Zucchini tots are an absolute delight, marrying the charm of tater tots with the freshness of garden-fresh zucchini. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, crispy exterior, with a tender, cheesy center that has just the right hint of garlic. Unlike store-bought versions loaded with preservatives, these Air Fryer Zucchini Tots are homemade, flavorful, and impressively easy to whip up.

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

I first stumbled upon this recipe while looking for a way to sneak more vegetables into my family’s diet. Turns out, this dish checks off all the boxes: it’s easy to make, perfect for snacking, and gets everyone to gobble up their greens without a second thought. What I love most is that they bake up perfectly golden and crispy in the air fryer, providing all the crunch without the oil sometimes used in traditional frying. Give these Air Fryer Zucchini Tots a try; you might just find a new family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and 8 minutes of cooking, you’ll have these on the table in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar and fragrant garlic creates a flavor profile that dances on your taste buds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These adorable little bites are as fun to eat as they are to look at, making them a great hit at gatherings.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a snack, a side dish, or even a party appetizer, they fit into any occasion seamlessly.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup finely shredded zucchini, moisture removed: The star of the show! Moisture is key to controlling texture, so removing it will ensure your tots are crispy.
½ cup panko bread crumbs: These give the best crispy texture. You can substitute with regular breadcrumbs, but panko is preferred for extra crunch.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar works beautifully in this recipe, offering a robust flavor. Feel free to swap it out for mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese if desired!
1 large egg: This acts as a binder to keep everything together; without it, you’ll end up with a mushy mix!
¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds that wonderful aromatic quality. You could also use fresh minced garlic for an even bolder flavor.
¼ teaspoon sea salt: Balances the flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the zucchini.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Just a hint for added warmth and flavor.
Avocado oil: A healthy option for spraying the air fryer basket, it adds a subtle flavor without overwhelming the dish.

How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Tots

Remove Moisture from Zucchini: Begin by adding 1 cup finely shredded zucchini to a tea towel or a couple of layers of paper towels. Wrap it up and twist until all the moisture is released. This step is crucial for a crispy zest.
Mix Ingredients Together: Transfer your drained zucchini into a large bowl. Add ½ cup panko bread crumbs, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 large egg, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Shape the Tots: Take a tablespoon scoop of the mixture, squeeze it gently to hold together, and mold it into a tater tot shape. Repeat until all the mixture is shaped into tots. This part can be a fun activity if you have kids or friends helping in the kitchen!
Air Fry the Tots: Spray the basket of your air fryer with avocado oil. Lay the zucchini tots in a single layer—don’t overcrowd them! Spray the tops with a little more avocado oil. Cook at 375ºF for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to do this in multiple batches.
Serve & Enjoy: Once golden and crispy, plate your tots and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, ketchup, or even a spicy aioli for a twist!

Storing & Reheating

For best results, enjoy your zucchini tots fresh out of the air fryer. However, if you have leftovers, store them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. To keep them fresh longer, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 2 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the air fryer for around 5 minutes at 375ºF to bring back that delightful crunch!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoiding Excess Moisture: Make sure to thoroughly squeeze out water from the zucchini; soggy tots are the last thing you want!
Test Your Dough: If the mixture feels too crumbly, add a bit more egg to help bind it together.
Cooking in Batches: If you’re making a large batch, consider cooking them in smaller groups to ensure even crispiness.
Fresh is Best: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder—this adds a robust flavor that brings the dish to life!
Freeze for Later: Make a double batch and freeze half for an easy snack on a busy day.

These Air Fryer Zucchini Tots bring a fresh, veggie-packed twist to traditional comfort food, offering a crunchy, cheesy bite you won’t be able to resist. You can experiment with different cheeses or herbs to make this dish uniquely yours.

Cooking can often feel rushed. So take your time, have fun molding those tots, and watch how cooking can create joy and deliciousness in your kitchen.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these zucchini tots ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture, shape the tots, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before you cook them. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge!

What do I serve with Air Fryer Zucchini Tots?

These little bites pair well with a range of dips like ranch, marinara, or spicy mustard. They also make a fabulous side dish for burgers, sandwiches, or even salads.

Can I bake these instead of using the air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely bake them! Preheat your oven to 400ºF, place the tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re golden brown.

How can I make these gluten-free?

Simply replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for a similar texture without gluten. Enjoy guilt-free crunchiness!

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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 Fryer
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Air Fryer Zucchini Tots are bursting with flavor and are simple to make! Packed with fresh zucchini and cheesy goodness, they’re perfect for a quick, healthy snack or as a tasty side dish.

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 the moisture from the shredded zucchini by placing it in a tea towel or paper towel and twisting until dry.
Place the zucchini in a large bowl, then add panko bread crumbs, cheddar cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Using a tablespoon, scoop the mixture and squeeze it to hold together, then shape it into tater tot forms. Repeat until all the mixture is shaped.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil. Arrange the tots in the basket, ensuring they are not layered. Spray the tops with more avocado oil.
Cook the tots for 8 minutes at 375ºF, flipping them halfway through. You may need to cook in batches based on your air fryer's size.

Notes

Ensure the zucchini is thoroughly dried to avoid soggy tots.
Adjust the cooking time based on your air fryer’s model, as some may cook faster than others.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for added flavor.