If you’re looking to level up your snack game with something crispy, cheesy, veggie-packed, and bursting with flavor — look no further than these Zucchini-Potato Tater Tots (Watkins Style). Whether you’re serving them up for a game-day appetizer, a healthy after-school snack, or just because Tuesday needs a win, these air-fried tots are going to steal the show.
Packed with fresh ingredients and elevated with the bold, savory power of Watkins Organic seasonings, this recipe turns simple veggies into golden bites of joy. And the best part? They’re made in the air fryer — meaning less oil, less mess, and more crispy goodness. Plus, we’ve got a creamy, herby dipping sauce that’s so good, you might just start dunking everything in it.
Let’s get into the delicious details.
Why You’ll Love These Zucchini-Potato Tater Tots
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✅ Crispy air-fried perfection — no deep frying required
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✅ Uses fresh zucchini and potato
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✅ Amped up with Watkins Organic seasonings
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✅ Cheesy, savory, and kid-approved
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✅ Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
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✅ Includes a luscious, homemade garlic-herb dipping sauce
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting into the groove of air frying, this recipe is easy, forgiving, and totally satisfying.
Ingredients Spotlight: Why Watkins Makes the Difference
Let’s be honest — seasonings can make or break a dish. That’s why we love Watkins Organic spices and blends. They’re clean, certified organic, non-GMO, and deliver pure flavor without fillers or nonsense. In this recipe, we’re using:
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Watkins Organic Italian Seasoning: Adds herbaceous depth.
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Watkins Organic Onion Powder: Sweet, savory flavor that enhances without overpowering.
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Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt: Clean, mineral-rich salt that brings it all together.
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Watkins Pure Ground Black Pepper: Bold and aromatic.
These aren’t just “seasonings” — they’re the secret weapon.
🥒 Zucchini-Potato Tater Tots (Watkins Style)
Ingredients:
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1 medium zucchini, shredded and squeezed dry
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1 medium potato, shredded and squeezed dry
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
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1 egg, lightly beaten
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1/4 tsp Watkins Pure Ground Black Pepper
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1/4 tsp Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt
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1/4 tsp Watkins Organic Onion Powder
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Optional: 1–2 tbsp finely minced onion or fresh herbs (parsley, chives)
Instructions:
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Prep your veggies
Grate the zucchini and potato. Place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, then squeeze like you’re wringing out a sponge. Get as much moisture out as possible — this is key for crispy tots! -
Mix it up
In a large bowl, combine the shredded zucchini and potato with the cheddar, panko, egg, and all of the Watkins seasonings. Toss in onions or herbs if you’re using them. Stir until well combined. -
Shape into tots
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into a classic tot shape. A mini ice cream scoop or your hands work great here. -
Air fry
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the basket with oil or use parchment. Place tots in a single layer. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re beautifully golden and crisp. -
Serve hot
Plate them up with your favorite dip — or try our creamy, garlicky sauce below!
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| 🔹 Zucchini-Potato Tater Tots (Watkins Style) |
🔥 Creamy Garlic-Herb Dipping Sauce
This quick dipping sauce is the perfect companion to your Watkins-style tots. Tangy, savory, creamy — and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (or mix both)
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1 tsp Watkins Organic Onion Powder
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1/2 tsp Watkins Pure Ground Black Pepper
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1/4 tsp Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt
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1/2 tsp Watkins Organic Garlic Powder or 1 clove minced garlic
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1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley or chives
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Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce
Instructions:
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Whisk all the ingredients in a small bowl.
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Let it sit in the fridge for 10+ minutes to let the flavors meld.
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Serve chilled alongside hot tots — repeat as needed because yes, you will need more.
Pro Tips for Perfect Zucchini Tater Tots
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Squeeze like your snack depends on it — moisture is your enemy. Don’t skip the draining step.
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Want it spicier? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
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Going gluten-free? Swap the panko for GF breadcrumbs or almond flour.
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Double the batch and freeze the extras! Just reheat in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes at 375°F.
Meal Prep & Freezer Instructions
These tater tots are meal-prep friendly and freeze beautifully. After shaping, lay them on a tray and freeze for 1–2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Air fry straight from frozen — just add a couple extra minutes to the cook time.
Nutrition & Dietary Notes
These homemade veggie tots offer a sneaky way to get more greens and fiber, especially if you’re feeding picky eaters. With moderate fat from the cheese and egg, and the option to air fry instead of deep-fry, they’re a healthier alternative to store-bought frozen snacks.
You could also check out the Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo 26QT Stainless Steel, Extra Large, Capacity, French Door (Amazon Affiliate)... It’s the featured image on my site👍
Final Thoughts: Snack Hero Status Unlocked
Zucchini-Potato Tater Tots (Watkins Style) are the kind of snack that’s healthy-ish, totally crave-worthy, and honestly kind of impressive. They combine comfort food vibes with veggie-forward brilliance — and with Watkins spices, they taste gourmet without trying too hard.
Perfect for parties, Netflix nights, or “Oops, I made a double batch” moments.
Give them a try, and don’t forget to serve them with that dipping sauce. You’ll thank yourself.
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links through which, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
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