If you’re in that phase where your toddler is suspicious of anything green but still loves finger foods, these zucchini tots for toddlers are such a win. They’re soft, easy to chew, and just the right size for little hands without turning veggies into a power struggle at the table.
Made with simple pantry staples, these zucchini tots can be baked or air fried and are perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or an easy side at meals. Bonus: they’re one of those toddler foods that parents actually enjoy eating too (no separate meals around here!)
Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Tots for Toddlers
- perfect for 12+ months
- soft inside with lightly crisp edges + perfect to dip in marinara or ranch
- easy baked or air fryer option
- customizable for allergies and preferences
- great make-ahead toddler finger food
If you have extra zucchini, then be sure to try my ABC + Z (zucchini) muffins, zucchini waffles, or banana zucchini oatmeal bars!
Jump to:
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to make these zucchini tots for toddlers:
- zucchini – adds fiber, hydration, and gentle veggie exposure without overpowering flavor
- egg – acts as the main binder to help the tots hold together while also providing protein and fat for satiety
- shredded cheese – adds flavor toddlers love and contributes fat and protein to support fullness and texture
- breadcrumbs or quick oats – absorb excess moisture and give the tots structure so they’re soft but not soggy
- parmesan (optional) – boosts savory flavor with a little going a long way, helping make veggies more appealing
- garlic powder or Italian seasoning (optional) – adds flavor
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Your Zucchini Tots
- Step 1: Grate the zucchini finely, then place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is essential for zucchini tots that hold together and aren’t soggy.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the grated zucchini, egg, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs (or oats), parmesan, and garlic powder. Mix until evenly combined.
- Step 3: Scoop about 1-2 tablespoon of the mixture and gently shape into small tots or balls. Press lightly so they hold together without being packed too tightly.
- Step 4: Bake at 400°F in the oven for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through (if you remember lol). Or cook at 375°F in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway.
- Step 5: Let the tots cool slightly before serving. They firm up as they sit, making them easier for toddlers to pick up and eat.
Hint for The Best Zucchini Tots
The key to zucchini tots that actually hold together is removing as much moisture as possible from the zucchini. After grating, squeeze it really well using a clean towel or paper towel. If the mixture still feels wet, add 1-2 tablespoons breadcrumbs or oats, don’t add another egg. Letting the mixture rest for 5 minutes before shaping also helps the tots firm up and bake evenly.
Substitutions
These zucchini tots for toddlers are already gluten-free, but can easily be made dairy-free and egg-free too!
- egg-free: sub with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoon water, let thicken)
- gluten-free: use gluten-free breadcrumbs or certified GF oats
- veggie boost: add finely grated carrot
- dairy-free: use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative
Variations
Feel free to sub out the zucchini in these veggie tots with others like:
- cheesy carrot zucchini tots - add ¼ cup finely grated carrot to the mixture for a little natural sweetness and extra vitamin A
- sweet potato zucchini tots - swap ¼ cup mashed cooked sweet potato for ¼ cup of the zucchini
- cauliflower tots - swap the zucchini with riced cauliflower
`Check out these super easy baked zucchini fries for another veggie side dish or snack!
Equipment
All you need to make these zucchini tots for toddlers is a box grater or food processor is helpful for finely grating the zucchini, and a clean kitchen towel or paper towels can be helpful for squeezing out excess moisture. You’ll also need a mixing bowl, a measuring cup or spoons, and either a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or an air fryer basket, depending on how you plan to cook them.
Storing Your Zucchini Tots
Store leftover zucchini tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’re great cold or reheated. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer or oven until heated through for the best texture. These zucchini tots also freeze pretty well, just let them cool completely, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer or oven; the microwave works in a pinch but will result in a softer texture.
Tiff's Dietitian Tip
Serving these zucchini tots with marinara sauce turns them into fun “pizza dippers,” which can increase acceptance for hesitant eaters. From a nutrition standpoint, the marinara adds vitamin C, which helps support iron absorption from fortified breadcrumbs or other iron-containing foods served alongside. Dips also give toddlers a sense of control at meals, letting them decide how to eat a food without pressure!
FAQ
Yes! These zucchini tots for toddlers are great for meal prep. You can bake them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze them and reheat as needed.
Soggy tots usually mean there was too much moisture in the zucchini. Make sure to squeeze the grated zucchini really well before mixing. If the mixture still feels wet, add 1-2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs or oats.
You can, but finely grated zucchini works best. Shredded zucchini holds more moisture, so be sure to squeeze it very well and consider adding an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs or oats for better structure.
Yes. You can use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative or leave the cheese out and add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs or oats to help with texture!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with these zucchini tots for toddlers:
Zucchini Tots for Toddlers
Equipment
- box grater
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini finely grated or shredded, about 1 cup
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or Colby Jack
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or quick oats
- 2 tablespoon grated parmesan optional
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or Italian seasoning optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Place grated zucchini in a clean towel or paper towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- In a mixing bowl, combine zucchini, egg, cheese, breadcrumbs (or oats), parmesan, and garlic powder. Mix until combined.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and gently shape into small tots.
- Oven: Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway. Air Fryer: Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Leave a Reply