Crispy Mini Zucchini Tots with Onion

If you love crispy snacks but want something a little lighter, these crispy zucchini tots with onion are worth making. They have golden, crunchy edges, a soft center, and plenty of savory flavor from fresh zucchini, onion, and cheese.

They are easy to prepare and work beautifully as a snack, side dish, or simple appetizer. You can bake them in a mini muffin pan for perfectly bite-sized tots that are fun to eat and easy to dip.

If you love simple homemade recipes, check out our Cottage Cheese Recipes for more easy ideas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🥒 A tasty way to use fresh zucchini
• 🧀 Crispy outside with a soft, cheesy center
• 🧅 Sweet onion adds extra savory flavor
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for snacks, lunch boxes, or family dinners

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini, grated
• 1/2 small yellow onion, finely grated
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or olive oil

Ingredient Notes

Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchini works best. There is no need to peel it.

Onion: Yellow onion gives the tots a mild, slightly sweet flavor. You can use white onion or shallots instead.

Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs help absorb moisture and create a firmer texture. Panko can be used for a slightly crunchier finish.

Cheese: Cheddar adds great flavor, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend also work well.

Kitchen Equipment

• Box grater
• Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth
• Mixing bowl
• Mini muffin pan
• Spoon or small cookie scoop
• Oven

Looking for more easy meal ideas? Explore our Main Dishes and Dinner Recipes for more recipes to try.

How to Make Crispy Zucchini Tots with Onion

1. Heat the oven.
   Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Grate the zucchini.
   Grate the zucchini and onion using the large holes of a box grater.
3. Remove excess moisture.
   Place the grated zucchini and onion in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze firmly until as much liquid as possible is removed. This step is important for crispy tots.
4. Mix the ingredients.
   Add the squeezed zucchini and onion to a bowl. Stir in the egg, cheddar, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Fill the pan.
   Scoop the mixture into the prepared mini muffin pan. Press each portion down gently so the tots hold their shape.
6. Bake.
   Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
7. Make them extra crispy.
   For deeper browning, broil for about 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch closely so they do not burn.
8. Cool and serve.
   Let the zucchini tots cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Expert Tips

• Squeeze the zucchini well. Excess water is the biggest reason zucchini tots turn soft.
• Don’t skip the breadcrumbs. They help hold the mixture together.
• Avoid overfilling the muffin pan.
• Grease the pan well so the tots release easily.
• For extra crispy edges, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray before baking.
• Let the tots rest for a few minutes after baking so they firm up.

Variations

Cheesy Jalapeño Tots: Add 1 finely chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.

Garlic Herb Tots: Add fresh parsley, basil, or extra garlic.

Pizza Zucchini Tots: Mix in a little mozzarella and Italian seasoning. Serve with warm marinara.

Bacon Zucchini Tots: Add 2–3 tablespoons of finely cooked and crumbled bacon.

Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crispy zucchini tots with:

• Ranch dressing
• Marinara sauce
• Garlic aioli
• Honey mustard
• Sour cream

They also make a delicious side dish with grilled chicken, burgers, sandwiches, or a fresh green salad.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store cooled zucchini tots in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Arrange completely cooled tots on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheat: Reheat refrigerated or frozen tots in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and crisp. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the edges crunchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving:

• Calories: 125
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 260mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the ingredients and serving size used.

Nutritional values can vary depending on the ingredients and brands used. For additional ingredient nutrition information, you can refer to USDA FoodData Central.

Final Thoughts

These crispy zucchini tots with onion are an easy way to turn simple vegetables into a snack everyone will want to grab. The key is squeezing out as much moisture as possible before baking.

Serve them warm with a creamy dip, marinara, or your favorite sauce, and enjoy every crispy bite!

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