Crispy Zucchini Tots Recipe – Easy, Baked, And Healthy Snack

Meta Description: Make crispy zucchini tots with this easy oven-baked recipe. Perfect as a healthy snack or appetizer—cheesy, golden, and kid-approved!

Introduction

Craving something crispy and satisfying but want to skip the guilt? These crispy zucchini tots are the perfect healthy alternative to traditional tater tots! Made with fresh zucchini, cheese, and simple pantry staples, this zucchini tots recipe delivers all the crunch you love without the deep frying.

These baked zucchini tots are incredibly kid-friendly, packed with hidden vegetables, and ready in just 30 minutes. With a golden, crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior, they make an excellent healthy zucchini tots recipe for snack time, appetizers, or even a side dish. Plus, they’re baked not fried, making them a nutritious choice the whole family will enjoy!

Ingredients

For these delicious oven-baked zucchini tots, you’ll need:

Base Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound), grated
• 1 teaspoon salt (for draining zucchini)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)

Optional Variations:

• Gluten-free breadcrumbs (for celiac-friendly option)
• Mozzarella cheese (for extra stretch)
• Fresh herbs like chives or parsley
• Red pepper flakes (for heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to learn how to make zucchini tots that are perfectly crispy every time:

1. Prepare the Zucchini: Grate zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place grated zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
2. Remove Excess Water: Using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, squeeze the salted zucchini firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for crispy zucchini tater tots.
3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine squeezed zucchini, beaten egg, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced garlic, pepper, and oregano. Mix until well combined.
4. Shape the Tots: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form mixture into small tot shapes (about 1.5 inches long).
5. Bake to Perfection: Brush tops lightly with olive oil. Bake for 15-18 minutes, then flip carefully and bake another 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve Immediately: Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Tips for Extra Crispy Zucchini Tots

Want to achieve maximum crispiness? Here are professional tips for perfect crispy zucchini tots:

Remove ALL Moisture: The secret to crispy tots is removing every drop of water from the zucchini. After salting, squeeze multiple times with paper towels until no more liquid comes out.

Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko creates superior crispiness due to its larger, airier texture.

Bake on a Wire Rack: Place a wire cooling rack on your baking sheet and arrange tots on top. This allows air circulation underneath for even crisping.

Don’t Overcrowd: Give each tot space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding creates steam, which prevents proper crisping.

High Heat is Key: The 425°F temperature is essential for achieving that golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

Variations and Substitutions

Transform your basic recipe into exciting zucchini tot appetizers with these variations:

Cheesy Zucchini Tots: Double the cheese! Add an extra 1/4 cup each of cheddar and mozzarella for ultra-cheesy cheesy zucchini tots that stretch beautifully.

Vegan Zucchini Tots: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and let sit 5 minutes). Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

Air Fryer Zucchini Tots: Cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking basket halfway through. Perfect for smaller batches!

Herb-Crusted Version: Add 2 tablespoons fresh chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or dill for a gourmet twist.

Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in 1/4 teaspoon cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a southwestern flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile baked zucchini tots pair beautifully with various accompaniments:

Dipping Sauces:

• Classic ranch dressing
• Marinara or pizza sauce
• Spicy sriracha mayo
• Creamy avocado lime dip
• Homemade tzatziki

Meal Pairings:

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish
• Add to lunch boxes as a healthy snack
• Include in appetizer platters for parties
• Pair with fresh salads for a light meal
• Perfect for game day snacking

Storage & Reheating

Keep your oven-baked zucchini tots fresh with proper storage:

Refrigerator Storage: Store cooled tots in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer Storage: Freeze cooked tots on a baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating for Crispiness:

• Oven: Reheat at 375°F for 5-8 minutes
• Air fryer: 350°F for 3-4 minutes
• Avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy

Make-Ahead Tip: Form uncooked tots and freeze them. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to cooking time.

FAQ

Are zucchini tots healthy? Yes! This healthy zucchini tots recipe provides vegetables, protein from eggs and cheese, and is baked rather than fried. They’re lower in calories than traditional potato tots and pack extra nutrients from zucchini.

Can I freeze zucchini tots? Absolutely! You can freeze both cooked and uncooked tots. For best results, freeze cooked tots individually on a baking sheet before transferring to storage containers.

How do you make zucchini tots crispy? The key is removing all moisture from the zucchini, using panko breadcrumbs, baking at high heat (425°F), and ensuring proper spacing on the baking sheet.

Can I make them without breadcrumbs? Yes! Substitute with crushed cornflakes, ground oats, or almond flour for gluten-free options. You can also use crushed crackers or even finely grated Parmesan cheese.

Why are my zucchini tots falling apart? This usually happens when there’s too much moisture in the zucchini or not enough binding ingredients. Make sure to squeeze out all water and consider adding an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs if the mixture seems too wet.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 (about 24 tots)
Calories: 78 per serving (4 tots)

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchini, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Grate zucchini and salt for 10 minutes
2. Squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly
3. Mix with remaining ingredients
4. Form into tot shapes
5. Bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes until golden
6. Serve immediately

Conclusion

These crispy zucchini tots prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or fun! Whether you’re looking for a nutritious snack for the kids, an impressive appetizer for guests, or a creative way to use up garden zucchini, this recipe delivers every time.

Have you tried this zucchini tots recipe? We’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on social media and tag us, or leave a review below to let other readers know how they turned out.

Ready for more veggie-packed recipes? Check out our [Best Air Fryer Zucchini Recipes] for more crispy goodness, browse our collection of [Healthy Snacks for Kids], or whip up some [5-Minute Dips for Veggie Snacks] to pair with your tots!

Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with friends who love finding healthier alternatives to their favorite comfort foods. Happy cooking!