These zucchini tots are cheesy, perfectly crispy, and incredibly easy to make in the air fryer. They’re a super fun, veggie-packed side or snack your whole family is sure to love as much as mine does!

All hail any recipe my toddlers will eat (IYKYK)! Especially when it’s a recipe packed with protein and veggies like these air fryer zucchini tots They’re cute, easy to make, and literally a hit every time with my kiddos, which is a major #momwin.

Key Ingredients

• Zucchini: finely shredded zucchini with the moisture removed
• Panko bread crumbs: panko is what gives these zucchini tots their extra crunch! It also helps bind the tots together.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: can’t have cheesy tots without the cheese! I like using shredded cheddar because it melts well, provides great color and yummy flavor.
• Eggs: You’ll need 1 egg to help bind the zucchini together in partnership with the breadcrumbs. I have not tested this recipe with an egg substitute!

Find the list of full ingredients in the recipe card below.

The Best Way to Prep Your Zucchini

Literally the only finicky thing in this recipe is making sure you prep your zucchini correctly. What does this mean? You’ll want shred the zucchini FINELY — I recommend the one of the finer shreds on your box grater.

You’ll also want to make sure you squeeze as much liquid out of the shredded zucchini as possible. Why? This ensures your zucchini mixture isn’t too wet to mold into tots and keep its shape.

Serve as a Side and with Your Favorite Dipping Sauce

While you have the air fryer up and running, why not make my crispy chicken nuggets for the ultimate kid-friendly meal.

And IDK if I’ll ever eat these zucchini tots dipped into anything besides my homemade ranch — it’s the perfect creamy tang to these crunchy tots. Ketchup or my homemade BBQ would also be delish.

How to Store Leftovers

While I recommend eating these tots immediately, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Other Zucchini-Inspired Recipes

Some nights you just need a win and that’s where this Sloppy Joe recipe comes in. This is a 20 minute meal that is easy to make, inexpensive and kid-friendly. For me sloppy joes will always remind me of summer camp as it’s the type of meal that would be served in a cafeteria style setting. This is total comfort food mixed with nostalgia for me.

If you aren’t familiar a sloppy joe is a type of sandwich made with ground beef and tomato sauce. It’s sort of cross between spaghetti sauce and chili but served like a hamburger.

Related: If you like the classic next try our baked vegetarian sloppy joe recipe.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Tomato sauce
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar

You will also want hamburger buns or slider buns to serve with. Or you could serve this sloppy joe filling over chips or noddles like chili.

How to make Sloppy Joes

Finely chop the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. In a large sauce pan or skillet heat the oil over medium heat and cook the onion and bell pepper until softened, 2-3 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for another minute. Remove the cooked veg to a bowl.

In the same pan cook the ground beef until no pink remains, until it’s cooked through.

In a medium bowl stir together the sauce ingredients: tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar.

To the pan of cooked meat add the sauce and cooked vegetables. Continue to cook for a few minutes until everything is hot.

Toast the buns before adding the sloppy joe filling. Enjoy!

Tips and Notes

• You can substitute the ground beef or any ground meat including turkey or chicken.
• I used two shallots in this recipe but 1/2 a yellow or red onion would work well too.
• I use green bell pepper but any color works. You can also omit the bell pepper although I like the slight crunch it adds to the filling.
• Sometimes I will add a little hot sauce, like Frank’s, to the sauce.
• I don’t drain the pan of the fat / juices from the cooked ground beef before adding the sauce and veg. But if you want your sloppy joe filling to be a little lighter and thicker (less liquid) then drain it before adding.

More Easy Ground Beef Recipes

Make mealtime fun, fast, and teenager-approved with these easy air fryer recipes designed with kids in mind—but loved by all ages. While these dishes were originally picked to satisfy little ones with big appetites, I can confirm they’re still a massive hit with my own teens. The best part? They’ve officially reached the age where they can whip these up on their own. That’s right—thanks to the magic of the air fryer, dinner no longer means hovering over a hot stove or begging them to eat something green.

From crispy chicken tenders and veggie-loaded nuggets to sweet potato fries and cheesy toasts, these air fryer creations are healthier takes on classic comfort foods. No deep frying, no drama—just golden, crunchy deliciousness with a fraction of the oil and effort. Whether you’ve got picky eaters, hangry teenagers, or you just want dinner on the table in under 20 minutes, these air fryer recipes are your new secret weapon.

Air Fryer Bread Pizza

Air Fryer Bread Pizza is a delicious and simple alternative to traditional pizza. It is made with bread rather than pizza base.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bread Pizza

Air Fryer Mini Potatoes

These Air Fryer Mini Potatoes are absolutely delicious, with a crispy outside that is perfectly seasoned. It’s a must-try recipe!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mini Potatoes

Air Fryer Cheese Toast

Air fryer cheese toast consists of french bread slices topped with garlic herb butter and parmesan cheese. The toast is air-fried until crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Toast

Air Fryer Frozen Wings

These air fryer frozen wings are cooked directly from the freezer to your air fryer and, when properly cooked, taste exactly like fresh wings.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Wings

Air Fryer Empanadas

These savory Air Fryer Empanadas with Chicken are a lighter version of the classic dish that’s just as tasty and satisfying!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Air Fryer Frozen Waffles

Cooking frozen waffles in the air fryer is quick and simple. This recipe consistently produces waffles that are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Waffles

Air Fryer Fajitas

When you need a delicious meal that will leave the family wanting more, look no further than air fryer fajitas!

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Air Fryer Dessert Sweet Potato Toast

This air fryer dessert sweet potato toast is the best simple dessert recipe. Chocolate is rich and high in healthy fats.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Dessert Sweet Potato Toast

Air Fryer Puff Pastry

Air fryer puff pastry is the ideal dessert! Cook puff pastry in the air fryer and serve with a variety of toppings for a simple and tasty treat.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Puff Pastry

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips crisp up nicely without using as much oil as deep frying, and they’re quick to make.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

Air Fryer Chocolate Cupcakes

Super moist and fluffy air fryer chocolate cupcakes topped with chocolate buttercream. They are simple to make and full of flavor.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chocolate Cupcakes

 

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