My Loaded Tator Tots in Air Fryer are the ultimate savory indulgence! Over-loaded with toppings in the best way ever, they’re perfect as a fun appetizer or game-day snack. Made with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and more!
Loaded Tator Tots in Air Fryer
I’ve never met a potato I didn’t like — spuds are the best in all their forms! From French fries to mashed potatoes to casseroles and more, there is so much you can make with these simple vegetables. Tater tots are just one of my family’s favorites!
Whether you call them loaded tator tots or loaded tater tots, the air fryer is the perfect place to make them. You’ll start with frozen tots, then you’ll load them up with all of your preferred toppings… they’re kind of like nachos. My loaded tater tot recipe is 100% customizable — you get to choose exactly what to add to them!
These air fryer tater tot nachos, or air fryer totchos, is one of my favorite recipes. It’s perfect for busy families who want a quick (and tasty) snack.
If you’re looking for even more Air Fryer Tater Tot Recipes, don’t miss my AIR FRYER HOMEMADE TATER TOTS, AIR FRYER TRADER JOE’S FROZEN POTATO TOTS, SONIC TATER TOTS AIR FRYER, AIR FRYER KROGER TATER TOTS, and AIR FRYER TATER TOT CASSEROLE!
Why You’ll Love My Loaded Tater Tot Recipe
- So easy with the air fryer
- Customizable
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- So fun for parties
- Perfectly shareable
- Kid-friendly
Ingredients Needed to Make Loaded Tater Tots in Air Fryer
There is only 1 main ingredient needed for my loaded tater tot recipe: the tots! You get to decide what you add to them. I like some sort of protein (like bacon), cheese, a bit of green onion, and some simple seasonings.
For complete ingredients and quantities, as well as the nutritional information, keep on scrolling until you get to the bottom with a printable recipe card.
- Frozen Tater Tots: You can use your favorite brand for this loaded tater tots air fryer recipe!
- Cheddar Cheese: I love cheese on my tots, and cheddar adds a rich and slightly tangy flavor. Other options include mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Bacon: My meat of choice — just make sure to cook it first. Bacon adds a salty and smoky flavor that pairs so well with the potatoes and cheese. Ham or even shredded chicken are other options, or some black beans to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top adds a cool and tangy contrast to the other warm and savory ingredients. I’m a huge fan of sour cream but know not everyone loves it, so feel free to omit it if needed.
- Green Onions: For a pop of color and sharp flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste!
- Olive Oil Spray: You don’t need a ton of excess oil for loaded tator tots in the air fryer, but a light coating before air frying ensures the tots don’t stick and adds a nice golden crispiness.
How to Make Air Fryer Loaded Tater Tots
Making loaded tator tots in the air fryer is a simple and delicious way to enjoy classic comfort food with a crispy twist! Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide to preparing this tasty dish.
Step 1: Recipe prep
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Prep the tater tots
Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer in your air fryer basket and lightly coat with the olive oil spray.
Step 3: Air fry
Air fry the tater tots for 5 minutes, then flip or shake the air fryer basket. Air fry for another 5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Add the cheese & bacon
Leaving the basket in the air fryer, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top. Air fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
Step 5: Garnish & serve
Carefully remove the cooked tater tots from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Add a dollop of sour cream on top and garnish with chopped green onions, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve your air fryer loaded tater tots immediately while they’re still hot and crispy!
Air Fryer Totchos Pro Tips
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: I don’t always require you to preheat your air fryer, but it really makes a difference in my loaded tater tot recipe! Starting with a hot basket helps them cook evenly and become crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Remember to add the frozen tots in a single layer in your air fryer basket. The more space in between them, the crispier they’ll get.
- About halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or turn the tots. This encourages even cooking and helps all sides get that desired golden crispiness.
- Choose the Right Toppings: Use toppings that complement each other. Balance the flavors and textures for the best results — think about a mix of creamy, crunchy, salty, and fresh ingredients.
- Mind the Cheese: Speaking of toppings, choose cheeses that melt well, like American cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack. Grate it yourself for better melting!
- Balancing Act: If your toppings are very savory or spicy, consider adding a component with a hint of sweetness like barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or a sprinkle of paprika.
- Add cheese and other toppings only after the tater tots are fully cooked and crispy. Then, return them to the air fryer long enough to melt the cheese.
- Fresh Ingredients for Garnishing: Fresh herbs and garnishes like green onions or cilantro add a burst of flavor and color, enhancing the overall appeal of the dish.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces to make your loaded tator tots in air fryer taste even better! Ranch dressing, creamy queso, blue cheese dressing, or spicy ketchup would all be delicious.
Loaded Tator Tots in Air Fryer FAQs
Absolutely — in fact, I encourage you to use frozen! There’s no need to thaw first either, you can simply add them directly to the air fryer.
Cooking times will vary depending on your air fryer model. It took mine about 10 minutes at 400 degrees F.
Yes, remember this recipe is totally customizable! Feel free to add toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or different types of cheese to suit your taste.
Tater tots are best served fresh for the best crispiness. However, you can cook the tots beforehand then reheat and add toppings before serving if you’d like.
Make sure to add them in a single layer and coat in olive oil cooking spray! If sticking is a real concern, you can also spray some oil on the air fryer basket before you add the tots.
Yes, you can bake the tater tots in an oven if you don’t have an air fryer. Place the frozen tots on a baking sheet, spray the tops with oil, and cook at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes before adding your toppings. The texture might be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.
Store any leftover tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer to bring back the crispiness before eating as the microwave can make them soggy.
More Easy Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes
- AIR FRYER DRY RUBBED CHICKEN WINGS
- AIR FRYER KETO BACON-WRAPPED AVOCADO BURGER BOMBS
- AIR FRYER BAKED BRIE
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Loaded Tator Tots in Air Fryer
Description
Ingredients
- 32 ounces tater tots, frozen
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
Your Favorite Toppings, Cheese, Bacon, Sour Cream, Etc.
Instructions
- Spread the tater tots in a single layer on the air fryer basket or tray.
- Generously coat with cooking spray.
- Set the temperature to 400 degrees F (air fryer setting) for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, flip (or toss if you are using an air fryer basket). Set the timer for another 5 minutes. Check the tots before removing them to make sure they are fully cooked.
- Toss with salt, then add the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon, etc.
- If you want the cheese to be melted, return to the air fryer for a couple of minutes before adding the other toppings.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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