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Cheesy Air Fryer Zucchini Squash Tots

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These cheesy air fryer zucchini squash tots are a crispy, veggie-packed snack or side dish that’s easy to make and perfect for using up summer produce. They’re light, crunchy, and loaded with melty cheese—ideal for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup grated zucchini (squeezed dry, about 130g)
  • 1 cup grated yellow squash (squeezed dry, about 130g)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 110g, sharp preferred)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 30g, regular or gluten-free)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (about 20g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Nonstick spray or oil mister (for air fryer basket)
  • For optional ranch dip:
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (about 120g)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (about 30g)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced (about 3g)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced (about 3g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (about 5ml)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Grate zucchini and yellow squash using a box grater or food processor. Place grated veggies in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together egg, cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the dry grated veggies and parsley if using. Mix until the mixture just holds together.
  3. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into a small cylinder (about 2 inches long). Repeat to form 18-22 tots. If mixture is too wet, add more panko as needed.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray or oil.
  5. Arrange tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Cook in batches if needed.
  6. For the optional ranch dip: In a small bowl, mix together sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, dill, chives, garlic powder, lemon juice, and salt/pepper to taste. Chill until serving.
  7. Serve tots hot with ranch dip or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For best results, squeeze the grated veggies as dry as possible to ensure crispy tots. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed. These tots are very adaptable: swap in gluten-free panko, use different cheeses, or add extra veggies like spinach or corn. Leftovers reheat best in the air fryer or oven. For a baked version, cook on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, zucchini tots, squash tots, healthy snack, vegetarian, kid-friendly, gluten-free option, easy appetizer, summer recipe, cheesy tots

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/cheesy-air-fryer-zucchini-squash-tots-easy-healthy-snack-recipe/