Yield
About 24–30 tater tots (4–6 servings)
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis (about 450–500 g)
- 2 medium potatoes (about 300 g), peeled and grated
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
Equipment
- Box grater or food processor
- Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or air fryer
Step 1: Prepare the Flax Egg
In a small bowl:
- Mix ground flaxseed and water.
- Stir well.
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes until thick and gel-like.
This helps bind the tots without eggs.
Step 2: Grate and Drain the Vegetables
Zucchini
- Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater.
- Place in a clean towel.
- Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Potatoes
- Grate the potatoes.
- Place in cold water for 2–3 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Drain and squeeze thoroughly in a towel.
Removing moisture is the most important step for crispy tots.
Step 3: Make the Mixture
In a large bowl combine:
- Drained zucchini
- Drained potatoes
- Flax egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Nutritional yeast
- Green onions
- Garlic
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
Mix thoroughly.
The mixture should hold together when squeezed. If it feels too wet, add 1–2 extra tablespoons of breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Shape the Tater Tots
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture.
- Compress firmly in your hands.
- Shape into small cylinders (classic tater tot shape).
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Continue until all mixture is used.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Lightly brush or spray tots with oil.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Turn each tot.
- Bake another 10–15 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Total baking time: 25–30 minutes.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Lightly spray tots with oil.
- Arrange in a single layer.
- Air fry for 10–14 minutes.
- Shake halfway through cooking.
Creamy Vegan Dipping Sauce
Mix together:
- ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Refrigerate until serving.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
- Freeze shaped uncooked tots on a tray.
- Transfer to a freezer bag.
- Store for up to 3 months.
