Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Tots

This Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Tots Recipe are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with fresh zucchini flavor. Ready in just minutes, they make a healthy, kid-friendly snack or side dish that the whole family will love.

These Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Tots are a quick, healthy, and irresistibly crispy snack or side dish.

Packed with fresh zucchini and a hint of seasoning, they come out golden on the outside and tender on the inside, making them perfect for kids and adults alike.

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a tasty, guilt-free treat in minutes.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy and Golden: Perfectly crunchy on the outside while tender inside.
• Healthy and Veggie-Packed: Sneak fresh zucchini into a fun, kid-friendly snack.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
• Kid-Approved: Deliciously addictive for kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Snack or Side: Great as an appetizer, side dish, or lunchbox treat.

Ingredients Needed

• Zucchini – Fresh zucchini, finely grated for moisture and flavor.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the zucchini’s natural sweetness.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients together for perfect tots.
• Pecorino cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor and creamy richness.
• Bread crumbs, or panko – Provides crispiness and structure for golden tots.
• Garlic – Brings savory depth and aromatic flavor to dish.
• Black pepper – Adds mild heat and enhances overall flavor profile.

How To Make Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Tots

Step One: Begin grating your zucchini and place the shred on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 20 minutes. This is going to draw out excess moisture in the zucchini. Wrap zucchini in paper towels or a clean dish towel and squeeze to remove excess water. 

Step Two: Place the zucchini in a large bowl and add the cheese, egg, bread crumbs, and seasonings. Mix well.

Step Three: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes. While the fryer is heating, you will begin shaping your tater tots. Just grab a bit and make it into a tater to shape. Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil, place a single layer in the basket, and set the cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove when golden brown, sprinkle with salt, and serve. 

Step Four: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or sprinkle some cheese.

Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Tots Recipe Tips

• Squeeze Out Excess Moisture: Be sure to remove as much water from the grated zucchini as possible — this helps your tots turn crispy instead of soggy.
• Use Panko for Extra Crunch: Swap regular breadcrumbs for panko to get that perfect golden, crispy texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook in a single layer so the air circulates evenly, giving every tot a perfect crisp.
• Adjust Cook Time by Size: Smaller tots cook faster — check them after 7 minutes to prevent overbrowning.
• Add Your Favorite Cheese: Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar all work beautifully for a cheesy twist.
• Serve with Dips: Ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli make these tots irresistible for dipping.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

🧊 Storing Instructions: Store leftover zucchini tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture from making them soggy.

❄️ Freezing Instructions: Freeze fully cooked zucchini tots on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This keeps them from sticking together and makes reheating easier.

🔥 Reheating Instructions: Reheat zucchini tots in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid the microwave—it can make the tots soft instead of crunchy.

Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Tots Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe? Yes! Just thaw the zucchini first and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent soggy tots.

Can I bake zucchini tots instead of air frying them? Absolutely. Bake them at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crisp.

How do I keep zucchini tots from falling apart? Make sure to remove excess water from the zucchini and don’t skip the egg—it helps bind everything together.

Can I make zucchini tots ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes it easy to air fry them fresh when ready to serve.

What’s the best dip for zucchini tots? They’re delicious with ranch, marinara, garlic aioli, or even spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Zucchini Bread
• Zucchini Pizza Bites 

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