Vegan Zucchini Tater Tots

whole family will love!

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Start by grating the zucchini using a coarse grater. Once grated, place the zucchini into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess moisture as you can. This is an important step to ensure your tater tots are crispy, not soggy. You can also use a paper towel to absorb the moisture.

Step 2: Make the Flax Egg

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir well and let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. This will serve as a binding agent for the tots in place of an egg.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, chickpea flour, breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the flax egg to the mixture and stir everything together until fully combined. The mixture should be moist but not too wet. If it feels too loose, you can add a little more flour or breadcrumbs to help bind it.

Step 4: Form the Tater Tots

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil. Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture and form them into little cylinders or oval shapes, resembling traditional tater tots. Arrange them on the baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Tater Tots

Brush the tops of the tater tots with a small amount of olive oil to help them crisp up while baking. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the tots for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the zucchini tater tots are perfectly crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup, vegan ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Zucchini Tater Tots

1. Squeeze out the Moisture: Zucchini has a high water content, so it’s crucial to remove as much moisture as possible before mixing the ingredients. This ensures your tater tots won’t be soggy and will bake up crispy.
2. Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to add any of your favorite spices to the mixture. Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning can be great additions to customize the flavor.
3. Use a Dipping Sauce: While these zucchini tots are delicious on their own, they’re even better when paired with your favorite dipping sauce. Try them with vegan ketchup, guacamole, or a tangy barbecue sauce.
4. Make Ahead: You can prepare the zucchini mixture in advance and form the tater tots, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them perfect for meal prepping or when you want to prepare ahead of time for a party or gathering.
5. Air Fryer Option: If you prefer to use an air fryer, you can cook these tots at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for that crispy finish.

Why You’ll Love Vegan Zucchini Tater Tots

These Vegan Zucchini Tater Tots are a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a classic snack in a healthier, plant-based form. They are:

• Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
• Packed with nutrients from zucchini and chickpea flour.
• Completely vegan, gluten-free, and free from any artificial additives or preservatives.
• Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, and can be customized to your taste preferences.

Zucchini tater tots are the ideal way to sneak some vegetables into your meal while still enjoying all the satisfaction of a crispy, savory treat. Whether you serve them as a healthy snack, a side for dinner, or even a fun addition to a party spread, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone.

Conclusion: A Delicious, Guilt-Free Snack

Vegan Zucchini Tater Tots are the ideal combination of healthy ingredients and comfort food flavors. With a crispy golden crust and a soft, flavorful interior, they’re a perfect snack or side dish for any occasion. Not only do they offer a healthier alternative to traditional tater tots, but they also provide a great way to enjoy a vegetable-packed bite without sacrificing flavor.

So next time you’re craving something crispy, savory, and satisfying, whip up a batch of these vegan zucchini tater tots—you won’t be disappointed!