These zucchini tots are the perfect snack or appetizer to incorporate more veggies into your diet. They are baked rather than fried and are a great low-carb alternative for a party. Quick and easy to make with just a handful of ingredients, they can be made ahead of time. These healthier tots are a hit with kids and adults alike!

Related: Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Ingredients to make the tater tots

Zucchini: Zucchini takes the place of potatoes in this healthier and low-carb tot recipe. Zucchini is high in vitamins C and A and is loaded with fiber. So I’m all about easy zucchini recipes such as this with major health benefits.
Egg: The egg helps to bind the ingredients together. If you can, use a free-range/organic egg.
Cheese: In my book, you can’t have tots without cheese! Use a shredded cheddar that has some sharpness to it.
Panko breadcrumbs: To bring some texture to the tots, I’ve used panko breadcrumbs. They also help absorb excess moisture. I always buy them gluten-free (either Ian’s or Kikkoman’s).
Spices: I seasoned these zucchini tater tots with Italian seasoning, onion powder, and a little salt and pepper for a really delicious bite. You can switch out the seasoning to your preference.

Related: Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

How to make zucchini tots

Grate the zucchini and squeeze it in a kitchen towel to remove the excess moisture. There will be a lot more water than you’ll expect, so squeeze as much as you can.

Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. You want to make sure it sticks together without being too moist. You can add more breadcrumbs if needed here if the mixture feels too wet.

Related: Zucchini Enchiladas

Take a tablespoon of the mixture and form it into a potato tater tot shape with your hands. Place the tots on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake in the oven. You can also make these by skillet, but they’ll take more time and attention. The oven is the fastest method.

Related: Zucchini Fritters

Tips for making zucchini tater tots

You can use a dish towel or paper towels to squeeze as much water out of the shredded zucchini as possible — key to getting crisp and cheesy tater tots. You might still have some leftover moisture, but every little bit helps.
When mixing, you should feel it sticking together. If it feels too wet, though, and not sticky, feel free to add more breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Make the tots in a mini muffin tin instead of rolling each tot individually — just scoop them in. Be sure you have a very good non-stick tin.

Frequently asked questions

Can you freeze zucchini tots?

Just freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. When they’re frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-close bag and place them back in the freezer. This way, they stay individually frozen, and you can thaw as many as needed.

Cooked tots will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to four days. You can reheat them quickly in the microwave or toaster oven.

What do you serve with zucchini tater tots?

These tots are perfect for serving a crowd if you are entertaining for the big game or throwing another party. They are perfect for serving with ketchup or any of your other favorite dips. Homemade Ranch Dip and Creamy Feta Dip work really well! You can also serve these as part of a main meal with a side of Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.

Are these a good alternative to store-bought potato tots?

Store-bought potato tots contain high amounts of salt and fat, even if you oven-bake rather than fry them. This homemade zucchini tots recipe contains so much less salt and fat. And it comes in at around 115 calories a tot, as well as containing vitamins and minerals from the fresh zucchini.

There are so many ways to incorporate zucchini to swap out carbs in many comfort recipes, and these healthy taters tots with zucchini are my new favorites. I love how easy they are to make without any hard-to-find ingredients and tools required. Make them for the big game party snacks, as an appetizer, or for your kids’ lunchbox. Everyone will love them!