Quick and Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Tots : A Deliciously Kid-Friendly Snack!

This incredibly tasty Quick and Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Tots comes together in about 20 minutes and you can whip them up in your air fryer for a quick and easy snack or side dish that your family will love! Switch up the cheese or add herbs to suit your taste, or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of those leftover veggies hanging out in the crisper drawer. Trust me, this is one recipe you won’t want to miss!

The Zucchini Tots Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful little bites:

• 2 medium zucchinis, grated : You want them to be nice and tender, and grating makes them easy to mix in with everything else!
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded : The sharper, the better! This adds that ooey-gooey cheese factor that kids love.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko) : These help bind everything together while making it crispy! You can use regular or plain, whatever you have on hand.
• 1 medium egg : This acts as a binder to keep our tots from falling apart in the air fryer.
• Salt and pepper to taste : Just a couple pinches of each to elevate the flavor!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Alright, let’s get this party started! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will give you that perfectly crispy exterior in no time!

Step 2: Mixing It Up

Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine the grated zucchini, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg. Then, season with a couple pinches of salt and pepper, don’t skip this part, it makes a world of difference! Mix everything until well combined, and you should have a lovely, thick mixture.

Step 3: Shape the Tots

Now for the fun part! Using your hands, roll the mixture into small tot shapes, about an inch long. This is a great activity for the kids, so feel free to let them join in. You know what they say, the more hands in the kitchen, the better!

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Place the zucchini tots into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. You want them to get that nice crispy texture all over. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and deliciously crispy. It’s an absolute joy to open the air fryer after just 10 minutes and see those perfect little tots!

Step 5: Let Them Cool and Enjoy!

Once they’re out of the fryer, let them cool for a minute before serving. They’ll be hot and tasty, perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I want something quick and satisfying. I mean, what’s not to love about cheesy, crispy bites of goodness? I’m a real sucker for anything that qualifies as comfort food and can be made in under 30 minutes. The best part is that you can use whatever you’ve got on hand in the fridge leftover veggies, different kinds of cheese, you name it! It’s family-friendly and loaded with tons of flavor, making it perfect for both kids and adults. Trust me, this will become a household favorite!

If you loved this Quick and Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Tots recipe, be sure to check out my Easy Hobo Casserole, my Doritos Pizza Rolls, or my Air Fryer Orange Chicken!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy – Minimal Cleanup Required

Guess what? You can whip these up in under 20 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when everyone’s hungry and you don’t have time to slave away in the kitchen. And the cleanup? So easy, just a bowl and the air fryer basket!

Customizable – Use Whatever Ingredients You Have

This recipe is incredibly flexible! Have some leftover spinach? Toss it in! Prefer mozzarella over cheddar? Go for it! The beauty of these zucchini tots is that you really can mix and match based on what you’ve got, a truly ‘clean out the fridge’ meal.

Crowd-Pleaser – The Whole Family Will Love It

Honestly, my picky eater gave these zucchinis tots a thumbs up after trying them! They’re so crispy and flavorful, it’s easy to forget you’re eating vegetables! You’ll be lucky if there’s any left by the time supper rolls around.

Serving and Storage Tips

What to Serve With This

These air fryer zucchini tots make a perfect side dish with anything! I love serving them with a tangy tomato sauce, ranch dressing, or even a homemade garlic aioli. They’re great on their own, but pair ‘em with something delicious, and you’re in for a real treat!

How Long It Keeps

Store any leftovers you might have (and I mean “might” because they’re so good, it’s hard not to finish them all) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re cooled completely before sealing them in.

Best Method to Reheat

For the best results, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This will help restore that crispy goodness! You could also pop them in the oven on a baking sheet, but let’s be real, who has time for that?

Freezer Friendly? Yes!

Feel free to make a double batch and freeze some for later! To freeze, lay the uncooked tots in a single layer on a baking sheet, pop them in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the air fryer straight from the freezer (they might need an extra minute or two) and enjoy!

A Recap – Why You Need to Make These Today

This quick and easy air fryer zucchini tots recipe is a win-win for busy families. Fast, flavorful, and packed with veggies, it’s a kitchen superhero! Plus, you have the freedom to play with ingredients and customize to keep things fresh and fun. Just imagine diving into those crispy bites while watching your favorite show or enjoying a family dinner, the aroma filling the room.

So, if you’re looking for a new twist on how to serve up zucchini, give this recipe a whirl! Seriously, you won’t regret it… I promise!

FAQs

And remember! Food isn’t just about eating; it’s about gathering, joy, and making memories! So roll up your sleeves, grab those veggies, and let’s make some quick and easy air fryer zucchini tots together! You’re going to love every single crispy bite. Enjoy!

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