Who doesn’t love tater tots? I’m pretty sure they’re a universal language of deliciousness. Remember those school lunches where tater tots were a rare and treasured treat?Air Fryer tater tots.Are even better than those nostalgic gems, and honestly, way easier to whip up. Think of them as the potato equivalent of chicken nuggets, but infinitely more satisfying because they are a vegetable. Is it true that they’re crispy on the outside and fluffy inside? Is it possible to blow a regular oven-baked tot out of the water?
What is the Air Fryer?
Air Fryer tater tots, simply put, are frozen tater tots cooked in an air fryer instead of an oven or deep fryer. It’s essentially a faster, healthier, and crispier way to enjoy this classic snack. Think of it as giving your tater tots a spa day, resulting in a golden-brown exterior with a perfectly soft and steamy potato interior. It’s less greasy than traditional frying, and it takes a fraction of the time compared to baking. The air fryer circulates hot air all around the tots, creating that amazing texture we all crave.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best reasons to make Air Fryer tater tots? First and foremost, the environment.flavorThe air fryer creates this crispiness that you just can’t get in the oven. Is it like they’ve been deep-fried, but without all the extra oil? What I love most about this is how incredibly amazing it is.simpleIs the air fryer worth it? What are some great side dishes to serve on a busy weeknight? Plus, it’s surprisinglycost-efficientA bag of frozen tater tots is relatively inexpensive, making this a budget-friendly option. What is the best way to feed a crowd?versatilityWhat are the possibilities? I’ve served these as a side with burgers, as topping for chili cheese fries, and even as an appetizer. What are the best breakfast casseroles? What are some good dipping sauces? If you like this kind of easy snack, you should try my recipe for air fryer french fries too. Is there any air fryer onion rings?
How do you make an air fryer?
Quick Overview
How do I make Air Fryer tater tots? Just preheat your air fryer, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer in the basket, and cook until golden brown. Serve warm or cold. Is it okay to fry potatoes until golden brown and crispy? No need to add oil (unless you want them *extra* crispy), and minimal cleanup. What’s the best way to cook a tater tot every time?
Ingredients
What is just one ingredient?
Frozen Tater Tots:One bag of your favorite brand. I usually go for store brand to save a little money, but honestly, they all work great in the store.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Air Fryer
Preheat your Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This is important for getting that nice, even crispiness. Some air fryers don’t require preheating, so check your model’s instructions. Once preheated, you can lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. I usually skip this step and they still turn out great.
Step 2: Arrange Tater Tots
Carefully arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket. How do I avoid overcrowding, as this will steam the tots instead of frying them? If necessary, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Air Fry
Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping the tater tot halfway through. What is the best way to keep an eye on your Air Fryer, as cooking times can vary depending on the model. When they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, they are done.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Carefully remove the Air Fryer tater tots from the basket and serve immediately I like to sprinkle them with sea salt or garlic powder for extra flavor. Don’t forget your favorite dipping sauce!
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best Air Fryer tater tots? What are some of the best side dishes to serve with a meal?
What is a quick lunch?Serve them alongside a juicy burger or chicken sandwich. What are some good side dishes to serve with Grilled Cheese?
For Dinner: Tater tots are a fun and kid-friendly side for meatloaf, baked chicken, or even fish sticks (don’t judge!). I also love using them as a topping for chili cheese fries or loaded nachos.
As a Snack:Sometimes, you just need a plate of crispy tater tots for lunch. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup, ranch, or sriracha mayo.
Game Day:What are some of the best party favors you’ve ever seen? What are some of the best dipping sauces for a tot? My family loves Old Bay seasoning, inspired by a trip to Maryland!
How do you perfect an air fryer Tater Tots?
I’ve made air fryer tater tots countless times, and I have learned a few tricks along the way. How do you make a crispy crispy cookie?
Don’t overcrowd the basket!What is the most important tip? Overcrowding will steam the tater tots instead of frying them, resulting in soggy, unevenly cooked. Cook them in batches if necessary.
Flip them halfway through:If you flip the tater tots halfway through cooking, ensure that they brown evenly on all sides. I use a pair of tongs to quickly flip them.
How do I adjust the cooking time as needed?How long does it take to cook a tater tot? How do I adjust the cooking time? When they’re golden brown and crispy, they are done.
Add a little olive oil (optional): Add 1 tablespoonWhile not necessary, a light spray of oil can help to crisp up the tater tots even more. I usually use olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray.
Season them to perfection.Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings! I love adding sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder or paprika for extra flavor. For a spicy kick, try cayenne pepper.
Serve them immediately:Air fryer tater tots are best served immediately while they’re still hot and crispy. If you need to keep them warm, you can place them in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) for 1-2 hours. Is there a short period of time?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
While air fryer tater tots are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers for later.
Refrigerator Storage: How Store leftover tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they’re completely cool before storing to prevent them from getting soggy.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze leftover tater tots. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2-3 months. This prevents them from sticking together.
Reheating: The best way to reheat air fryer tater tots is (you guessed it!) in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven, but they won’t be as crispy. For frozen tater tots, you don’t need to thaw them before reheating. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – the easiest, crispiest, and most delicious way to make tater tots! I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights, quick snacks, and party appetizers. They’re just so incredibly versatile. What I love most is that they remind me of happy childhood memories, but with a modern, healthier twist. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other air fryer recipes, like air fryer sweet potato fries or air fryer chicken wings. Happy cooking, friends! And please, come back and leave a comment to let me know how your air fryer tater tots turned out!
Air Fryer Tater Tots
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Russet Potatoes Peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
- 0.25 cup Vegetable Oil
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the potatoes with salt, pepper, and vegetable oil.
- Arrange potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
