Air Fryer Zucchini Tots are a delightful twist on the classic potato tater tots but with all the flavors and texture you’d expect, minus the extra carbs. These little bites are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect snack or side dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or afternoon munchies, they’re simply irresistible, especially when paired with your favorite dipping sauce.

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

Whenever I think about comfort food, I’m immediately drawn to crispy, golden-brown bites that deliver tons of flavor without the guilt. My first experience making zucchini tots was a revelation. With just a handful of ingredients, I was able to create a dish that both the kids and adults loved—no more sneaky veggie hiding! The best part? You don’t have to fry them to achieve that satisfying crunch. The air fryer gives them a nice crispy texture with far less oil.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: These tasty Air Fryer Zucchini Tots are a breeze to prepare, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite is bursting with the savory goodness of cheddar cheese and a hint of garlic.
Eye-Catching Appeal: They’re adorable and perfectly shaped, making them a hit at parties or family gatherings.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these tots fit in everywhere!
Diet-Friendly Options: This dish is not only vegetarian but can also be made gluten-free with alternative breadcrumbs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup finely shredded zucchini: This is the star of the dish. Make sure to use fresh zucchini; removing the moisture is essential for achieving a crispy texture.
½ cup panko bread crumbs: The key to crunch! Panko adds that light, crispy coating. If gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For a rich, melty texture and a burst of flavor. You can also try other types of cheese like mozzarella for a different twist.
1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together. Use a flax egg for a vegan option.
¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Just a pinch enhances the flavor beautifully without overpowering the dish.
¼ teaspoon sea salt: A must for amplifying all the flavors. Adjust to your preference.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick. You can replace it with paprika for a smoky flavor.
Avocado oil: A light spray before cooking ensures that the outside gets nice and crispy without excess fat. Olive oil also works well!

How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Tots

Remove the Moisture: Start by grating the zucchini and place it in a clean tea towel or several layers of paper towels. Twist and squeeze until all the moisture is removed. This step is vital for achieving that golden crunch.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, panko bread crumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, egg, garlic powder, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Form the Tots: Using a tablespoon scoop, take a portion of the mixture and press it into a compact shape, then mold it into a classic tater tot shape. Repeat this until all of your mixture is shaped into tots.
Prep the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the zucchini tots in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. A little space will help them crisp up perfectly.
Cook: Set the air fryer to 375ºF and cook for about 8 minutes, flipping the tots halfway through to ensure even golden-brown crispiness. Depending on your air fryer’s capacity, you might need to cook the tots in batches.
Serve and Enjoy: Once golden and crispy, serve your delicious Air Fryer Zucchini Tots with ranch dressing, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Storing & Reheating

These Air Fryer Zucchini Tots can be stored at room temperature for up to two hours. For longer storage, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them even longer, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the air fryer at 350ºF for about 5-7 minutes, until warmed through and crispy. Be aware that the texture might soften a bit but spritzing with oil can help refresh that crunch.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure that you remove as much moisture as possible from the shredded zucchini; this step is crucial for a crisp result.
If your mixture feels too wet to hold together, add a bit more panko; again, the goal is that delightful texture.
Toast your panko breadcrumbs lightly beforehand for an extra crunchy exterior.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add-ins, like finely chopped herbs for added flavor.
For a lighter option, consider baking them in a regular oven at 400ºF for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

There’s so much to love about Air Fryer Zucchini Tots! They deliver a combination of incredible flavors and textures without all the heavy ingredients. Don’t hesitate to mix and match or throw in spices that you love. Cooking should be about creativity as much as it is about taste. I hope you relish every bite and perhaps find a new family favorite in this recipe.

Recipe FAQs

Can I prepare the zucchini beforehand?

Absolutely! You can shred the zucchini a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Remember to squeeze out the moisture right before mixing.

Can I bake these instead of using the air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400ºF for about 20-25 minutes. Just remember to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Are there any great dipping sauces to serve with these?

Definitely! These tots pair wonderfully with classic ranch dressing, tangy ketchup, or even a creamy yogurt dip. Try mixing some sriracha with mayo for a spicy twist!

Can I freeze leftover zucchini tots?

Yes! You can freeze them before or after cooking. If freezing before, shape them, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. For cooked tots, store in an airtight container as mentioned earlier. To reheat, cook directly from frozen.

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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 packed with flavor and made from fresh ingredients like zucchini and cheese. Perfect for a quick dinner or as a healthy snack, they’re sure to please everyone at the table!

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 or paper towel, twisting until fully dry.
In a large bowl, combine zucchini, panko bread crumbs, cheddar cheese, egg, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well until combined.
Scoop out the mixture with a tablespoon and shape into tater tot form, ensuring it holds together. Repeat until all mixture is used.
Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil. Place the shaped tots in the basket, ensuring they aren't layered. Lightly spray tops with avocado oil.
Cook at 375ºF for 8 minutes, flipping halfway. You may need to do this in batches depending on air fryer size.
Serve with ranch, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Ensure the shredded zucchini is well-drained for the best texture.
You can substitute cheddar with your favorite cheese for a different flavor.
These tots can be made ahead of time and frozen before cooking.