Air Fryer Homemade Tater Tots

Homemade Air Fryer Tater Tots —  There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy and golden Tater Tot.

These bite-sized potato gems have been a beloved snack and side dish for generations, and now you can recreate that deliciousness at home with a modern twist. 

Below, we’ll show you how to make Homemade Air Fryer Tater Tots that are not only incredibly crispy but also healthier than their deep-fried counterparts. With a few simple ingredients and the magic of your air fryer, you’ll have a batch of crispy, golden Tater Tots ready to enjoy in no time. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer, these Homemade Air Fryer Tater Tots will surely be a hit with everyone at the table. Get ready to elevate your Tater Tot game to a whole new level!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

Here are some bullet points highlighting why you’ll love this Homemade Air Fryer Tater Tots recipe:

• Crispy Perfection: Achieve that irresistible crispy exterior without deep-frying.
• Healthier Option: Enjoy a guilt-free snack with less oil and fewer calories.
• Simple Ingredients: You’ll need basic pantry staples to make these Tater Tots.
• Quick and Easy: Whip up a batch in a fraction of the time it takes to make them from scratch.
• Customizable: Add your favorite seasonings or spices for a personalized flavor.
• Kid-Friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike; a family favorite.
• Versatile: Serve as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer.
• Air Fryer Magic: Harness the power of your air fryer for consistent, even cooking.
• Freezable: Make a big batch and freeze it for future cravings.
• Delicious Dipping: Pair with your favorite dipping sauces for extra flavor.

For these reasons, you will surely enjoy making and savoring these Homemade Air Fryer Tater Tots.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Homemade Tater Tots

These simple ingredients combine to create the perfect homemade Tater Tots with a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, as well as the nutritional values.

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for Tater Tots due to their starchy texture, which helps achieve a fluffy interior.
• Onion Powder: A dash of onion powder adds a mild, savory flavor to the Tater Tots.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides a subtle taste without needing fresh garlic.
• Paprika: Paprika adds a touch of smokiness and mild heat to enhance the overall flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural potato flavors.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds warmth and complements the other spices.
• Olive Oil: A light coating of olive oil helps achieve that crispy, golden exterior when air frying.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps bind the ingredients and contributes to the Tater Tots’ crispiness.

How To Make Homemade Tater Tots in Air Fryer

These homemade Tater Tots are a delightful snack or side dish that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the crispy goodness straight from your air fryer!

​Prep the Potatoes:

• Wash and peel the Russet potatoes. Then, using a box grater or a food processor, grate the potatoes into fine shreds.
• Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.

Season The Potatoes:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded potatoes, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Add Cornstarch:

• Sprinkle the cornstarch over the seasoned potatoes and mix well. The cornstarch helps bind the ingredients and contributes to the Tater Tots’ crispiness.

Form Tater Tots:

• Take a small portion of the potato mixture and shape it into a cylindrical shape Tater Tot using your hands. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used up. You can adjust the size of the tots based on your preference.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Air Fry The Tater Tots:

• Place the Tater Tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each one to allow for proper air circulation.
• Lightly brush or spray the Tater Tots with olive oil to help them crisp up during cooking.
• Air fry the Tater Tots at 375°F (190°C); set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy.

Serving:

Once done, remove the Tater Tots from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup, BBQ sauce, aioli, or ranch.

Optional Dipping Sauces:

• Pair your homemade tater tots with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick.

Pro Tips For Making Air Fryer Homemade Crispy Tater Tots

To ensure your Air Fryer Homemade Tater Tots turn out perfectly crispy and delicious, consider these pro tips:

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for Russet potatoes because of their high starch content, which helps achieve a fluffy interior. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they won’t yield the desired texture.
• Squeeze Out Moisture: After shredding the potatoes, it’s crucial to remove excess moisture. Squeeze the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth thoroughly—less moisture results in crispier Tater Tots.
• Season Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning. Combining onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper adds flavor to your Tater Tots. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
• Use Cornstarch: Mixing corn starch with the shredded potatoes helps absorb any remaining moisture and contributes to a crisp exterior. It’s an essential ingredient for achieving that classic Tater Tot crunch.
• Even Sizing: Try to shape your Tater Tots into uniform sizes. Make them into tater tot or oval shapes roughly the same size. This ensures even cooking, and you won’t end up with some Tater Tots overcooked while others are undercooked.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the Tater Tots. Preheating ensures that they start cooking immediately, resulting in better crispiness.
• Leave Space: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leaving some space between the Tater Tots allows the hot air to circulate evenly, ensuring consistent cooking.
• Oil for Extra Crispiness: Lightly brush or spray the Tater Tots with olive oil before air frying. This step helps them become extra crispy during cooking.
• Flip Them: To ensure even browning, flip the Tater Tots halfway through the cooking time. This helps achieve that beautiful golden color on all sides.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Watch the Tater Tots as they cook. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the air fryer model and the size of your Tater Tots. Adjust as needed to avoid overcooking.

With these pro tips in mind, your Air Fryer Homemade Tater Tots will turn out consistently crispy and irresistible. Enjoy your homemade snack or side dish!

FAQ’s:

Can I use frozen shredded potatoes to make Tater Tots in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use frozen shredded potatoes, but they may have higher moisture content. Be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before seasoning and shaping your Tater Tots. Place on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel, and leave for 20-25 minutes.

What can I use as a dipping sauce for Tater Tots?

Tater Tots pair well with various dipping sauces, including ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, aioli, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, sour cream, cheese sauce, or even sriracha for a spicy kick.

Can I make Tater Tots in advance and reheat them in the air fryer?

Yes, you can prepare Tater Tots in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the air fryer at a lower temperature (around 350°F or 180°C) for a few minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again.

What other seasonings can I add to my homemade tots?

Get creative with your seasonings! Add grated Parmesan cheese, taco seasoning, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or even a touch of cayenne pepper for some heat.

Can I make gluten-free Tater Tots?

Yes, you can make gluten-free Tater Tots by using gluten-free cornstarch or potato starch instead of regular cornstarch. Ensure that all your seasonings and ingredients are gluten-free.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for Tater Tots?

Preheating the air fryer is recommended for more consistent results. It helps the Tater Tots start cooking immediately, contributing to their crispiness.

Can I use other types of potatoes for Tater Tots?

While Russet potatoes are the traditional choice, you can experiment with other varieties, like Yukon Gold, for slightly different textures and flavors.

How long do leftover Tater Tots stay crispy?

Leftover Tater Tots can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness. Place the leftover air fryer tots into an airtight container., and then place the cooked potatoes into the refrigerator. However, they are best enjoyed fresh for the ultimate crunch.

Can I freeze homemade Tater Tots?

Yes, you can freeze homemade Tater Tots before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook them directly from frozen when needed.

Are air-fried Tater Tots healthier than deep-fried ones?

Air-frying typically uses less oil than deep-frying, resulting in Tater Tots that are lower in fat. However, they will still be a delicious treat.

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