This delightfully crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Tots comes together in about 30 minutes and uses, you guessed it, the air fryer for a quick and easy snack that your whole family will love! These little bites are perfect for sneaking in some veggies while keeping the flavor loaded and delicious. Plus, you can switch up the ingredients based on your family’s preferences, feel free to toss in any leftover cheese or even some herbs to give them that extra kick! It’s the perfect weeknight dinner side or after-school snack to help clean out your fridge.
Ingredient Breakdown
Grated Zucchini
Zucchini is the star of this recipe! Its mild flavor ensures that it can absorb all the seasonings you add, making the final product mouthwateringly good. Plus, zucchini is packed with vitamins A and C, making these tots a healthy option as well!
Substitution Options: If you’re out of zucchini, you could use yellow squash or even carrots for a sweeter taste. Just remember to squeeze out extra moisture from those alternatives for the best texture!
Tips: When grating, you want to aim for about two medium zucchinis. I usually keep mine in the fridge for a couple of days before making these. You can just grate it fresh or prep it a day ahead, just remember to store it in an airtight container!
Cheddar Cheese
This is where the flavor really shines! I love using sharp cheddar because it adds so much character to each bite.
Substitution Options: Feel free to experiment with mozzarella or even pepper jack for a spicy kick!
Tip: Make sure to shred your cheese yourself from a block rather than using pre-shredded, which often has additional starch that can affect the consistency.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs provide that lovely crunch that is key to fantastic tots. They help to bind everything together and give it that crispy outer layer you can’t resist munching on!
Substitution Options: If you’re gluten-free, you can use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
Tip: I often use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, but any breadcrumbs you have on hand will work just fine. You can even make your own from stale bread if you’re feeling crafty!
Egg
The egg is essential for binding all the ingredients together, giving the tots their structure.
Substitution Options: If you want to keep these vegan, feel free to use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water), or even unsweetened applesauce, which works well to hold ingredients together.
Tip: Just a medium-sized egg is all you need for this recipe. If you’re making a larger batch, you can increase the number of eggs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s Get Cooking!
Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is essential as it helps get those tots crispy right from the get-go.
Mix Ingredients: Grab a medium mixing bowl and throw in the grated zucchini, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg. Add a couple of pinches of salt and pepper, then mix until well combined. The mixture should be a little wet but hold together when you squeeze it in your hand.
Roll into Tots: Now for the fun part! Take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into little tot shapes. Aim for about an inch long; they don’t have to be perfect!
Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the zucchini tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they’re not touching, this helps ensure they cook evenly and get crispy all the way around.
Air Fry: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy! Seriously, the smell is amazing, it’s like a warm hug coming from your kitchen.
Serve and Enjoy: Once they’re out of the fryer, let them cool for a minute (if you can wait!) before serving. Enjoy them as is or with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or ketchup!
My Go-To Recipe for Air Fryer Zucchini Tots
This is my go-to recipe when I need a quick snack or side for dinner. I’m a real sucker for anything crispy and comforting, and these tots fit the bill perfectly! They provide that satisfying crunch while still being a healthier option compared to traditional tater tots. I especially love that they’re so customizable, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, whether it’s different cheeses or spices! The best part is watching my kids devour them, thinking they’re simply having a tasty treat while sneaking in some veggies. It’s the best feeling to serve them something healthy that they actually love!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Air Fryer Pickles, my Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich, or my Air Fryer Roasted Okra! Trust me, you won’t want to miss out!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
These zucchini tots come together all in under 30 minutes! That means you can whip them up before dinner or as a last-minute snack. No long prep time here, just pure deliciousness!
Customizable
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can swap in any grated veggies you like or adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s tastes. Want it spicy? Add in some jalapeños or chili powder. Prefer it mild? Skip the extras!
Comfort Food
Let’s face it, who doesn’t love comfort food? These zucchini tots hit that sweet spot of crispy combined with cheesy, savory goodness. They take you back to those cozy memories of snacking while curled up in front of the TV.
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve This Tots
These Air Fryer Zucchini Tots are excellent on their own, but they really shine when paired with a tasty dip! Consider serving them up with:
- Ranch Dressing – because everything gets better when you can dip!
- Ketchup – a classic favorite that never goes out of style.
- Homemade Marinara Sauce – perfect for a little Italian flair.
- Avocado Dip – jazz it up with some creaminess!
Storage
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but still), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. They’re best fresh, but you can enjoy them reheated!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also throw them in the oven if your air fryer isn’t available!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze these before cooking if you’d like to prep in advance. Just roll the tots and lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, no need to thaw, just cook from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Did you notice how easy that was? You’ve made yourself a healthy, crispy snack that everyone will enjoy in no time. I can’t wait to hear how your zucchini tots turn out! What toppings and dips are you planning to serve? Let’s chat down in the comments!
FAQs About Air Fryer Zucchini Tots
Q: Can I use baby zucchini or overgrown ones?
Yes! Baby zucchini have great flavor and texture, and even if your zucchini is a bit overgrown, peel it and scoop out the seeds for best results.
Q: What’s the best way to prevent sogginess?
Make sure to thoroughly drain any excess liquid from your grated zucchini! A clean kitchen towel works wonders for this.
Q: How can I add herbs for flavor?
Toss in some fresh or dried herbs like basil, dill, or oregano directly into the mix, or sprinkle them on top before serving!
Happy cooking, friend! With these Air Fryer Zucchini Tots in your arsenal, weeknight meals just became a whole lot more fun and delicious!
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Air Fryer Zucchini Tots
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg. Season with a couple of pinches of salt and pepper, then mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small tot shapes, about an inch long.
- Place the tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Allow to cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.