Favorite Zucchini Tots Baked Or Air Fryer

We are always looking for new ways to use up zucchini—from Zucchini Slice, Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins, and Banana Zucchini Muffins—and these tots are a new favorite of all of our zucchini recipes. They are a fun shape that are easy to dip—just like you’d expect from a zucchini tater tot!—they rival any tot you find in the freezer aisle for flavor, and you can enhance them with even more flavor by serving them with any sauce or condiment you (or the kids) like. They have a mild zucchini-cheese flavor that is super versatile and great for a meal or snack. We like to have these for lunch or as a vegetarian main dish paired with an easy side dish to round things out. (You may also like my Sweet Potato Tots and Cauliflower Tots.)

Ingredients You Need

To make this zucchini tot recipe, you’ll need these ingredients on hand to get started. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.

Zucchini: You can use any variety of green zucchini here. Yellow summer squash will also work if that’s what you have on hand. Egg: This helps the batter hold together nicely. Plain breadcrumbs: This ingredient helps to give the tots a nice structure as they bake. Shredded cheddar cheese: I like to add cheese for flavor and for crispness around the edges of the baked tots. You can swap in a different shredded cheese as you like. Italian seasoning: This adds a little extra flavor to the shredded zucchini mixture. You could use garlic powder instead if you prefer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a preview of the zucchini tots recipe so you know what to expect. For the full information and specifics, scroll to the bottom of the post. TIP: You can also make these in the Air Fryer; Air-fry on a parchment-lined rack for 10 minutes at 400 degrees F.

How to Store

Store cooled zucchini tots in an airtight storage container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm in a toaster oven or in a 375-degree-F oven for 6-8 minutes to return to the same slightly crisp texture as when they were fresh out of the oven. You can also warm in the microwave for 15-30 seconds if you don’t mind them being soft.

What to Serve with Zucchini Tots

We usually have a simple side of fruit with this meal, but some other ideas include scrambled eggs, thinly sliced cucumbers or bell peppers, applesauce, toast, or leftover chicken. We do love these tots dipped into warmed marinara or pizza sauce. Other dips you might try include guacamole, sour cream, ranch, or salsa. (You can also check out my Zucchini Slice and Zucchini Pasta Sauce for more ways to use up zucchini.)

Best Tips for Success

Squeeze as much liquid out of the zucchini as you can to ensure that there isn’t any excess moisture in the zucchini tots. Dip in ketchup, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or other preferred dipping sauce. Add more herbs according to your preference. If making in an Air Fryer, grease with nonstick spray. Add a little Parmesan cheese for additional flavor if you like. Serve with fruit or raw veggies as an easy meal. Try Pesto Meatballs or Baked Zucchini Fritters, which have zucchini in the mix, too.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe, so please rate and comment below!