Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Grate the zucchini finely, then wrap it in a kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Removing excess moisture ensures crispier tots.

In a bowl, mix the drained zucchini, egg, cheddar, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, salt, and pepper until well combined. If too wet, add more breadcrumbs.

Using a tablespoon scoop the mixture onto a baking sheet, then flatten the scooped balls slightly with the bottom of a glass. This helps them bake evenly and get that crisp, golden exterior.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 18 minutes, flipping the tots halfway through for even browning. They’re ready when they’re golden brown and crisp on the edges. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Remove the tots from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli. These are best eaten fresh but can also be reheated in the oven or air fryer for a quick snack later!