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Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Zucchini Tots

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These crispy cheesy air fryer zucchini tots transform humble garden vegetables into a crunchy, savory snack that satisfies chip cravings without the guilt. Perfect for busy weeknights, they are quick to make, kid-approved, and deliver a perfect texture through a simple moisture-removal technique.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium zucchini
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)

Instructions

  1. Wash and trim the ends off the zucchini. Shred the zucchini using a box grater or food processor.
  2. Place the shredded zucchini in a colander. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt and let sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture.
  3. Squeeze the salted zucchini tightly by hand or in a clean kitchen towel to remove as much liquid as possible. The zucchini should feel dry to the touch.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, grated cheddar cheese, beaten eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  6. Take small handfuls of the mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons each) and roll them into log shapes (tots). Place on a plate.
  7. Pour panko breadcrumbs onto a flat plate. Roll each tot in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat, and shake off excess.
  8. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place tots in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Spray the tops of the tots lightly with cooking spray.
  9. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  10. Remove from air fryer and let cool for 1-2 minutes before serving immediately with dipping sauce.

Notes

Squeezing the zucchini dry is the most critical step to ensure crispiness; skipping it results in soggy tots. Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. If your air fryer varies in temperature, check tots a minute or two before the timer ends. For extra crispiness, chill formed tots in the fridge for 10 minutes before cooking. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer zucchini, zucchini tots, healthy snacks, crispy vegetables, air fryer recipes, gluten-free snacks, kid-friendly vegetables

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/crispy-cheesy-air-fryer-zucchini-tots-easy-and-best/