These zucchini tots are cheesy, perfectly crispy, and incredibly easy to make in the air fryer. They’re a super fun, veggie-packed side or snack your whole family is sure to love as much as mine does! ❤️
All hail any recipe my toddlers will eat (IYKYK)! Especially when it’s a recipe packed with protein and veggies like these air fryer zucchini tots 🥰🥰 They’re cute, easy to make, and literally a hit every time with my kiddos, which is a major #momwin.
super quick and simple to make in the air fryer.
a GREAT recipe that helps me get some extra veggies in my toddlers’ tummies 😋
actually yummy for kids and adults alike.
Key Ingredients
- Zucchini: finely shredded zucchini with the moisture removed
- Panko bread crumbs: panko is what gives these zucchini tots their extra crunch! It also helps bind the tots together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: can’t have cheesy tots without the cheese! I like using shredded cheddar because it melts well, provides great color and yummy flavor.
- Eggs: You’ll need 1 egg to help bind the zucchini together in partnership with the breadcrumbs. I have not tested this recipe with an egg substitute!
Find the list of full ingredients in the recipe card below.
Favorite
Air Fryer
On the hunt for the best air fryer? Our favorite is the Ninja Kitchen Air Fryer It’s reliable and moderately priced.
The Best Way to Prep Your Zucchini
Literally the only finicky thing in this recipe is making sure you prep your zucchini correctly. What does this mean? You’ll want shred the zucchini FINELY — I recommend the one of the finer shreds on your box grater.
You’ll also want to make sure you squeeze as much liquid out of the shredded zucchini as possible. Why? This ensures your zucchini mixture isn’t too wet to mold into tots and keep its shape.
Serve as a Side and with Your Favorite Dipping Sauce
While you have the air fryer up and running, why not make my crispy chicken nuggets for the ultimate kid-friendly meal.
And IDK if I’ll ever eat these zucchini tots dipped into anything besides my homemade ranch — it’s the perfect creamy tang to these crunchy tots. Ketchup or my homemade BBQ would also be delish.
How to Store Leftovers
While I recommend eating these tots immediately, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Other Zucchini-Inspired Recipes
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Begin by removing the moisture from the shredded zucchini. Add the shredded zucchini to a tea towel or a few layers of paper towel. Wrap the zucchini and twist until all the moisture is released from the zucchini.
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Transfer the zucchini to a large bowl. Add the bread crumbs, cheddar cheese, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients together until combined.
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Use a tablespoon scoop and scoop up the mixture and squeeze the mixture together so and make sure it holds together. Mold the ball into a tater tot shape. Repeat until all of the mixture has been made into tots.
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Spray the basket of the air fryer with avocado oil. Line the air fryer basket with tots. Spray the tots with avocado oil. Cook the tots for 8 minutes at 375ºF and flip them halfway. You may have to cook the tots in batches depending on the size of the air fryer. We do not recommend layering the tots.
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Serve the tots with ranch, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- We shredded our zucchini on the second-largest shred size on a box grater.
- Every air fryer is different. If your tots are browning too quickly, turn down the temperature.
Calories: 172 kcal, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 10 g, Fat: 11 g, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 2 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Photography: photos taken in this post are by Erin from The Wooden Skillet.
