These Creepy Veggie Bites with Bloody Dip are exactly what your Halloween snack table needs. They’re bite-sized, easy to make, and just spooky enough to thrill your guests without scaring off the picky eaters.
I first made these for a neighborhood Halloween potluck, and they were gone in a flash — even the kids couldn’t resist! The crispy, golden veggie bites look a little monster-like on their own, but when you serve them with a bold red “bloody” dipping sauce? Instant Halloween magic.
Made in the air fryer, they come out perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and veggie-packed on the inside. Plus, you can shape them however you want — balls, mini patties, even spooky shapes if you’ve got Halloween cookie cutters.
They take about 30 minutes start to finish and are great for parties, school events, or a fun family night in. Let’s get spooky!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these veggie monsters to life:
- Shredded vegetables – A mix of zucchini, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower works great. Squeeze out moisture for crispiness.
- Breadcrumbs – Helps bind everything together. Panko or regular; gluten-free works too.
- Eggs – Adds structure and moisture.
- Shredded cheese – Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix. Optional but adds flavor and gooey texture.
- Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cooking spray or oil – For that crispy outer layer.
For the Bloody Dip:
- Marinara sauce – Warmed up and optionally spiced with a little hot sauce or smoked paprika for drama.
Substitutions:
- Dairy-free? Skip the cheese or use a vegan shredded blend.
- No eggs? Use flax eggs or a mashed potato binder.
- Want more greens? Add spinach or kale finely chopped.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the veggies
- Shred zucchini, carrots, and broccoli. Use a clean towel to squeeze out as much water as possible.
- Pro Tip: The drier the veggies, the crispier the bites.
- Mix the batter
- In a large bowl, combine shredded veggies, breadcrumbs, eggs, cheese, and spices.
- Mix well until it holds together when pressed.
- Shape the bites
- Form into 1-inch balls or small patties. You can even press into Halloween cookie cutters for themed shapes.
- Preheat the air fryer
- Set to 375°F and preheat for 3–5 minutes.
- Air fry the veggie bites
- Spray the basket and bites lightly with oil.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket to keep them evenly crispy.
- Serve with Bloody Dip
- Warm up your marinara sauce and pour it into a bowl. Swirl in a little hot sauce for extra spookiness.
- Arrange the bites around the dip and serve warm.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the veggie squeeze — too much moisture makes them mushy.
- Overcrowding the air fryer — leads to uneven cooking.
- Not seasoning the mix well — taste test before air frying.
- Shaping too large — they may not cook through.
- Forgetting to flip — they crisp better on both sides when flipped.
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Vegan: Skip cheese and use flax eggs.
- Gluten-Free: Use GF breadcrumbs.
- Low Carb: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Spicy: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the mix.
- Kid-Friendly: Use mild veggies like carrots and peas; serve with ketchup.
- Cheesy: Double the cheese for gooey insides.
- Hidden Veggies: Blend in spinach, kale, or sweet potato.
- Fun Shapes: Press mixture into spooky cookie cutters before air frying.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
You can prep the veggie mix a day in advance — just store in the fridge until ready to shape and cook.
Cooked veggie bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes.
Want to freeze them? Shape the raw mix into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry straight from frozen at 375°F for 14–16 minutes.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
Packed with veggies, lower in carbs than traditional nuggets, and kid-approved!
Creepy Veggie Bites with Bloody Dip
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Shred and squeeze vegetables to remove moisture.
- Mix veggies with breadcrumbs, eggs, cheese, and spices.
- Shape into 1-inch balls or small patties.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Spray basket and bites with oil.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Warm marinara dip and serve alongside bites.
Notes
- Vegan: Skip cheese and use flax egg.
- Gluten-Free: Use GF breadcrumbs.
- Make ahead: Prep mix 1 day in advance.
- Storage: Fridge 4 days; freezer-friendly before cooking.
If you whip up these Creepy Veggie Bites, I want to hear how they turn out! They’re crunchy, festive, and the Bloody Dip takes them over the top. Snap a photo, tag @SimplyAirCook, and share the spooky fun.
Looking for more Halloween air fryer ideas? Try my Witch Finger Chicken Tenders — they’re creepy, crispy, and done in a flash. Until then, happy haunting and happy snacking!
