Crispy Mini Zucchini Tots with Onion 🥒🧅
These bite-sized zucchini tots are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with savory onion, cheese, and herbs. They’re a healthier alternative to potato tots and make a great snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini (about 4 cups shredded)
- ½ small onion, finely grated or minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Cooking spray or 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1. Prepare the Zucchini
- Grate zucchini using a box grater.
- Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Place zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible.
(This step is important for crispy tots.)
2. Make the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
- Drained zucchini
- Onion
- Eggs
- Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan
- Breadcrumbs or almond flour
- Garlic
- Herbs
- Seasonings
Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the Tots
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture.
- Shape into small cylinders or oval tots.
- Place on the baking sheet with space between each tot.
- Lightly spray or brush with oil.
4. Bake Until Crispy
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Cook until golden brown and crisp.
Air Fryer Option:
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
Garlic Yogurt Dip
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Spicy Mayo
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Classic
- Ketchup
- Ranch dressing
- Marinara sauce
Variations
Cheesy Bacon Zucchini Tots
Add:
- ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon
Mediterranean Style
Add:
- Feta cheese
- Dill
- Lemon zest
Keto-Friendly
Use:
- Almond flour instead of breadcrumbs
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- No added flour
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked tots for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake or air fry until crisp (microwaving will soften them).
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Net Carbs: 8 g
Tips for Extra Crispy Zucchini Tots
- Remove as much water as possible from the zucchini.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better binding.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- For extra crunch, coat the outside lightly with breadcrumbs before baking.