Air Fryer Broccoli Bites Recipe – An easy vegetarian, nut free, vegan snack, entrée or appetizer recipe for picky eaters. Heck, adults can go ahead and enjoy this snack with a bowl of soup, cocktails or chips and dips. Easy recipe that uses pantry staples, does not contain heavily processed ingredients, safe for kids with nut allergies and can be made ahead, frozen and used for meal preps.
Your hunt for an easy, vegetarian broccoli recipe is over! These delicious Broccoli Bites Recipe made in Air Fryer will change the way you look at Broccoli. An egg-free, dairy-free, vegan snack recipe that your kids (and adults) will love!
We love Broccoli at home. Some of our favorites include Broccoli Soup, Broccoli Rice and readers favorite, Broccoli Tater Tots. In fact, the recipe that I share today is a variation of the tater tots recipe, also made in an air fryer.
I love experimenting with a lot of vegetables and especially the ones that earn the reputation of being bland or boring. These bite size Broccoli Corn Balls is the result of one such delicious experiment. They are now a staple snack at home.
Truth be told, vegetables aren’t boring! One should know how to cook them right, use a variety of spices and seasonings to make things interesting.
These bites have a soft centre and they are best served with tomato ketchup or marinara sauce (for adults). During summers, I prefer serving them with a mayo-free slaw on the side. They can be easily re-heated and served the next day so make an extra batch!
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Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli – One head of broccoli (350 grams, approx. 2 packed cups of florets). Use the stalks too apart from the florets. They are rich in fiber and can be easily used (hidden) in such recipes.
I prefer steaming the Broccoli instead of cooking it in a ton of water. Steamed broccoli has a bite, which is what we love. The broccoli is then finely chopped using a good quality knife and chopping board to a “rice” texture.
Potatoes – Boiled, peeled and mashed. For best results, I would suggest grating your potatoes. You can also use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe.
Sweet Corn – I prefer cooking Corn on the Cob in Instant Pot. A great way to steam corn in bulk and / or freeze to use later. They are great to snack with a dash of turmeric, pepper, lime and salt.
If using frozen corn, thaw it completely before adding to the broccoli and potatoes.
Spices – Garlic Powder (can be substituted with finely chopped fresh garlic), Garam Masala, Kashmiri Red Chili (substitute with Paprika or cayenne for heat) and roasted cumin powder.
For adults, you can increase the quantity of spices used.
Instead of Bread crumbs, I have used Quick Cooking Oats. For a 100% Gluten Free Recipe, use gluten-free oats variety. Oats makes it nutritious, filling, fiber rich and healthy.
The bonus of using an Air Fryer is that it uses very little oil. Approximately 1 tbsp Olive Oil for 20 broccoli bites. Not bad at all, I say!
Variations
Substitute Broccoli with Cauliflower. You can use a bag of store bought cauliflower rice and just sauté in a pan (sweat it a little) until its tender. Cool it completely before adding mashed potatoes and shaping them.
You can use Sweet potatoes (when in season) instead of regular potatoes. It just adds an extra dose of fiber and keeps you full.
Herbs – Add a lot of herbs like cilantro, mint and/or dill. You can also experiment with dried herbs like oregano, basil and rosemary.
This recipe is dairy free / vegan hence I have not used cheese. You can add some grated parmesan cheese or cheddar, if you like.
Instructions - Broccoli Bites Recipe
In a bowl add steamed and finely chopped broccoli florets and mashed potatoes.
Add steamed corn and spices, season with salt to taste. Mix well.
Add oats and shape them into bite size balls. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 mins.
Once the air fryer is preheated, Place 15 broccoli bites and spray / brush some oil. Air Fry at 180 Degree Celsius for 12 – 15 minutes.
Tips
Always pre-heat the air fryer before frying a batch of snacks. 3- 5 minutes at 180 Degree Celsius is good.
In case of recipes like Broccoli Bites, Cutlets or Tater Tots, it is best to refrigerate the patty mixture before air frying.
Meal Prep – Just shape the balls and store them in an air tight container, under refrigeration. They can be frozen too. Just air fry when you are ready to serve. In case of frozen balls, thaw them completely before chucking them inside the air fryer.
The Air Fryer model may differ which may affect the temperature / timings. If the recipe states 15 mins of cook time, ensure you open the basket and turn the broccoli bites over once or twice after 8 minutes of cooking.
Like I always mention in all the Air Fryer recipes on the blog, never crowd the basket. It will consume more time and won’t give you the desired results.
I could air fry a batch of 15 broccoli bites in one go. I froze the remaining 5 to use it for wraps the next day.
It is always best to consume Air Fryer snacks immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Broccoli Bites can be served in a variety of ways, which is why I highly recommend you make a double batch of these and read some of the suggestions provided by me.
As snack or appetizer, I love serving it with a side of ketchup or hot sauce (sriracha), some coleslaw and Cilantro Mint Chutney.
Meat Free Meals - These Broccoli Corn Balls can easily replace meat balls. Serve them with whole wheat spaghetti and a homemade marinara sauce and you have yourself a bowl of vegetarian spaghetti meat balls.
This makes a great idea for in between meal snacks (another way to include more veggies). Serve them over a multigrain tortilla, slather some beetroot hummus and stuff the wraps with lettuce and / or some coleslaw. This makes a healthy and filling snack to carry for summer picnics too.
Shape them into patties, air fry and stuff them between lightly toasted burger buns. Serve with Air Fryer French Fries and wash it down with a chilled glass of Mango Lassi for a refreshing summer meal.
Serve them as Vegan Buddha Bowls with Quinoa, roasted vegetables and cooked beans or roasted chickpeas.
Some Air Fryer Snack Recipes to try
Roasted Potatoes with Za’atar Spice
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This post was originally published in July 2018. I have republished the post with fresh images and content, step-by-step instructions and plenty of tips.
Air Fryer Broccoli Bites Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 350 grams Broccoli approx 2 tightly packed cups of florets
- 2 Potatoes medium, boiled, peeled and mashed
- 1 cup Sweet Corn
- 3 tbsp Quick Cooking Oats
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- ½ tsp Kashmiri Red chilli powder
- ½ tsp Roasted Cumin Powder
- ¼ tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Steam the broccoli florets until tender. Once cool, finely chop the florets and add to a bowl.
- Add the mashed potatoes and steamed corn kernels.
- Now add the spices – garam masala, red chili, roasted cumin and garlic powder. Add salt to taste.
- Add oats and shape them into bite size balls. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 mins.
- Once you are ready to air fry, pre-heat the fryer for 3 mins at 200 degree Celsius.
- Place 15 broccoli bites in the air fryer basket and spray / brush some oil. Air Fry at 180 Degree Celsius for 12– 15 minutes.
- Shake the basket, turn the bites and spray / brush oil after 5 – 7 mins of cook time for a crispy exterior.
- Serve piping hot or warm with a side of salad and a condiment / dip of your choice.
Notes
- Broccoli – One head of broccoli (350 grams, approx. 2 packed cups of florets). Use the stalks too apart from the florets. They are rich in fibre and can be easily used in such recipes. I prefer steaming the Broccoli instead of cooking it in a ton of water.
- Sweet Corn – I prefer cooking Corn on the Cob in Instant Pot. A great way to steam corn in bulk and / or freeze to use later. They are great to snack with a dash of pepper and salt. I have added turmeric while steaming. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely before adding to the broccoli and potatoes.
- Spices – Garlic Powder (can be substituted with finely chopped fresh garlic), Garam Masala, Kashmiri Red Chili (substitute with Paprika or cayenne for heat) and roasted cumin powder. If serving for adults, you can increase the quantity of spices or heat.
- Instead of Bread crumbs, I have used Quick Cooking Oats. For a 100% Gluten Free Recipe, use gluten-free oats variety. Oats makes it nutritious, filling, fiber rich and healthy. You can use panko breadcrumbs instead of oats.
- The recipe uses 1 tbsp Olive Oil for 20 broccoli bites. You can use more if you like.
- Always pre-heat the air fryer before frying a batch of snacks. 3- 5 minutes at 180 Degree Celsius is good.
- In case of recipes like Broccoli Bites, Cutlets or Tater Tots, it is best to refrigerate the patty mixture before air frying.
- Prepping Ahead – Just shape the balls and store them in an air tight container, under refrigeration. They can be frozen too. Just air fry when you are ready to serve. In case of frozen balls, thaw them completely before chucking them inside the air fryer.
- The Air Fryer model may differ which may affect the temperature / timings. If the recipe states 15 mins of cook time, ensure you open the basket and turn the broccoli bites over once or twice after 8 minutes of cooking.
- Don't crowd the Air Fryer basket.
- It is always best to consume Air Fryer snacks immediately.
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We will be back again with yet another exciting recipe .. Until then, stay healthy and happy!
Vidya Narayan
Superb healthy recipe! Awesome click! ?
thank you so much Pooja!
Super yummy ?
thank you so much Ramya!
Thanks for sharing this. Definitely worth a try, considering no frying option..?
Thanks Deepika, my pleasure and I agree the no frying options are the best for everyday eating.
Great share Vidya!
Thanks a ton Aanchal
Love this heath but yummy twist to a deep fried snack. I am gonna steal the combo idea???
Thank you dear, please go ahead dear and try the combos - Sharing is caring!
Something new with broccoli ?
Thanks dear, this would be loved by kids as well
What a treat during the Mumbai rains Vidya!
Absolutely... although the heart beats for the kanda bhajji Sandhya! nothing beats the classics.
I know what you mean, Vidya 🙂
healthy and tasty 🙂
thank you so much
Sounds interesting and healthy! Worth trying this..
Thanks so much and yes, I do recommend trying them.
This looks really good! I'm sure it tasted delicious too. 🙂
Great that you decided to make a non-fried, healthier alternative.
Healthy food can be certainly delicious, thats my whole motto behind churning such recipes. Thanks Priya!
yummy and perfect for season
Thanks Pavithra
Nice combination ?
thank you
Its been nearly 3 weeks and I've not had any Indian snack like bhajias, muthias, patras, gotas, dokhras etc and your healthier broccoli and corn balls are making me salivate. Can't wait to get back home to my appe pan and try out these beauties.
Ha ha.. How I have controlled myself in the last one week, only I know. Husband was constantly asking me to fry kanda bhajiyas, his favourite while I kept resisting and finally made him this. Although he was not fully satisfied, he had no choice ha ha . Enjoy your time and get back safely.
Absolutely healthy, delicious, and addictive snack. It's time to take-out my appe pan and try this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Please do Jyoti, they are super delicious. Thanks a ton my dear
A healthy and interesting combination.Thanks for sharing ?
My pleasure and thank you!
Clever use of appe pan ??
Thank you so much
Feel like munching some balls rite now, what an interesting combo for making this munchies. Hard to take my eyes from those cuties.
all yours Priya in return for that lovely black eyed peas curry you made, I couldnt take my eyes off either. Some rice and that would have been perfect!
loved the idea of gluten free snack n hidden broccoli in it....yummy share for the challenge
Thank you Nisa, I loved your contribution the most.
So tempting and can eat as many guilt free as it's not fried as well!
Nisha, I tried commenting on your blog couple of times and couldn't. Is there any issue? Thank you dear for your feedback.
Hey Vidya, I'm not aware of any issue with comments and I did receive some.I did check my spam too for any missed message .Thank you for letting me know anyway , will keep an eye on it .I have been a little inactive on the bog front as well due to kids holidays and guests ..will get more punctual in a month 🙂
Oh ok, Let me check from my end again Nisha and then will let you know. I hate not commenting on your posts so thought of letting you know. enjoy your holidays and a little down time which seriously is required at times. Will wait to see you back in action soon. Cheers dear.
Perfect snack.Nice clicks!!
Thanks Deepti
Absolutely healthy, delicious, and yummy snack. It’s time to take out my appe pan and try out these beauties. Thanks for this beautiful share dear!
My pleasure partner and do try this - your kiddo would definitely love it.
Sometimes i think the Appam Pan is the bestest ever kitchen cooking vessel because it allows us to enjoy snacks like these delicious broccoli-corn balls without the associated guilt. These beauties and a cuppa is all we need to enjoy this weather.
Absolutely - I agree! Other than regular paniyarams I make everything else in this pan. Haha!
Awesome and healthy share...would love to try this...loved the fact that it is not fried..I know that rainy day and how bad I was Stuck in water...no mumbaikar will ever forget it
I agree and hence Mumbai is a city I love the most - Spirit is unbeatable. Thank you dear.
You are awesome. I love the little suggestions you have given at the end, especially the one for the party.
Thanks dear Seema, planning is all we do for sustenance.
yummy, last week I made falafal in appe pan and they turned out great. coming weekend I am gonna try this broccoli corn balls. They are tempting me from the day you posted them. So yummy, crunchy and great with evening tea.
Please try them, the appe pan is a blessing! Glad you liked them. Thank you
Broccoli corn balls look absolutely inviting Vidya and the fact that they are not deep fried but made in appe pan make them all the more desirable. Broccoli potato combo is all time favourite in my home..now i will add corn to it and try your recipe. Thanks for the lovely share .
My pleasure and I agree, the broccoli potato combo is quite delish. Hope you enjoy making and eating them Poonam. Thank you!
Broccoli corn balls looks absolutely delicious. And one more appe pan recipe. I love to make different delicacies in my appe pan. My most favourite kitchen utensil. Loved your healthy and yummy broccoli corn balls. Perfect treat for a rainy day. Your description on that day is scary. Please stay safe.
Loved your healthy and delicious broccoli corn balls You are right these are perfect treat for a rainy day. Loved that its not deep fried. Awesome share.
Thanks so much and glad you liked it.
First of all I am extremely sorry for commenting so late...as usual all your recipes are super healthy and nutritious Vidya...i always love all ur post..these have two of my fav ingredients broccoli and corn..a delicious healthy treat which can be enjoyed anytime guilt free..lovely share?
Hey no apologies needed! We all get a bit busy, I understand. Thank you for all your kind words and Anshu, likewise, I love your recipes as well and glad to have known you over the years now via this blog. Cheers!
I know very few recipes with Broccoli. As it is a healthy vegetable, I always wish to prepare something with it. Your recipe will be in my to do list. 🙂
Thanks so much, do try and I am sure you would love it
I just have to try this recipe. Please may I ask, I don't have an appe pan, but I do have an air fryer. Can I use my idli pan to fry these in the air fryer please? This is such an unusual way to prepare broccoli. I can't wait to try it. Thank you.
You can easily air fry the broccoli corn balls. 180 Degree Celsius for 15 mins should be good. Shake the basket at regular intervals and spray cooking oil for even browning.
Thank you for your advice. This recipe is a keeper Vidya! Your combination of ingredients that work never ceases to amaze me. I used my Instant Pot to steam the broccoli, corn and potatoes. That saved a lot of time. I flattened them slightly like vadde instead of balls. I used my air fryer and they turned out perfectly. Thank you so much!
I am glad to hear the recipe worked for you. Also, love your enthusiasm of trying so many recipes and sharing your feedback always. Truly appreciate it. Cheers.
Your recipes are a pleasure to try. The one mistake that I made was that I didn't realise that the Instant Pot "Steam Function" is actually a pressure function! So my broccoli was rather sad looking, but the corn and potatoes were perfect. When you steam the broccoli, what should the texture be after it's steamed? Sorry for the basic question but I'm not familiar with cooking broccoli.
If using IP to steam, use a steamer basket as it prevents the vegetables from overcooking. It is the same when using a steamer basket or colander on stove top. Broccoli, once they are steamed for 3-4 minutes or maximum 5 minutes depending on size and quantity, appear bright green in colour. Once they are cool, they can be minced with a knife or processor or pureed for soup. Please refer to my post on Air Fryer Broccoli Tater Tots where you can see the process of steaming is captured in step-wise instructions. Hope this helps.