Ranch Tots: A Crispy and Healthy Snack You’ll Love

There’s something about tater tots that just screams comfort food. But what if you could take that same crispy, snackable goodness and give it a healthy twist? That’s where Air Fryer Broccoli Ranch Tots come in. Packed with cheesy, ranch-flavored goodness and the added benefits of broccoli, these tots are the perfect way to sneak in some greens while satisfying your craving for something crispy and delicious.

Whether you’re looking for a kid-approved snack, a fun appetizer for your next gathering, or a side dish to jazz up dinner, these tots are a winner. And thanks to the air fryer, you can make them with less oil while still achieving that golden crunch you love.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Broccoli Ranch Tots

• Healthier Alternative: Made with broccoli, eggs, and a touch of cheese, these tots are a guilt-free snack.
• Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and a quick prep, you can have these on the table in under 30 minutes.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters won’t resist the cheesy, ranch-flavored goodness.
• Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer ensures that each tot has that irresistible crunch on the outside while staying soft on the inside.
• Customizable: You can easily switch up the flavors or add extra veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Broccoli Ranch Tots

Here’s everything you need to create this crispy, veggie-packed snack.

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Frozen broccoli (thawed)	1 (10 oz.) bag (~3 cups)	The base for the tots, providing nutrients and flavor
Large eggs	2, beaten	Helps bind the ingredients together
Shredded cheddar cheese	1½ cups	Adds cheesy richness to the tots
Panko bread crumbs	1 cup	Creates texture and helps hold the shape
Ranch seasoning	2 tbsp	Infuses the tots with tangy, herby flavor
Olive oil cooking spray	As needed	Ensures the tots crisp up in the air fryer

Optional Dipping Sauce

Sauce	Pairing Idea
Ketchup	Classic and kid-friendly
Ranch dressing	Enhances the ranch flavor
Spicy mayo	For a bold, zesty kick
Garlic aioli	Adds a creamy, garlicky touch

How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli Ranch Tots

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli

1. Start by patting the thawed broccoli dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy tots.
2. Transfer the broccoli to a food processor and pulse until it’s very finely chopped. Be careful not to puree it—you’re looking for a crumbly texture.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

1. Scrape the finely chopped broccoli into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
2. Add the beaten eggs, shredded cheddar, panko bread crumbs, and ranch seasoning.
3. Use a spoon (or your hands) to mix everything together until evenly combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.

Step 3: Shape the Tots

1. Lightly dampen your hands with water to prevent sticking.
2. Using a tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop out level spoonfuls of the broccoli mixture.
3. Shape each scoop into a classic tater tot shape by pressing and rolling the mixture between your palms. Place the formed tots on a plate.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes.
2. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray to prevent the tots from sticking.

Step 5: Cook the Tots

1. Arrange the tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a small space (about 1/8 inch) between each one for even cooking. Work in batches if necessary.
2. Spray the tops of the tots lightly with cooking spray.
3. Cook at 400°F for 9–11 minutes, flipping the tots halfway through and spraying them again with cooking spray.
4. The tots are ready when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Transfer the cooked tots to a platter.
2. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli Ranch Tots

1. Dry the Broccoli: Excess moisture can make the tots soggy. Be sure to thoroughly pat the broccoli dry before mixing.
2. Don’t Overfill the Basket: Cook the tots in a single layer to ensure they crisp up evenly.
3. Use Cooking Spray: A light spray of olive oil helps the tots get golden and crispy in the air fryer.
4. Keep the Shape Consistent: Use a tablespoon to measure out the mixture so all the tots cook evenly.
5. Add Extra Flavor: Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes into the mixture for an added flavor boost.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~120
Protein	7g
Carbohydrates	10g
Fat	7g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	~250mg

Creative Variations of Air Fryer Broccoli Ranch Tots

1. Cheesy Jalapeño Tots

• Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.

2. Sweet Potato Broccoli Tots

• Replace half the broccoli with mashed sweet potato for a sweeter, heartier flavor.

3. Gluten-Free Tots

• Swap the panko bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour.

4. Mediterranean Tots

• Mix in crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of oregano.

5. Protein-Packed Tots

• Add ½ cup of cooked quinoa to the mixture for extra protein and texture.

Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Broccoli Ranch Tots

As an Appetizer

• Arrange the tots on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces for guests to enjoy.

As a Side Dish

• Pair them with grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches for a fun and healthy side.

In a Lunchbox

• Pack the tots in a lunchbox with a small container of ranch dressing or ketchup for dipping.

Taco Night

• Use the tots as a filling for tacos, topped with shredded lettuce, salsa, and sour cream.

FAQs About Air Fryer Broccoli Ranch Tots

1. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes! Steam or blanch fresh broccoli until tender, then chop it finely before using.

2. Can I bake these in the oven instead?

Absolutely. Bake the tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to crisp them back up.

4. Can I freeze the tots?

Yes! Freeze the uncooked tots on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook them straight from frozen, adding an extra 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.

5. What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?

You can substitute ranch seasoning with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or your favorite spice blend.

6. Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Finely chopped carrots, cauliflower, or zucchini work well in this recipe. Just make sure to remove any excess moisture.

Why You Should Try Air Fryer Broccoli Ranch Tots

Air Fryer Broccoli Ranch Tots aren’t just delicious—they’re also a fun way to add more veggies to your diet. They’re crispy, cheesy, and full of ranch flavor, making them an instant crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re easy to customize, so you can make them your own with just a few tweaks.

Conclusion: Make Air Fryer Broccoli Ranch Tots Today!

Are you ready to transform simple ingredients into a snack that’s healthy, crispy, and completely irresistible? With just a bag of broccoli and a few pantry staples, you can whip up these Air Fryer Broccoli Ranch Tots in no time.

So, grab your air fryer, follow the steps, and treat yourself (and your family) to a snack that’s as fun to eat as it is good for you. 

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