Crispy Air-Fried Broccoli Tots (Low-Carb & Dairy-Free)

These Crispy Baked Broccoli Tots are light, crunchy, and packed with veggie goodness, the perfect healthier alternative to traditional potato-based tater tots. Using fresh broccoli, nutrient-dense flours, and simple seasonings, they come together in no time and bake up golden and delicious without the need for deep frying.
Naturally low-carb, dairy-free, and gluten-free, they make an ideal snack, appetiser, or side dish, especially for kids (or adults!) who need a little extra green in their day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside
✔️ Low-carb & gluten-free: perfect for healthier snacking
✔️ Great for meal prep: freezer-friendly before baking
✔️ Customisable: add extra herbs, spices, or even a little plant-based cheese for variations

Crispy Air-Fried Broccoli Tots (Low-Carb & Dairy-Free)
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer oven bake option alternatively
Ingredients
- 425 grams fresh broccoli florets 1 large head
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup lupin flour or extra almond flour
- 3 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 egg or flax egg for vegan
- salt and pepper
- avocado or olive oil to bake
Instructions
Prepare the Broccoli
- Steam broccoli florets until just tender (about 5–7 minutes).
- Drain and allow to cool slightly, then finely chop or pulse in a food processor until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Make the Tot Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, almond/lupin flour, tapioca flour, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until a sticky dough forms. Leave for 3 minutes to absorb moisture.
Shape the Tots
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture at a time and shape into small oval tots.
- Place onto a plate or tray while you finish shaping them all.
Air Fry
- Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (400°F) for a few minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange the tots in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Lightly spray the tops of the tots with a little more oil.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve with your favourite herby coconut yoghurt sauce!
Notes
Oven Baking Option
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still bake these:- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place tots on a lined baking tray.
- Lightly spray or brush with olive oil.
-
Bake for 10 minutes, gently flip, and bake another 10–12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
(Tip: Finish under the grill (broiler) for an extra crispy finish!)
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serve for 3 Serves)
Calories: ~160 kcalCarbs: ~8g
Protein: ~7g
Fat: ~12g
Fibre: ~5g
Sugar: ~2g (naturally from broccoli)
YUM! Had these with vegan garlic aioli as a low carb ‘cheat’ meal. Worked in the air fryer so well!
Yay! So glad you love them! Perfect to curb those cravings 😀
Clever idea. Made these for my kids to sneak in more veg and they devoured them (covered in tomato sauce of course haha)
Sneaky hehe!!
Made these on the weekend and they were a hit with the kids! Would love to try a cauliflower version.
Ooh that is a great idea! Let me know if you try this 😉
So good! Made for my fussy kids and they have been requesting them again and again haha
Oh nice! So happy they approve 🙂