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Veggie Tots In Air Fryer

Name: Veggie Tots In Air Fryer
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces veggie tots (frozen)

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: August 15, 2020

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If you are looking for an easy and delicious way to fit more vegetables into your diet, look no further than veggie tots!

Crispy on the outside yet full of healthy vegetables on the inside, these tasty little bites can be made in less than 20 minutes with essential ingredients. If you have an air fryer, even better – not only will it help make a healthier version of the much-loved classic tater tot, but it also requires almost no oil for cooking, so there is minimal mess and clean up afterward. Read on to learn how simple and flavorful this dish can be when prepared in the air fryer!

Air Fryer Veggie Tots

Air Fryer Veggie Tots are a healthier alternative to traditional tater tots, made with various vegetables and cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

These crispy and flavorful tots are a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet while satisfying your cravings for a crunchy snack or side dish. With their delicious taste and easy preparation, Air Fryer Veggie Tots will surely become a new favorite for anyone looking for a tasty and nutritious snack or side.

This is the perfect way to cook a fantastic vegetarian snack!

The Best Flavors of Frozen Veggie Tots

Frozen veggie tots come in various flavors, each with a unique taste and nutritional profile. Here are some of the best flavors of frozen veggie tots:

Cauliflower: Cauliflower Veggie Tots are a popular option, often made with cauliflower, cheese, and breadcrumbs. They have a slightly nutty and cheesy flavor and are a great way to sneak extra veggies into your diet.
Broccoli Tots: Broccoli Cheese Tots are another tasty option, made with broccoli, cheese, and breadcrumbs. They have a slightly earthy and savory flavor and contain vitamins and nutrients.
Sweet Potato: Sweet potato tots are a great option for those looking for a slightly sweeter flavor. They are made with a combination of sweet potato, spices, and breadcrumbs and have a slightly caramelized and nutty flavor.
Zucchini: Zucchini tots are a healthier alternative to traditional tater tots made with zucchini, cheese, and breadcrumbs. They have a slightly savory and nutty flavor and are a great way to incorporate more veggies.
Carrot: Carrot tots are an excellent option for those looking for a slightly sweeter flavor. They are made with carrots, cheese, and breadcrumbs and have a slightly sweet and earthy flavor.

The best flavor of frozen veggie tots will depend on your taste preferences and dietary needs. It’s worth trying a few different flavors to see which ones you like best.

Why Cook Frozen Veggie Tots In Air Fryer

Cooking frozen veggie tots in an air fryer has several benefits. First, air frying is a healthier cooking method than deep-frying, as it requires little to no oil, resulting in lower calorie and fat content in your food. This makes air fryer veggie tots an excellent option for those looking to enjoy a crispy and satisfying snack or side dish without the guilt.

Second, cooking frozen veggie tots in an air fryer is incredibly easy and convenient. You can place the frozen tots in the air fryer basket, set the timer and temperature, and let the air fryer do the work. This eliminates the need for preheating, flipping, and monitoring the tots, making it a hassle-free cooking method that saves time and effort.

Finally, cooking frozen veggie tots in an air fryer produces crispy, golden-brown tots with a deliciously crunchy exterior and a soft and tender interior. The hot air circulation in the air fryer ensures that the tots cook evenly and become crispy without excessive oil or deep-frying. This makes air fryer veggie tots healthier and tastier than traditional tater tots.

Ingredients Needed For Frozen Veggie Tots In Air Fryer

Are you looking for a great snack that’s delicious and healthy? You’re in luck! Our newest recipe for frozen veggie tots prepared in an air fryer is perfect. Not only will you have dinner ready on the table in no time, but you can also feel good about providing your family with nutritious veggies.

With this recipe, you only need four simple ingredients and just a few minutes of your time – easy enough even for busy weeknights! Read on to find out what supplies are needed to get cooking right away.

Ingredients Needed For Frozen Veggie Tots In Air Fryer

Remember the step-by-step directions are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information. 

Frozen Veggie Tots: If you’re looking to switch up your side dish routine, there’s an abundance of veggie tot options! From Bird’s Eye, Green Giant, Alexia, Great Value, and Whole Foods 365.
Air Fryer: Any air fryer will work, whether you use a basket style air fryer or oven air fryer. Another great option is the Ninja Foodi.
Dipping Sauce: A personal preference, serve your favorite dipping sauce.

How To Make Frozen Veggie Tots In Air Fryer

Step One: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Step Two: Remove the frozen veggie tots from the packaging and place them in the preheated air fryer, on the basket of the air fryer, or baking tray. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, so you may need to cook the tots in batches. If desired, lightly spray the veggie tots with cooking spray to help them become more crispy.

Step Three: Cook the veggie tots in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, so it’s a good idea to check the tots frequently to avoid overcooking.

Step Four: Once the veggie tots are golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips For Cooking Frozen Veggie Tots In Air Fryer

Here are some tips to help you get the best results when cooking frozen veggie tots in an air fryer:

Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking the veggie tots helps ensure they cook evenly and become crispy. This also helps to reduce the overall cooking time.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Overcrowding the air fryer basket can result in uneven cooking and soggy veggie tots. To ensure they cook evenly, leave enough space between each tot and cook them in batches if necessary.
Shake or flip the tots: Shaking or flipping the veggie tots halfway through the cooking time helps to ensure that they cook evenly on all sides and become crispy.
Use cooking spray: Using cooking spray on the veggie tots can help them become more crispy and evenly browned. However, be sure to use only a light coating of cooking spray to avoid excess oil.
Check the tots frequently: The cooking time may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer. Check the tots frequently to ensure that they don’t overcook or burn.
Experiment with seasonings: Frozen veggie tots can be a bit bland on their own, so consider adding some extra seasonings or spices to give them more flavor. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or other spices you enjoy.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your air fryer veggie tots turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every time!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook frozen veggie tots in the air fryer?

The cooking time for frozen veggie tots in an air fryer can vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer. However, on average, it takes about 8-10 minutes to cook frozen veggie tots in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C).

It’s a good idea to check the veggie tots frequently during cooking to ensure they don’t overcook or burn. You may also need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size and thickness of the veggie tots and your preference for how crispy you like them.

If you’re cooking multiple batches of veggie tots, it’s important to preheat the air fryer each time and avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure that the tots cook evenly and become crispy.

Can you put veggie tots in the air fryer?

Yes, you can put veggie tots in the air fryer. Cooking veggie tots in an air fryer is a popular and healthier alternative to deep-frying.

Do you have to thaw veggie tots before air frying?

No, you do not have to thaw veggie tots before air frying them. You can cook veggie tots directly from frozen in an air fryer.

What temperature should frozen veggie tots be air fried?

Frozen veggie tots should be air fried at a temperature of 400°F (200°C). This is the optimal temperature for cooking frozen veggie tots in an air fryer, as it helps to ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

Best dipping sauce for Veggie Tots

Veggie tots can be paired with various dipping sauces to enhance their flavor and add an extra layer of deliciousness. Here are some of the best dipping sauce options for veggie tots:

Ketchup: Ketchup is a classic dipping sauce that pairs well with veggie tots. It’s sweet and tangy and complements the crispy texture of the tots.
Ranch dressing: Ranch dressing is a creamy and tangy dipping sauce that pairs well with the savory flavors of veggie tots. It also adds an extra layer of richness to the dish.
Honey mustard: Honey mustard is a sweet and tangy dipping sauce that pairs well with the slightly sweet flavor of some veggie tots. It also adds a bit of spice to the dish.
Barbecue sauce: BBQ sauce is a smoky and tangy dipping sauce that pairs well with the crispy texture of veggie tots. It’s an excellent option for those who prefer a savory and slightly spicy flavor.
Sriracha mayo: Sriracha mayo is a spicy and creamy dipping sauce that adds a bit of heat to veggie tots. It’s an excellent option for those who like a little extra kick in their food.

The best dipping sauce for veggie tots will depend on your taste preferences. Try out a few different dipping sauce options to find your favorite combination.

Best frozen veggie tots brands

Several brands of frozen veggie tots are available in the market, each with its unique flavor and nutritional profile. Here are some of the best-frozen veggie tots brands:

Green Giant: Green Giant Brand is a well-known brand that offers several varieties of veggie tots, including cauliflower, broccoli, and sweet potato. Their tots are made with a blend of vegetables and have a crispy and delicious texture.
Birds Eye: Birds Eye is another popular brand that offers veggie tots in several varieties, including cauliflower, broccoli, and zucchini. Their tots are made with a combination of vegetables and have a slightly nutty and savory flavor.
Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s offers several varieties of veggie tots, including broccoli and cauliflower. Their tots are made with simple and natural ingredients and have a crispy and delicious texture.
Alexia: Alexia is a brand that offers sweet potato tots that are crispy and slightly sweet. Their tots are made with real sweet potatoes and have a deliciously caramelized flavor.
Cascadian Farm: Cascadian Farm offers a variety of veggie tots, including broccoli and sweet potato. Their tots are made with organic vegetables and have a slightly nutty and savory flavor.

The best-frozen veggie tots brand will depend on your taste preferences and dietary needs. It’s worth trying a few different brands to find the ones you like best.

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