Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
Introduction
Air fryer tater tots are a quick and easy snack or side dish that come out perfectly crispy every time. Using minimal oil, this method delivers golden, crunchy tots with a tender inside. They’re perfect for a simple treat or to accompany any meal.
Ingredients
- 20 oz bag of tater tots (organic preferred)
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Using a paper towel and 1 teaspoon of olive oil, lightly wipe the inside of the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Place the frozen tater tots evenly into the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Step 3: Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook for a total of 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Halfway through cooking, at about 7 to 8 minutes, pause the air fryer and toss the tater tots gently to ensure they crisp up evenly on all sides.
- Step 5: When done, transfer the tater tots to a serving bowl and enjoy with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, add a light sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder before cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed to keep tots crispy.
- Try using flavored dipping sauces like spicy mayo or ranch for variety.
Storage
Store any leftover cooked tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I cook frozen tater tots directly in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen tater tots directly without thawing. This helps them stay crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Do I need to use oil when cooking tater tots in the air fryer?
A small amount of oil on the air fryer basket helps prevent sticking and adds a bit of crispness, but many frozen tater tots already contain some oil and can cook well without any added oil.
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Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy and golden air fryer tater tots made effortlessly with just a few ingredients. Perfect as a snack or side dish, these tater tots are cooked to perfection in an air fryer, resulting in a healthier alternative to deep frying with a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 20 oz bag of tater tots (organic preferred)
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Using a paper towel and 1 teaspoon of olive oil, gently wipe the inside of the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and add a slight crispness to the tots.
- Load the Tater Tots: Place the frozen tater tots evenly in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out for even cooking.
- Set Cooking Temperature and Time: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the tater tots for a total of 15 minutes.
- Toss Halfway Through: At about 7 and a half minutes into the cooking process, pause the air fryer and toss or shake the tots to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Serve: Once cooked and crispy, transfer the tater tots to a serving bowl and enjoy with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can spray the tater tots lightly with olive oil before cooking.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the air fryer model and size; adjust accordingly.
- Be careful when tossing the tater tots halfway through cooking to avoid burns from the hot basket.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer tater tots, tater tots recipe, crispy tater tots, air fried snacks, easy side dish
