These zucchini tots are cheesy, crisp on the outside, tender inside, and very easy to make in the air fryer. They’re a fun, vegetable-packed side or snack that’s great for kids and adults alike — a perfect way to sneak extra veggies into a meal without sacrificing flavor.
If you’re feeding little ones, recipes they’ll actually eat are worth celebrating. These zucchini tots are packed with zucchini, cheese, and a bit of panko for crunch, giving you protein and veggies in a handheld form that’s always a hit. They’re simple to prepare and can be ready in under an hour from start to finish.
Why I Love This Recipe
Super quick and simple to prepare in the air fryer — no deep frying required.
A helpful way to get extra vegetables into picky eaters without fuss.
Tasty for both kids and adults, and easily adaptable with different cheeses or seasonings.
Key Ingredients
- Zucchini: finely shredded zucchini with as much moisture removed as possible.
- Panko bread crumbs: panko gives extra crunch and helps bind the mixture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: melts well and provides flavor and color; you can swap for a different cheese if desired.
- Egg: binds the zucchini and crumbs together to help the tots hold their shape.
The complete ingredient list appears in the recipe card below.
Favorite
Air Fryer
If you’re buying an air fryer, choose a reliable model with a basket big enough to cook a single layer of tots at one time. A compact appliance is perfect for quick batches; larger models make it easier to cook more at once.
The Best Way to Prep Your Zucchini
The one detail that matters most is moisture control. Shred the zucchini finely — a smaller grate creates a better texture and helps the mixture stick together. After shredding, place the zucchini in a clean tea towel or several layers of paper towel. Twist and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. Removing moisture prevents soggy tots and helps them hold their shape during cooking.
After squeezing, measure the zucchini to ensure you have about 1 cup of finely shredded zucchini for the standard recipe. If your zucchini is especially watery, pressing with extra towels or letting the shredded zucchini sit in a colander for a short time can help.
Serve as a Side or with Your Favorite Dipping Sauce
These zucchini tots are great with creamy homemade ranch or classic ketchup. Barbecue sauce also pairs nicely for a slightly smoky contrast. Serve them alongside chicken nuggets, a simple sandwich, or a salad for a balanced plate.
For a kid-friendly meal, pair the tots with air-fried chicken nuggets or carrot sticks and fruit for a colorful and approachable dinner everyone will enjoy.
How to Store Leftovers
These tots are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To preserve crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 350–375°F for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. If you’re short on time, the microwave will reheat them in about 60 seconds, though they won’t be as crunchy.
Other Zucchini-Inspired Recipes
- Air Fryer Zucchini
- Grilled Zucchini
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Fresh Zucchini Salad
- Stuffed Zucchini
- Easy Zucchini Bread
Zucchini Tots Recipe
These zucchini tots are cheesy, perfectly crisp, and simple to make in the air fryer. They’re a fun, veggie-packed snack or side that’s especially helpful for getting kids to eat more vegetables.
Prep: 30 mins Cook: 8 mins Total: 38 mins Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 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 for spraying
Instructions
- Start by removing excess moisture from the shredded zucchini. Place the shredded zucchini in a clean tea towel or several layers of paper towel, wrap tightly, and twist to squeeze out as much liquid as you can.
- Transfer the drained zucchini to a large bowl. Add the panko, shredded cheddar, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.
- Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the mixture. Squeeze each scoop between your hands so it holds together, then shape it into a small tater-tot form. Repeat until all the mixture is shaped into tots.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil. Arrange the tots in a single layer with space between them so air can circulate. Spray the tops of the tots lightly with avocado oil.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking. Cook in batches if needed — do not layer tots on top of each other.
- Serve warm with ranch, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Notes
- Shred the zucchini on a fine grate for the best texture.
- Different air fryers vary; if the tots are browning too quickly, lower the temperature slightly and extend the cooking time a few minutes.
- If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of panko.
- To make these ahead, form the tots and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a sealed bag. Cook from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the cook time as needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 172 kcal • Carbohydrates: 8 g • Protein: 10 g • Fat: 11 g • Fiber: 1 g • Sugar: 2 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Photography by: The Wooden Skillet