Broccoli Tater Tots(Air Fryer and Baked)

Delicious and Nutritious Cheesy Baked and Air Fryer Broccoli Tater Tots recipe is the healthier version of deep fried tater tots detailed recipe with Video

These egg-free tater tots loaded with goodness of Broccoli are KIDS FRIENDLY, VEGAN FRIENDLY and can be made GLUTEN-FREE.

Perfect for kids' lunchboxes or as after school snack or tea time snack for grown ups, can be served as starter or appetizer game night and movie night get togethers!!

If you have egg allergies or want avoid egg due to other dietary or religious reasons, bookmark this Egg-free tots recipe as it is perfect for you.

The traditionally or store bought tater tots are deep fried. But these are made with very less oil as these are air fried and can be baked in your Oven/Otg or Conventional Microwave Oven. Use very little just 1-2 tbsp oil.

Check out the other details in the post on how to make Broccoli Tater Tots Gluten-free, Vegan-Friendly and Kids Friendly.

What are Tarter Tots

Tarter Tots are a popular snack in America. Kids and grown ups everyone loves it. These are basically made with Potatoes(popular variety). Grated boiled potato shaped into small cylinders and then deep fried. Now various versions are available and made with cauliflower broccoli or mixed veggies.

It is a registered Trademark of an American Food company, but is now used more as a generic term.

Are Tarter Tots same as Hash Browns or Croquettes(from U.K)

Tarter tots are almost similar to Hash Browns, which are also made with boiled potatoes but shaped into discs.

Croquettes are also made with boiled grated potatoes and various mixed veggies, but these are dipped in eggs or cornflour slurry and then rolled in breadcrumbs and have a more crisper texture.

Cutlets are more popular in Indian Sub continent and there are lot of variations which are similar to both Tarter tots and croquettes.

Ingredients to make Air Fryer Broccoli Tater Tots

Broccoli- Fresh green broccoli florets, chopped very finely or use your food processor. Wash and blanch broccoli in boiling water for about 2 mins. You can also buy chopped broccoli from the stores which is much easier to use especially for those pressed on time.

Potatoes- Boiled mashed/grated potatoes to add structure and potatoes in their own are nutrient rich. And kids love potatoes. Taste of broccoli can be masked with potatoes and herbs ig you have a fussy kid or someone who doesn't like broccoli.

Cheese- I have added cheddar cheese for cheesy tots. Parmesan is another favourite choice to add in tots.

This is totally optional, skip for the vegan tots or use plant based cheese.

Breadcrumbs- Used for binding. I have used homemade breadcrumbs. Popular choice is panko crumbs. Use gluten-free crumbs for Gluten-Free Tarter tots. Check the below section (Substitutes for Ingredients) for other gluten-free options.

Garlic,Onion and Cilantro- To enhance the taste

Spices- Salt , Red Chilli Flakes(omit if making for kids who cannot tolerate spicy food),

Oil- I have used Olive Oil. You can add any good flavourless oil like Rice Barn, Sunflower or other refined oils.

Since we are Air Frying/baking the tots, we do not want very dry tots. Oil helps in binding the ingredients and also makes the tots crispy.

I always add 1-2 tbsp oil while air frying/baking cutlets, patties or chips to avoid very the dry snack.

Sriracha- Few years back, while searching for tots recipe I came across one with siracha. My kids love some spicy kick in food so I add a bit of it. This is optional, but if you love spicy food and are like us then do add siracha and see the difference!!

Variations/Substitutes for Ingredients

For Gluten-free Broccoli Tarter Tots you can use either gluten-free breadcrumbs. Or, add any of the gluten free flour. like Chickpea Flour/Gram Flour(Besan), Oats Flour or Almond Meal.

Cauliflower Tots are gaining popularity these days. Substitute broccoli for cauliflower or you can use mix of both.

Mixed vegetables (grated or very finely chopped) like carrots, cabbage, beans, bell peppers, zucchini for Mixed Veggie Tots.

You can also substitute potato with sweet potato if you avoid potato in your diet.

Vegans can use Vegan Cheese or skip cheese. You can also try grated tofu to make it protein loaded.

Those with no dairy restrictions can add grated Indian Cottage Cheese or Paneer instead of cheese.

Those who do not have restrictions using egg in their diet may add an egg. Adjust the breadcrumbs or binding ingredients accordingly.

How to make Air Fryer/Baked Broccoli Tarter Tots

Checkout the detailed recipe and Video in Recipe card

Boil Potatoes. Once boiled, drain and cool completely. Peel and mash/grate.

Meanwhile the potatoes are boiling, take broccoli (medium) wash it and separate the florets.

Blanch it for 2 mins in boiling water. This kills any germs or worms present between the florets.

Keep blanched florets in a colander so that the extra water is completely drained. You can dry florets with a kitchen towel or leave for 10-15 mins.

In food processor/chopper pulse the florets and process into very fine pieces. Or, if you have time and chopping skills!! then chop it very finely.

In a mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli, peel and add mashed or grated potatoes and other ingredients (chopped cilantro , minced garlic) and spices, along with breadcrumbs.

Mix everything nicely to form a mixture. Shape the dough into small cylinders or tots.

Air Fryer Broccoli Tots

Air Fryer Tarter Tots are a much healthier option then the fried ones.

Many people feel that the Air fryer snacks are very dry and are nothing like the fried snacks. I totally agree on this part as deep fried food has altogether different taste(like the Indian pakoras/fritters). But for many fried food is totally a no no and this is when Air Fryer takes the centerstage. You can enjoy your favorite snacks guilt free.

I love using Air fryer to make Cutlets, Tikkis and other snacks as we can enjoy these more often and are on the healthier side. Also, the taste is well approved by my kids too!!

Advantages of having Air Fryer at Home

Investing in an Air Fryer is one of the best decisions that we can make for our kitchen. This kitchen gadget is so handy and there are so many options available nowadays. It can be used for baking, as a substitute to frying (one of the best) and roasting the veggies, snacks.

• Air frying cuts down the amount of oil used for deep frying snacks.
• Deep frying certain food items may produce some cancer causing compounds. Air frying reduces the risk of formation of such compounds.
• No standing over the cooking dish and continuous monitoring.
• Use it to crisp the frozen food instead of deep frying which is more fuss, quick and more health friendly.

Air fryers are handy kitchen gadgets and do not occupy much counter space.

Use your Air Fryer in everyday cooking and you can even bake cakes and muffins as per the capacity of your Air Fryer.

Checkout the various Air Fryer Recipes form the blog here--> AIR FRYER RECIPES Vegetarian and Vegan

Shelf life and Freezing the Tarter Tots

You make double or triple batch and freeze the tots in a zip lock or freezer friendly container. Stays good for about 1-2 months.

Broccoli Tots stay good for 3-4 days when refrigerated in an air tight container.

How to reheat the frozen Broccoli Tots

Do not thaw the frozen tots. You can directly bake in preheated oven or air fry these at 200C or 400F till these are crispy again. This will take about 10-12 mins.

Reheat the refrigerated tots in oven/air fryer for 7-8 mins. at 200C or 400F till these are crispy again.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy veggie tots make a delicious snack for kids and grown ups alike. Serve it with as starter or appetizer at your get togethers.

Add these to your salad bowls or salsa like Peach Salsa, Kachumber Salad

Or, make it for dinner, add to your casseroles. Make a big batch, layer on a baking tray, add some bread or pasta sheets, top it up with your favourite sauce and grated cheese and enjoy the cheesy warm casserole for Thanksgiving dinner get together or chilly winter nights!

Recipes with Broccoli from the blog

Broccoli is one of the nutrient rich veggies and one should definitely include it in their diet if there are no dietary limitations as suggested by your doc or nutritionist.

Cheesy Broccoli Quesadillas

Broccoli and Mushroom Pulao

Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry(Chinese Style)

Vegan Thai Red Curry

Vegetables in Hot Garlic Sauce

Grilled Vegetables with Creamy Cilantro Dip

Cheesy Malai Broccoli Tikka(Air Fryer +Oven)

Healthy and Delicious Snacks/Finger Food Recipes(with vegetables) from the blog

Rajma and Spinach Cutlets,

Aloo Tikki(Shallow Fried and Air Fryer)

Chickpea and Sweet Potato Cutlets

Chana Dal and Yam Kebabs

Raw Papaya Kebabs

Recipe Card for Broccoli Tarter Tots

Try these Nutrient rich Broccoli Tarter Tots in your Air Fryer or oven. Your kids and everyone one in family will surely love these.

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