Crispy Zucchini Tots – The Perfect Healthy Snack for Every Occasion
If you’re on the hunt for a delicious way to sneak more veggies into your meals, these crispy zucchini tots are a game changer. They’re golden, crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside—a perfect bite-sized snack or side dish that even picky eaters love. Zucchini tots are quick to make with pantry staples and fresh zucchini, ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or as a fun appetizer for parties. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe offers a healthy twist on classic tater tots that’s both satisfying and versatile.
On my blog, I often share ways to turn veggies into crave-worthy dishes, like my popular Italian Sausage Zucchini Boats which pairs perfectly with these tots for a full meal. For a sweet finish to your meal, check out the delicious Easy Mixed Berry Pie, an ideal dessert to complement savory bites.
If you want to build a wholesome, veggie-packed meal, these crispy zucchini tots pair beautifully with hearty dishes like my Italian Sausage Zucchini Boats, creating a satisfying and balanced dinner everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Tots
- Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Crispy texture without deep frying
- Great for kids and adults alike
- Perfect for keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets when using the right substitutions
- Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep and snacks on demand
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 medium zucchinis (about 3 cups grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup almond flour or panko breadcrumbs (for gluten-free, use almond flour)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried herbs of choice
- Cooking spray or olive oil for baking
How to Make Zucchini Tots
Step 1 – Prep the Zucchini
Grate the zucchinis using the large holes of a box grater. Place grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for crispy tots.
Step 2 – Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, salt, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, egg, almond flour or breadcrumbs, minced garlic, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 3 – Shape the Tots
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Scoop small spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture and shape into bite-sized cylinders or balls. Place them on the baking sheet, spaced evenly apart.
Step 4 – Bake Until Crispy
Bake the zucchini tots for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
For a fresh and flavorful side that complements the crispy texture of zucchini tots, try adding a vibrant Cauliflower Feta Baked Salad — it’s loaded with veggies and bursts with Mediterranean flavors.
Pro Tips for the Best Zucchini Tots
- Don’t skip draining the zucchini—it prevents soggy tots.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Serve with your favorite dips like ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli for extra flavor.
- Freeze unbaked tots on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for easy baking later.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Mix in cooked bacon bits or diced ham for extra protein.
- Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan version, along with a flax egg substitute.
- Experiment with different herbs like dill, basil, or thyme to customize taste.
What to Serve With Zucchini Tots
Zucchini tots are delicious served hot as a snack or side dish. Pair them with:
- A fresh garden salad for a light meal
- Italian Sausage Zucchini Boats for a wholesome dinner combo
- Creamy dips like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa
- As a party appetizer alongside cocktails or mocktails
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it softens the tots. These zucchini tots freeze well; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make zucchini tots ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and shape them, then freeze on a baking tray before storing in a bag. Bake directly from frozen when needed.
Can I air fry zucchini tots?
Definitely! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking.
Are zucchini tots healthy?
They’re a great way to add veggies to your diet with less oil than traditional fried tots. Using almond flour keeps them low carb and gluten-free.
Can I use other veggies instead of zucchini?
Yes! Try shredded carrots, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes, adjusting moisture accordingly.
Conclusion
Zucchini tots are a versatile, healthy, and tasty way to enjoy your veggies in a fun new form. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion—from weekday snacks to party appetizers. Don’t forget to try pairing them with my Italian Sausage Zucchini Boats for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re new to cooking or a kitchen pro, these tots will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Try them today and share your thoughts below!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving — about 6 tots)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Crispy Zucchini Tots – The Perfect Healthy Snack for Every Occasion
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis about 2 cups grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare zucchini: Grate zucchini and place in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine grated zucchini, salt, mozzarella, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape tots: Using your hands or a small scoop, form mixture into small tot-sized cylinders (about 1.5 inches long).
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Bake tots: Arrange tots on the baking sheet, spray tops lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip and bake an additional 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Can be frozen raw on a tray, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
