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Crispy Zucchini Tots Recipe Kids Love Easy Homemade Snack

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These crispy zucchini tots are a kid-friendly, homemade snack that combines fresh zucchini, cheese, and breadcrumbs for a crunchy, cheesy treat. Perfect for sneaking veggies into meals, they are quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium zucchini, grated and squeezed dry
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¾ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred or gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil for pan-frying
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley or basil

Instructions

  1. Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor to yield about 4 cups grated. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible, aiming for at least ½ cup of liquid removed.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended and the mixture holds together when pressed. Add more breadcrumbs if too wet.
  3. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and shape into small cylinders or ovals, about the size of traditional tater tots. Place each tot on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the shaped tots for 10-12 minutes until pale but slightly firm.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry the baked tots in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy, flipping gently with a spatula or tongs.
  6. Remove tots to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Drying the zucchini thoroughly is essential to avoid soggy tots. Baking before frying firms the tots so they hold their shape. Use medium heat for frying to ensure crispy outsides without raw insides. Work in small batches to maintain oil temperature. Leftover tots reheat well in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes. For dairy-free, substitute cheeses with vegan cheese and replace egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini tots, crispy zucchini tots, kid-friendly snack, homemade snack, vegetable snack, gluten-free snack option, easy zucchini recipe

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