The Best Crispy Zucchini Tots Recipe Ever Made With Love

Crispy zucchini tots revolutionize how we approach vegetable snacking for picky eaters.

Crunchy little bites pack a nutritional punch with unexpected flavor.

Zucchini becomes something magical when transformed into these golden, irresistible morsels.

Kids and adults alike will devour these bite-sized delights without hesitation.

Baking instead of frying makes this recipe a healthier alternative to traditional tater tots.

Salt, pepper, and a hint of cheese create a simple yet addictive seasoning blend.

Serve them hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Crispy Zucchini Tots That Disappear Fast

• Quickly Prepare: Whip up these zucchini tots in just 30 minutes with minimal kitchen effort.
• Kid-Friendly Veggie Hack: Sneak healthy zucchini into a crispy, delicious bite that children will love without realizing they're eating vegetables.
• Versatile Party Appetizer: Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or casual gatherings as a crowd-pleasing finger food that everyone can enjoy.
• Low-Mess Baking Option: Bake instead of deep-fry for a healthier alternative that reduces oil splatter and complicated cooking techniques.

Crispy Coating for Zucchini Tots

• Zucchini: Fresh summer squash that provides moisture and subtle green flavor. Choose firm, bright green zucchini without soft spots.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base. Fresh white or yellow onions work best.
• Eggs: Helps bind the tots together and creates structure. Use fresh, room temperature eggs.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy texture and helps absorb moisture. Panko or regular breadcrumbs are suitable.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, tangy flavor and helps with browning. Shredded sharp or mild cheddar works well.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall taste and balances other ingredients. Use freshly ground black pepper for best flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Provides extra aromatic depth. Fresh minced garlic can be substituted.
• Parsley: Adds fresh herbal notes and green color. Fresh or dried parsley works fine.

Crispy Zucchini Tots Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat your oven to a toasty 425°F and lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Zucchini Mixture

• Grated zucchini
• Shredded cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Beaten eggs
• Minced garlic
• Chopped herbs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until it forms a cohesive, moist mixture that holds its shape when pressed.

Step 3: Shape the Tasty Bites

Use your hands to roll and shape the mixture into small bite-sized cylinders or rounded nuggets.

Each tot should be about the size of a golf ball or slightly smaller.

Pack them firmly so they don’t fall apart during baking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the zucchini tots on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Flip the tots halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Remove the zucchini tots from the oven when they’re beautifully golden and crisp.

Let them cool for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli.

Enjoy these crunchy, veggie-packed treats hot and fresh!

Zucchini Tot Tips For Crispy Results

• Squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to ensure super crispy tots that don't become soggy.
• Experiment with different cheese types like parmesan or cheddar to add extra flavor and crunch to your tots.
• Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions.
• Prepare a big batch and freeze uncooked tots on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick future meals. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
• Sneak in extra veggies like finely grated carrots or spinach to increase the nutritional value without changing the overall taste.

Crispy Zucchini Tots That Stay Golden With Reheating

• Store leftover zucchini tots in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap cooled tots individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for long-term storage.
• Spread tots on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave to prevent sogginess.
• Cook frozen or refrigerated tots at 375°F for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside.

Crisp Matches For Zucchini Tots

• Pair Zesty Dipping Sauces: Whip up a tangy ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or herb-infused aioli to complement the crispy zucchini tots' mild flavor and add an exciting kick.
• Create Refreshing Beverage Match: Serve light, crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with a lemon twist to balance the tots' rich, savory profile.
• Design Protein-Packed Accompaniment: Serve alongside grilled chicken skewers or a light Mediterranean salad to transform these tots into a complete, nutritious meal that feels indulgent yet healthy.
• Explore Cool Contrast Pairings: Offer a chilled cucumber gazpacho or fresh Greek yogurt dip to provide a cool, creamy counterpoint to the warm, crunchy zucchini tots.

Zucchini Tots Texture Tweaks

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Tots: Replace zucchini with riced cauliflower, perfect for keto dieters seeking a vegetable-based alternative with reduced carbohydrates.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate individuals with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Protein Tots: Substitute eggs with ground flaxseed mixed with water and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for plant-based protein and flavor.
• Air Fryer Option: Cook tots in air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, creating an equally crispy texture with less oil and faster preparation time.

FAQs

• Are zucchini tots healthy?

Yes, they’re a nutritious alternative to traditional tater tots. Packed with vegetables, they offer more vitamins, minerals, and fiber while being lower in calories compared to potato-based versions.

• Can I make these tots gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour, coconut flour, or gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a gluten-free version that’s just as delicious.

• How do I prevent my zucchini tots from becoming soggy?

Squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth before mixing with other ingredients. This step helps maintain a crispy texture and prevents sogginess.

• Can I freeze zucchini tots for later?

Yes, you can! After baking, let them cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Crispy Zucchini Tots Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy zucchini tots deliver a delightful twist on classic potato treats, blending garden-fresh vegetables with irresistible crunch. Cheesy, golden bites promise a crowd-pleasing snack you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups zucchini, shredded and squeezed to remove excess liquid (about 2 small zucchini)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 large egg

Binding and Coating Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for GF option)
• 1/2 cup flour (or gluten-free flour for GF option)

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a high temperature of 425°F, preparing a baking sheet with a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Combine shredded zucchini, cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly incorporating all components until they form a cohesive mixture.
3. Use clean hands to carefully craft compact, bite-sized morsels, ensuring each tot is uniformly sized and tightly packed to maintain structural integrity.
4. Arrange the zucchini tots with adequate spacing on the prepared baking sheet, allowing air circulation for optimal crispiness.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven, rotating the tots midway through cooking to ensure even golden-brown coloration and consistent crunchiness.
6. Remove from the oven once the exterior develops a delectable crisp texture and achieves a rich, appetizing golden hue.
7. Allow the tots to rest momentarily, which helps them firm up and prevents potential burns, then transfer to a serving platter.
8. Accompany with your preferred dipping sauce – whether ranch, marinara, or a zesty aioli – and savor the delightful, vegetable-packed snack.

Notes

• Grate zucchini using the large holes of a box grater for the best texture and moisture retention.
• Squeeze out excess liquid from grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy tots.
• Customize by adding different herbs like basil, dill, or chives to enhance the flavor profile.
• Make these tots gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 153
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg