Veggie Nuggets

Crispy Veggie Nuggets are the healthy finger food that everyone will love, kids included. This easy recipe teaches you how to make veggie nuggets at home – in the oven, in the air fryer, or in a pan.

Turn your veggies into irresistible finger foods with this easy recipe! Made with fresh vegetables and potatoes, these vegetarian nuggets taste delicious. On their own, dipped in ketchup or mayo, or as a side dish. They are healthy, simple and budget-friendly!

Kid-friendly veggie recipe

If you are looking for ways to make your kids eat vegetables, this recipe is for you. Crispy outside and tender inside, these healthy veggie nuggets are surprisingly loaded with zucchini and carrots. Believe me, even the pickiest kid in the planet will love them.

These vegetarian nuggets are great for snacks, lunches and dinners. You can pack them in lunch boxes so that your kids can eat their greens also when they are at school. Honestly, they’re gonna be looking forward to their lunch break just to eat their vegetable nuggets. All their friends will want to try!

How to make picky kids eat vegetables?

But what if the small ones are incredibly picky and there’s no way for them to eat greens? Well, in this case I may have the solution for you. Play around with shapes and figures! When making healthy patties with veggies, try shaping veggie dino nuggets or veggie smiles. It is just about psychology, children love this kind of things.

Are veggie nuggets healthy?

Yes, these are healthy nuggets with vegetables. Unlike the ones you buy, these are made with just natural ingredients such as potatoes and zucchini. You won’t find any trans fat, palm oil or preservative of any kind because they are freshly prepared at home. As you are the chef, you are also the one who knows what’s inside veggie nuggets.

What’s in veggie nuggets?

This is a very simple veggie nuggets recipe. It only calls for a handful of basic ingredients: potatoes, zucchini, carrots and egg. What is more, you can add chicken and make veggie chicken nuggets. They will be packed with greens and protein. Read further to learn everything on the ingredients for veggie nuggets, healthy.

• Potatoes. For crispy veggie nuggets, this recipe recommends starchy potatoes. I used Russet potatoes, but also Yukon potatoes or red potatoes are great. As a healthier and more nutritious option, you can use sweet potatoes.
• Vegetables. These vegetarian nuggets are made with zucchini and carrots, lightly boiled and diced into small cubes. As an alternative you can either add extra greens or replace the ones I used with other vegetables. My two recommendations are cauliflower and broccoli.
• Egg. A large fresh egg makes the vegetables stick together while adding more flavor. For vegan veggie nuggets you can also omit the egg, but they may fall apart while shaping them.
• Breadcrumbs. To make veggie nuggets healthy, this recipe uses whole-wheat breadcrumbs. Feel free to replace with regular breadcrumbs or panko crumbs. Gluten-free, if it is necessary.
• Olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil makes vegetarian nuggets tastier and crispier. You can replace with any other oil of your choice, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil.
• Seasonings. Besides salt and pepper, feel free to flavor your dish with garlic powder, onion powder or additional seasonings such as smoked paprika and curry.

Recipe variations and mix-in ideas

This is a simple recipe for veggie nuggets which gives you plenty of freedom in terms of adaptations and mix-ins. From sweet potatoes to chicken, here are some ways how you can customize this dish to your own preferences.

• Swap out white potatoes for sweet potatoes to give more flavor and nutrients to your nuggets.
• Instead of zucchini and carrots, make the patties with vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower. Or include extras such as mushrooms, peas and sweet corn.
• Mix in grated chicken, turkey or tofu and make delicious veggie nuggets that are also high in protein.
• Bake cheesy vegetarian nuggets by mixing the greens with shredded cheese, diced mozzarella or pieces of feta cheese.
• Besides salt and pepper, flavor the nuggets with a selection of your favorite seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika are my favorite!

Veggie chicken nuggets

Turning simple vegetable nuggets into veggie chicken nuggets is a piece of cake. It’s very simple; you only need to mix some chicken into the existing vegetable mixture and you are set to bake. Stick around for more details.

First, chop or process boneless, skinless chicken breast until it reaches a minced consistency. Once you are done, combine it with the veggie mixture and proceed with the recipe instructions that you can find down below. Shape, bread, and cook veggie nuggets in air fryer, oven or in a pan.

Vegan veggie nuggets

Do you follow a vegan diet? Can’t eat eggs? Adapt this recipe to your needs is as simple as omitting the egg. You won’t need to replace it with anything else, if not with some more breadcrumbs if it is necessary. However, keep in mind that the consistency of the veggie mixture won’t be exactly the same. Your potato nuggets will tend to fall apart, especially when you are shaping them. The reason is that egg works as a binder and makes all ingredients stick together.

How to make veggie nuggets healthy?

Prepare the potatoes. Wash and peel the potatoes. Transfer to a large pot and cover with cold water, then turn on the heat and cook until they are tender, but not too soft. After cooking, drain and let cool. Once they have cooled, mash the potatoes and place in a large mixing bowl.

Prepare the vegetables. Wash the zucchini and the carrots, then peel the carrots. Transfer to a pot with water and cook for a couple of minutes. Do not cook for too long, drain the vegetables when they are still firm. Dice zucchini and carrots into small cubes, then transfer to the bowl with mashed potatoes. Mix just until combined, making sure you do not mash the vegetables. Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.

Make veggie nuggets. Add egg, olive oil, and 1 to 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs. Give it a quick stir until you get a good dough, adding more breadcrumbs if it is necessary. Shape veggie nuggets, then place over a parchment paper covered baking dish, in the air fryer basket, or in a plate. If desired, you can also coat them in more breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.

How to bake veggie nuggets in the oven

Place vegetable potato nuggets over a baking dish, then drizzle with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Bake in hot oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden, flipping halfway through.

How to cook veggie nuggets in the air fryer

Place in the basket of your air fryer, spray with cooking spray, and air fry veggie nuggets for 12 to 15 minutes at 190°C (375°F), flipping halfway through. You know they are ready when golden brown.

How to fry veggie nuggets in a pan?

Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. When hot, add the vegetarian nuggets and pan fry for about 6 to 10 minutes, until they are cooked through.

How to store vegetarian nuggets?

• In the fridge. Once they have cooled, line the potato nuggets in an airtight container in single layers, spacing each layer with parchment paper if you stack them. Make sure you seal the container tightly so that the patties do not go get soggy. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• In the freezer. To freeze veggie nuggets, place in a freezer-safe container or zipper bag, separating each layer with parchment paper if stacked. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

More healthy finger foods

• Salmon patties
• Air fryer zucchini fries
• Low calorie French fries
• Healthy zucchini fritters
• Simple potato fritters
• Air fryer salmon bites
• Easy protein pizza