If you’re looking for a snack that’s crispy, golden, cheesy, and just downright craveable, you’ve got to try Cheesy Zucchini Tots (Oven or Air Fryer). Bursting with sharp cheddar, kissed with a touch of Parmesan, and wrapped around tender zucchini, these little tots make veggies the true star of the show. Whether you’re treating yourself, feeding picky kids, or dazzling a crowd at your next get-together, this recipe is about to become your go-to for guilt-free goodness that tastes every bit as indulgent as it looks.

Cheesy Zucchini Tots (Oven or Air Fryer) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients—there’s nothing fancy here, but each one plays a key role in making Cheesy Zucchini Tots (Oven or Air Fryer) so irresistible. The secret is in how these simple staples combine for maximum flavor and that all-important crispy, cheesy bite.

Shredded zucchini: This is the star ingredient, providing moisture, tenderness, and a touch of green freshness—just be sure to squeeze out every bit of extra liquid!
Finely shredded cheddar cheese: It brings melty, sharp flavor that pairs perfectly with zucchini’s mildness.
Large egg: Acts as a binder, holding all the magic together so your tots don’t fall apart.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create a light, crunchy texture that regular breadcrumbs just can’t match.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a little salty, nutty oomph and helps the tots brown up beautifully.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Garlic powder: Brings savory depth without overpowering the mild veggies and cheese.
Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor profile, adding a gentle sweetness and aroma.

How to Make Cheesy Zucchini Tots (Oven or Air Fryer)

Step 1: Prep Your Zucchini

First things first—grab those zucchinis, shred them up, and get ready for a little workout. Take the shredded zucchini and pile it into a clean kitchen towel or several layers of sturdy paper towel, then twist and squeeze as much liquid out as you possibly can. This is the real secret to getting crisp Cheesy Zucchini Tots (Oven or Air Fryer) instead of soggy ones! Once you’ve finished, measure a firmly packed 12 ounces, which is about 3 cups or 2 medium zucchini.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Add the drained zucchini to a large mixing bowl. Toss in the cheddar cheese, egg, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use a fork or your hands to combine everything evenly, making sure there are no dry pockets and the mixture sticks together easily. If things feel a little too loose, just add another tablespoon or so of panko until it holds its shape.

Step 3: Shape the Tots

Using a tablespoon measure, scoop the mixture and gently form it into cute little tot shapes. Squeezing them gently in your palm helps them keep together. The mix should yield about 25 tots. If you find they’re not holding their shape, add a bit more breadcrumbs to soak up extra moisture—it’s a simple fix.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry

For oven lovers, preheat your oven to 425℉ and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or spray it well with oil. Arrange your tots with a bit of space between them (we want crispiness all around!) and bake for roughly 25–28 minutes, flipping once for even browning. For those with an air fryer, preheat to 380℉ and give your basket or tray a quick oil spray. Lay out the tots in a single layer and air fry for about 15–18 minutes, possibly working in batches to avoid overcrowding. No matter the method, you’re looking for a deep, golden color and irresistible crispy edges.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

As soon as the Cheesy Zucchini Tots (Oven or Air Fryer) are beautifully browned, take them out and serve immediately! They’re perfect hot, with your favorite dipping sauce—ketchup, ranch, or something a little spicy if you’re feeling adventurous.

How to Serve Cheesy Zucchini Tots (Oven or Air Fryer)

Garnishes

For that finishing touch, sprinkle your freshly baked tots with a little flaky sea salt or a dusting of extra grated Parmesan. A sprinkle of fresh chives or scallions looks pretty and amps up the flavor, giving every bite a pop of green that highlights the zucchini inside.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Zucchini Tots (Oven or Air Fryer) are fantastic alongside a big salad, burgers, grilled chicken, or even tucked into a bento box for lunch. They’re especially great next to a bowl of tomato soup, echoing the classic grilled cheese and tomato combo, but with a modern veggie twist.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these at a party, try tucking each tot into a mini muffin liner or skewer several onto toothpicks for easy snacking. For a dinner upgrade, stack them up like a tower and drizzle with a creamy dipping sauce for a playful appetizer. They even make a fun base for mini breakfast “benedicts”—just top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Cheesy Zucchini Tots (Oven or Air Fryer) cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—just pop them on a plate when hunger strikes!

Freezing

Want to stock up for future cravings? Freeze cooled tots in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way they won’t stick together, and you can grab just what you need for quick snacks or meal-prep wins.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked crispiness, skip the microwave and reheat your Cheesy Zucchini Tots (Oven or Air Fryer) in a hot oven or air fryer—they’ll be piping hot and crunchy again in just a few minutes. If you’re in a pinch, the microwave works in a heartbeat, but they’ll be a bit softer.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar and Parmesan are classic here, try mozzarella for extra meltiness, pepper jack for a hint of spice, or swap in any shredded cheese you love—the recipe is wonderfully flexible.

How do I make these gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free cornflakes in place of the regular panko breadcrumbs. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them!

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

No need to peel! The skin adds a lovely pop of green and extra nutrients, plus it disappears right into the tots once mixed. Just give your zucchini a good wash before shredding.

Why do my tots come out soggy?

Most likely, the zucchini wasn’t squeezed enough. Really wring out all the moisture before mixing; excess liquid leads to soggy tots. Adding a touch more breadcrumbs can also help firm things up.

Can I prep the mixture in advance?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients and shape the tots in advance! Just store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking or air frying as usual for fresh, crispy results.

Final Thoughts

It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients can come together as something as fun and satisfying as Cheesy Zucchini Tots (Oven or Air Fryer). If you’re ready to turn basic zucchini into your new favorite snack, give these a try—you might be surprised at just how fast they disappear from the plate!

Cheesy Zucchini Tots (Oven or Air Fryer) Recipe

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5.2 from 7 reviews

Author: Sophia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 5 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cheesy Zucchini Tots are a delicious and healthier alternative to classic tater tots, made with shredded zucchini, cheddar cheese, and seasonings. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect for snacking or serving as a side dish.

Ingredients

Zucchini Tots:

12 ounces shredded zucchini, about 3 packed cups or 2 medium zucchinis. Measure before squeezing out.
1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese, about 2 ounces
1 large egg
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder

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Instructions

For Oven: Heat the oven to 425℉. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or grease well with oil spray. Place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze all the excess moisture out of the zucchini. Add the squeezed zucchini to a large bowl with the cheddar cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until everything is well combined. Use a tablespoon measure to scoop the zucchini mixture, then form into tot shapes. If your tots are not holding their shape, add a little more breadcrumbs to the mixture to absorb more moisture. Place the tots on the prepared baking sheet and bake until very golden brown, about 25 to 28 minutes.
For Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380℉. Grease your insert/tray with oil spray. You may need to cook the tots in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Place the tots on the prepared insert/tray, leaving a little space in between each one. Air fry until very golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes.

Notes

Enjoy the tots warm with ketchup, ranch dip, or your favorite dipping sauce.
The cooked and cooled zucchini tots can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 days and are best reheated in the oven or air fryer.
Freeze the cooked and cooled zucchini tots in a single layer until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag or container.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking, Air Frying
Cuisine: American