Zesty Golden Zucchini Bites with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe

Golden crispy zucchini bites dance with irresistible cheese flavors that make snack time feel special.

Fresh summer vegetables become magical when combined with sharp cheddar and nutty parmesan.

Crunchy exteriors give way to tender, savory centers that surprise your taste buds.

We discovered this recipe during a lazy weekend experiment in the kitchen.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a simple yet elegant appetizer anyone can master.

Simple techniques transform ordinary zucchini into extraordinary bites that vanish quickly from serving plates.

One bite guarantees you’ll want to make these delectable morsels again and again.

Crispy Zucchini Bites FAQ Time

• Why do I need to squeeze out moisture from the zucchini?

Removing excess water ensures your zucchini bites are crispy and hold their shape instead of becoming soggy and falling apart during cooking.

• Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?

Fresh grated cheese melts better and provides a more authentic flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.

• What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can bake these zucchini bites in a preheated oven at 425ºF for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness.

Why Golden Zucchini Bites With Cheddar Hit The Spot

• Boost Veggie Intake: Pack these zucchini bites with hidden vegetables, making them a sneaky way to enjoy nutritious greens without sacrificing taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Perfect for game nights, potlucks, and family gatherings, these golden crispy bites will disappear from the plate in minutes.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a delightful snack with minimal prep and cooking steps, creating restaurant-quality treats right at home.
• Kid-Friendly Nutrition: Cheesy, crispy texture appeals to children while secretly delivering healthy zucchini and protein, making mealtime fun and nutritious.

Golden Crispy Zucchini Bites Ingredient Rundown

• Zucchini: A fresh vegetable that provides the base and moisture for these crispy bites.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a crunchy exterior.
• Eggs: Serves as a binding agent to hold the zucchini bites together.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Add rich, savory flavor and help create a golden, crispy texture.

• Garlic Powder, Dill, Salt, Pepper: Provide depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the zucchini bites.

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures the zucchini bites do not stick to the air fryer basket and helps achieve a crispy exterior.

How To Cook Crispy Zucchini Bites With Cheddar And Parmesan

Step 1: Prepare Zucchini

Grab fresh zucchini and grate it using a box grater or food processor. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the grated zucchini and let it sit in a fine mesh sieve to drain excess liquid for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Remove Moisture

Transfer the zucchini to a clean kitchen towel or muslin cloth. Squeeze firmly to remove as much water as possible.

This step ensures your bites will be crispy and not soggy.

Step 3: Create Flavor Mixture

• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Dried dill
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

Step 4: Shape Zucchini Bites

Use slightly damp hands to form small, compact tots. Ensure they are tightly packed to hold their shape during cooking.

Step 5: Prepare Air Fryer

Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the zucchini bites in a single layer, leaving space between each bite for even cooking.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Cook at 200ºC/390ºF for 10-15 minutes. Watch for a golden brown and crispy exterior.

Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bites from the air fryer.

Let cool for a moment, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli.

Helpful Tips For Perfect Zucchini Bites

• Squeeze zucchini thoroughly to prevent soggy bites and ensure maximum crispiness.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs for a lighter, more delicate texture that enhances the overall bite.
• Add extra herbs like chives or parsley for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color.
• Keep the tots in a single layer during air frying to guarantee even browning and crisp edges.
• Store leftover bites in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer to maintain their crunchiness.

Tasty Twists On Zucchini Bites With Cheese

• Mediterranean Herb Zucchini Bites: Replace dill with fresh chopped basil, oregano, and thyme. Add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Zucchini Poppers: Mix in finely diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper. Serve with a cool ranch or sour cream dipping sauce to balance the heat.
• Mexican Fiesta Zucchini Rounds: Incorporate ground cumin, chili powder, and add shredded pepper jack cheese. Top with chopped cilantro and serve with salsa.
• Bacon and Chive Zucchini Bites: Fold in crispy crumbled bacon bits and freshly chopped chives. Sprinkle extra bacon on top for added crunch and flavor.

Pairing Picks For Golden Zucchini Bites

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the zucchini bites, offering a refreshing counterpoint with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Complement with Herbed Ranch Dip: Creamy ranch infused with fresh herbs perfectly balances the crispy texture and cheesy flavor of the zucchini tots.
• Match with Light Pilsner Beer: The clean, crisp beer provides a cool contrast to the golden, cheesy bites, enhancing the overall snacking experience.
• Serve alongside Fresh Tomato Salsa: Tangy, bright salsa adds a zesty kick that elevates the mild zucchini and cheesy flavors of the appetizer.

How To Store Zucchini Bites And Keep Them Crisp

• Refrigerate: Store cooled zucchini bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Spread uncooked tots on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Frozen tots keep for 2 months.
• Reheat Air Fryer: Cook frozen tots directly in the air fryer at 180ºC/350ºF for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Reheat Oven: Bake refrigerated or thawed tots on a lined baking sheet at 190ºC/375ºF for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even crispiness.

Golden Crispy Zucchini Bites with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible Golden Crispy Zucchini Bites blend cheesy cheddar and parmesan into a delightful appetizer that sings with savory flavor. Quick and easy preparation makes these nibbles perfect for casual gatherings or spontaneous snack cravings you’ll absolutely adore.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 kg (2 lb) zucchini
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly grate zucchini using a box grater, ensuring uniform texture and size.
2. Sprinkle salt over grated zucchini, transfer to a fine mesh sieve, and allow excess liquid to drain for precisely 10 minutes.
3. Transfer zucchini to a clean kitchen towel, firmly squeeze to remove all remaining moisture, preventing soggy texture.
4. Combine drained zucchini with breadcrumbs, eggs, cheddar, parmesan, garlic powder, dill, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, blending ingredients until evenly distributed.
5. With slightly moistened hands, carefully craft small, compact tots, ensuring consistent shape and size for even cooking.
6. Lightly coat air fryer basket with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and promote crispy exterior.
7. Arrange tots in a single layer inside the basket, maintaining space between each piece to allow proper air circulation.
8. Air fry at 200ºC/390ºF for 12-14 minutes, rotating basket midway to ensure uniform golden-brown crispiness.
9. Once achieved desired color and crunch, immediately remove tots from air fryer and serve alongside preferred dipping sauce while hot and crisp.

Notes

• Squeeze zucchini thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy and golden tots without sogginess.
• Use fresh, firm zucchini for the best texture and flavor in your bites.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or romano for unique taste variations.
• Make these bites gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg