Air Fryer Zucchini Cheddar Tots

Introduction
Air Fryer Zucchini Cheddar Tots are a healthier and delicious take on traditional potato tots, offering a crispy exterior and a flavorful, cheesy interior. Made with fresh zucchini, these tots are a great way to sneak some extra vegetables into your meals while enjoying a snack that’s both savory and satisfying. The air fryer provides the perfect crispy texture without the need for deep frying, making these tots a much lighter alternative. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb snack, a side dish for dinner, or a fun appetizer for a gathering, these zucchini cheddar tots are sure to be a hit with everyone.

The History of Air Fryer Zucchini Cheddar Tots
The history of tots dates back to the 1950s when the American food industry was revolutionizing frozen foods. The iconic tater tot, made from mashed potatoes and shaped into small cylinders, became a beloved convenience food in households across the United States. With the rise of healthier eating habits and the popularity of air frying, recipes like Air Fryer Zucchini Cheddar Tots have emerged as a modern twist on the traditional tater tot. The concept of using zucchini in place of potatoes is part of the growing trend of vegetable-based alternatives to classic comfort foods. These zucchini cheddar tots take advantage of the air fryer’s ability to create a crispy, golden texture with far less oil, making them a healthier snack option.

Ingredients Breakdown
For these zucchini cheddar tots, the main ingredients include fresh zucchini, which provides a light and fresh base while also being packed with nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Shredded cheddar cheese gives the tots their creamy and melty center, adding a rich flavor and helping bind the ingredients together. Eggs are used to help hold everything in place, while breadcrumbs provide structure and crispiness. Garlic powder, onion powder, and salt are used for seasoning, bringing out the savory flavors. Freshly grated zucchini helps prevent excess moisture, ensuring that the tots hold their shape when cooked in the air fryer. To make these tots crisp, the air fryer is the perfect method, as it creates a crunchy outer layer without deep frying.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grate 2 medium zucchinis and place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
3. In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.
4. Using your hands, form the mixture into small tot shapes, about 1 inch long.
5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Place the tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the tots halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Zucchini Cheddar Tots
To make sure your zucchini cheddar tots come out perfectly crispy and flavorful, follow these helpful tips:

1. Drain the zucchini well – It’s crucial to remove as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini to prevent soggy tots. Squeezing the zucchini in a towel or cheesecloth works best.
2. Use fresh zucchini – Fresh zucchini will hold its texture better and provide a better flavor than older or overripe zucchini.
3. Don’t overfill the air fryer basket – For the crispiest tots, ensure that they are placed in a single layer with enough space between them to allow proper air circulation.
4. Add extra seasoning – Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
5. Serve with dipping sauce – These tots are fantastic when paired with dipping sauces like ranch, ketchup, or a spicy mayo.

Variations and Customizations
While the classic zucchini and cheddar combination is delicious, you can customize these tots in many ways:

• Add herbs – Try adding fresh or dried herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme for extra flavor.
• Use different cheese – Swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, pepper jack, or even Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Add vegetables – Grated carrots or finely chopped spinach can be mixed in with the zucchini to increase the nutritional value of the tots.
• Make them gluten-free – Replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make these tots gluten-free.
• Spicy tots – For a spicy kick, add a bit of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños to the mix.
• Baked option – If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the tots at 400°F (200°C) on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Zucchini cheddar tots are a much healthier alternative to traditional tater tots, providing the benefits of fresh zucchini while cutting down on calories and fat. Zucchini is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to a balanced diet. The use of an air fryer reduces the need for oil, further lowering the fat content of the tots compared to deep-fried versions. By making these tots at home, you can also control the ingredients and adjust the amount of cheese or breadcrumbs to suit your dietary preferences. While these tots are still relatively high in protein from the cheese and egg, they’re a great choice for those looking to eat more vegetables without sacrificing flavor.

FAQ
Can I make these zucchini cheddar tots in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the tots ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking them. You can also freeze the uncooked tots and cook them from frozen, adjusting the cooking time slightly.
What can I dip these tots in?
These zucchini cheddar tots pair wonderfully with a variety of dips like ranch dressing, ketchup, spicy mayo, or even a tangy yogurt-based dip.
Can I bake these tots instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake these tots at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, for a slightly different texture.
Can I use a different vegetable instead of zucchini?
Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables like sweet potato or cauliflower, but you may need to adjust the moisture content and seasoning.

Air Fryer Zucchini Cheddar Tots

Air fryer zucchini cheddar tots are a healthy, crispy, and cheesy alternative to traditional tater tots, offering a delicious way to enjoy vegetables in a fun, bite-sized form. Perfect for snacks or as a side dish, these tots are easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings 5

Ingredients

  

• 3 zucchini grated and drained (mine weighed 13 oz after draining)
• 1/3 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp parsley
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Olive oil spray for air fryer

Instructions

 

• Mix all ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl.
• Using an oval-shaped tablespoon, form 25 evenly sized tots.
• Air fry at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.