If your summer CSA box is overflowing with yellow squash and your family is one "zoodle night" away from staging a rebellion—this one’s for you. These crispy veggie tots are golden, snackable, and totally air fryer-approved. Bonus: they’re basically a gateway veggie for picky eaters (or veggie-skeptical spouses).
We're keeping things local and seasonal with produce from our friends at Davis Natural Produce, because there's nothing better than cooking with fresh, organic veggies that didn't get shipped across the country in a plastic clamshell.
Yellow Squash Air Fryer Veggie Tots
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated yellow squash (about 2 medium squash from Davis Natural Produce)
- ½ tsp salt (for sweating the squash)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free if needed)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly encouraged)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Optional Add-ins:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, basil—whatever you got!)
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast for a dairy-free umami kick
Instructions:
- Sweat it out:
Place grated squash in a colander, sprinkle with ½ tsp salt, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Then wrap it up in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out all the excess moisture. You want it as dry as possible for max crispiness. - Mix it up:
In a bowl, combine squash, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, onion, garlic, seasoning, and a pinch of salt & pepper. The mixture should hold together when pressed—add more breadcrumbs if it’s too wet. - Tot time:
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mix and shape into small tots. Channel your inner lunch lady. - Air fry to perfection:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spray the tots with olive oil and place in a single layer (no crowding!).
Cook for 8–10 minutes, flip, and cook another 5–7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
How to Serve:
- With a side of spicy ketchup, ranch, or garlic aioli
- Packed in lunchboxes or served with scrambled eggs
- As an after-school snack that tastes like a win
Where to Find the Best Squash in Town
These tasty yellow squash tots are made even better with veggies from Davis Natural Produce. You can grab their farm-fresh produce:
🛒 7 days a week at International Mountain Equipment NOCO (10am–6pm)
🍻 Saturdays from 3–6pm at Tuckerman Brewery in Conway (July–September)
✨ Ready to Take the Stress Out of Cooking?
Download our Beginner’s Guide to Meal Prep and start feeding your family (and yourself) in a way that’s simple, nourishing, and actually doable.
👉 Download the free guide here
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