Best Air Fryer Crispy Zucchini Tots – Quick, Cheesy & Crispy
Hi there! I’m Sarah, and my love for food was born in my mom’s kitchen. Watching her transform simple ingredients into comforting meals taught me that cooking is about love, not just recipes. After she passed, I found comfort in recreating those same flavors and honoring her memory one dish at a time.
That’s what inspired Airfryer Diaries, where I share modern spins on nostalgic favorites using tools like the air fryer. It lets me create lighter, faster meals without sacrificing taste or tradition.
Today’s recipe, Air Fryer Crispy Zucchini Tots with Ranch Dip, is a perfect example. These crispy veggie-packed bites are golden on the outside, cheesy inside, and delicious with a creamy ranch dip. Whether you’re planning game-day snacks or want a fun side dish for dinner, these zucchini tots hit the spot.
Discover great ideas like Best Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes and bring a little more crunch and comfort to your table with this irresistible air fryer recipe.
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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Zucchini Tots
Zucchini tots are the perfect veggie-packed alternative to traditional tater tots. They’re cheesy, flavorful, and a fun way to enjoy zucchini even for picky eaters. Whether you need a quick snack, a party appetizer, or something creative for meal prep, Air Fryer Crispy Zucchini Tots with Ranch Dip check all the boxes.
They’re baked, not fried. They’re easy to shape and loaded with melty cheese and shredded zucchini for that soft yet crispy bite everyone loves. These tots are simple to make and endlessly customizable.
Check out Air Fryer Zucchini Chips for another veggie snack you’ll love.
Air Fryer Crispy Zucchini Tots with Ranch Dip
Equipment
- Cheesecloth or Kitchen Towel
- Grater
Ingredients
Zucchini Tots
- 1 cup shredded zucchini well-drained
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs or almond flour for gluten-free
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped herbs parsley or Italian blend (optional)
Ranch Dip
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or 1 tsp dried
- 1 tbsp chopped chives or parsley
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grate zucchini using a coarse grater. Squeeze out moisture using a towel or cheesecloth.
- In a mixing bowl, combine zucchini, egg, cheeses, breadcrumbs or almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Form into small cylinders using a tablespoon or scoop.
- Chill shaped tots for 10–15 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange tots in a single layer and spray lightly with oil.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- For the dip: Mix all ranch dip ingredients in a bowl. Chill 15–30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crispy Zucchini Tots
Best Zucchini to Use and How to Prepare It
The secret to perfect air fryer crispy zucchini tots with ranch dip starts with the right zucchini. Choose fresh, firm, medium-sized zucchini they contain less water and deliver better texture. Once shredded, use a kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out excess moisture. This step is key to getting that crispy golden finish in the air fryer.
You’ll need about one cup of well-drained shredded zucchini per batch. Don’t skip this it’s what keeps your zucchini tots light, not soggy.
Binding and Flavoring: Cheese, Eggs, Herbs & More
To build structure and flavor in your air fryer crispy zucchini tots with ranch dip, combine the zucchini with a few pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a role in texture, taste, and crispiness:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Shredded zucchini | Moist interior and veggie base |
| Cheddar cheese | Creamy texture and rich taste |
| Parmesan cheese | Adds sharpness and helps with browning |
| Eggs | Binds the mixture for shaping |
| Garlic & onion powder | Boost flavor without moisture |
| Panko or almond flour | Adds crunch and structure |
| Salt & pepper | Simple seasoning magic |
| Herbs (optional) | Try parsley, oregano, or Italian blend |
For a gluten-free version of these zucchini tots, swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or coconut flour. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist or keep it mild for the kids.
Making air fryer crispy zucchini tots with ranch dip is fast, easy, and adaptable to any dietary need.
Check out Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Bread with Tortillas if you’re craving another cheesy, crispy recipe!
How to Make Zucchini Tots in the Air Fryer
Step-by-Step Prep for Perfect Zucchini Tots
Making air fryer crispy zucchini tots with ranch dip is surprisingly easy, and once you try it, you’ll want to keep them on repeat. Here’s how to prep your tots like a pro:
- Grate the zucchini. Use a coarse grater for better texture. Then squeeze out the moisture using a towel or cheesecloth.
- Mix your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine shredded zucchini, eggs, cheddar, Parmesan, seasonings, and your flour or breadcrumbs. Stir until fully mixed.
- Shape into tots. Scoop about one tablespoon of mixture and gently roll it into a small cylinder or “tot” shape. You can also use a small cookie scoop for consistency.
- Chill for 10–15 minutes (optional). This helps the tots hold their shape better during cooking.
At this point, your zucchini tots are ready for the air fryer!
Air Fryer Temperature and Timing Tips
To get that perfect crispy finish on your air fryer crispy zucchini tots with ranch dip, follow these cooking tips:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). A hot basket helps crisp the outsides right away.
- Spray lightly with oil. Arrange tots in a single layer and spray the tops for a golden finish.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. This ensures even browning and crisp texture on all sides.
- Watch closely in the last few minutes. Some air fryers cook faster adjust as needed.
If you’re working in batches, keep cooked tots warm in the oven at 200°F while you finish the rest.
Don’t miss our Air Fryer Crispy Potato Cheese Bombs for another kid-friendly crispy snack to try next!
The Perfect Ranch Dip to Pair With Zucchini Tots
If you’re making air fryer crispy zucchini tots with ranch dip, then the dip better be worth it and this one is! While store-bought ranch works in a pinch, homemade ranch adds an extra layer of flavor that elevates every bite. It’s creamy, tangy, and pairs perfectly with the cheesy crunch of zucchini tots.
Here’s a quick recipe you can whip up in 5 minutes:
Simple Ranch Dip Ingredients:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives or parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
Mix everything in a bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
This creamy ranch dip is the perfect companion for zucchini tots cool, tangy, and herby. It balances out the richness of the cheese and adds that satisfying dipping moment everyone loves.
Pro Tips to Make Your Tots Extra Crispy
Nothing’s worse than biting into soggy tots. When making air fryer crispy zucchini tots with ranch dip, moisture is the number one enemy. Zucchini holds a surprising amount of water, and if it’s not removed properly, your tots will steam instead of crisp.
Follow these key tips to get that satisfying crunch:
- Squeeze out every drop. After shredding the zucchini, wrap it in a clean towel or cheesecloth and twist tightly to remove excess moisture.
- Add a dry binder. Panko, almond flour, or grated Parmesan help absorb any leftover water and add texture.
- Chill the mixture. Letting your shaped zucchini tots chill for 10–15 minutes before air frying helps them stay firm and not fall apart while cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding. Give each tot breathing room in the basket so hot air can circulate evenly. This prevents steaming and promotes browning.
Don’t miss our Air Fryer Mini Cheesecake for a light, sweet follow-up to your crispy meal.
How to Store, Reheat & Freeze Zucchini Tots
Fridge and Freezer Tips
If you have leftovers from your air fryer crispy zucchini tots with ranch dip, they’re easy to store and enjoy later. In the fridge, keep them in an airtight container lined with paper towels. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Want to freeze them? Place cooked zucchini tots on a tray in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. This method keeps them from sticking and helps preserve their shape. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating for Perfect Crispiness
Avoid the microwave trust us. To keep that crispy bite, reheat your air fryer crispy zucchini tots with ranch dip in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes. If frozen, add 2–3 extra minutes.
This makes these tots a perfect make-ahead snack or party food just heat and serve when you need them.
Nutrition Facts and Meal Prep Benefits
Don’t let the crispy bite fool you air fryer crispy zucchini tots with ranch dip are loaded with nutrients. Zucchini is low in calories, high in fiber, and full of vitamins like C and potassium. Add in eggs and cheese, and you’ve got a balanced snack that feels indulgent but fits into most healthy diets.
A typical serving of zucchini tots (4–5 pieces) has:
- ~120 calories
- ~7g carbs
- ~6g protein
- ~7g fat
- ~2g fiber
These numbers may vary by ingredients, but they keep this dish light and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are zucchini tots healthy?
Yes! Zucchini tots are lower in carbs and calories than regular tater tots. With minimal oil and real veggies, they’re a great choice for healthy snacking.
Can I freeze air fryer zucchini tots?
Definitely. Let them cool, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a container or bag. Reheat in the air fryer straight from frozen.
What dip goes best with zucchini tots?
Ranch is the classic choice for air fryer crispy zucchini tots with ranch dip, but garlic aioli, marinara, or spicy mayo also work great.
How do I make zucchini tots crispy in the air fryer?
Squeeze out moisture from the zucchini, shape tightly, and cook in a single layer. A light spray of oil and flipping halfway also helps.
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