Air fryer zucchini tots are a delightful twist on a classic snack! These little golden bites of crispy goodness are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrition. What’s even better is that they offer a healthier alternative to traditional potato tots, making them a perfect choice for both kids and adults alike. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a summer garden harvest, when I realized how much zucchini I had on hand. It turned out to be a fantastic way to use up the zucchini and create an irresistible appetizer that quickly became a family favorite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Tots
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Air Fryer Zucchini Tots

Once I made these air fryer zucchini tots, I couldn’t believe how tasty they were! With a crispy exterior and a cheesy, flavorful interior, these bites are the kind of comfort food that satisfies cravings without the guilt. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a casual game night, looking for a quick snack, or just trying to incorporate more veggies into your diet. Trust me, you’ll want to add this recipe to your repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can have these tasty tots ready in about 20 minutes!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese, garlic, and freshly shredded zucchini creates an explosion of flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their cute, bite-sized shape makes them perfect for parties and gatherings.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or even as a side dish with your favorite meal.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make them gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup finely shredded zucchini, moisture removed: This is the star of your tots! Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture for a crispier texture. You can substitute with yellow squash if desired.
½ cup panko bread crumbs: Panko adds a delightful crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular bread crumbs will work too, but the texture might not be as light.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Provides that gooey, indulgent flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder to keep everything together. You can substitute a flax egg for a vegan option.
¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth. Fresh minced garlic can be used for a stronger flavor.
¼ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the recipe.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Just the right amount of spice! Adjust according to your taste.
Avocado oil: Use this for spraying the air fryer basket and coating the tots. Olive oil is a great alternative too.

How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Tots

Prep the Zucchini: Start by removing the moisture from the shredded zucchini. Use a tea towel or several layers of paper towels to wrap the zucchini and twist until all the moisture is released. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crunchy texture!
Mix the Ingredients: Transfer the moisture-free zucchini into a large bowl. Add in the ½ cup of panko bread crumbs, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 large egg, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Stir together until well combined.
Shape the Tots: Grab a tablespoon scoop to portion out the mixture. Squeeze the mixture tightly together to ensure it holds shape, then mold it into a tater tot shape. Repeat this process until all of the mix is shaped into tots.
Prepare the Air Fryer: Spray the basket of your air fryer with avocado oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the shaped tots inside the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Lightly spray the tops of the tots with avocado oil, too.
Cook: Set the air fryer temperature to 375ºF and cook for 8 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you might need to work in batches, so avoid layering the tots for optimal crispiness.
Serve: Once golden and crispy, remove the tots from the fryer. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or ketchup!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover air fryer zucchini tots, allow them to cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked tots for up to 3 months—just freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, there’s no need to thaw! Simply pop them straight into the air fryer for a few extra minutes until hot and crispy.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini to prevent soggy tots.
For the best texture, use fresh, finely shredded zucchini rather than canned or frozen.
If you notice the mixture is too wet to hold a shape, add a bit more panko until it reaches the desired consistency.
To add extra flavor, consider mixing in some finely chopped herbs like chives or parsley.
If you’re short on time, you can prep the zucchini mixture in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to shape and cook.

These air fryer zucchini tots are a delightful and delicious way to enjoy veggies and definitely deserve a spot on your snack table. They are easy to make, crispy on the outside, and cheesy on the inside, making them a hit at gatherings or a fun family snack. Don’t hesitate to play around with the recipe, adding in your favorite spices or sauces!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these tots ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply shape the tots and air fry them right from the fridge. For meal prep, you can also freeze the uncooked tots for up to 3 months.

How do I make these gluten-free?

Simply substitute the ½ cup of panko bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This way, you can still enjoy the crunchy texture without the gluten!

What can I serve with air fryer zucchini tots?

These tasty tots pair perfectly with a variety of dips like ranch, marinara sauce, or even a creamy avocado dip. They also make a great side for burgers or grilled meats, adding a veggie twist to a classic meal.

How do I ensure my zucchini tots stay crispy?

The key to crispy zucchini tots lies in moisture management. Squeezing out as much water as possible during prep makes a huge difference. In addition, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cooking in batches will yield the best results!

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Air Fryer Zucchini Tots

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

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Description

Air Fryer Zucchini Tots are the perfect blend of flavor and simplicity. Made with fresh zucchini, cheddar cheese, and crispy panko, these tots are a tasty and healthy option for a quick dinner or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup finely shredded zucchini, moisture removed
½ cup panko bread crumbs
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 large egg
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Avocado oil

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Instructions

Remove moisture from the shredded zucchini using a tea towel, twisting to release all the liquid.
In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, panko bread crumbs, cheddar cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Using a tablespoon scoop, form the mixture into tots by squeezing and molding them into shape.
Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil. Place the tots in the basket, ensuring they are not layered. Spray the tops of the tots with avocado oil.
Cook the tots at 375ºF for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. You may need to cook in batches depending on the air fryer size.
Serve the cooked tots with ranch, ketchup, or your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

Ensure to remove as much moisture from the zucchini as possible for crispier tots.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or seasonings for added flavor.
These tots can be frozen before cooking for a convenient snack later.