Over the years of experimenting with air frying, I’ve stumbled upon a handful of indulgent recipes that I keep coming back to. Currently, my top pick is this Air Fryer Loaded Tater Tots recipe, also fondly known as Air Fryer Totchos.
This is one of my favorite air fryer recipes, and it’s perfect for busy families, or for a quick snack.
If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER DRY RUBBED CHICKEN WINGS, AIR FRYER BAKED BRIE, AIR FRYER POTATO WEDGES, and AIR FRYER GARLIC BREAD.
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Loaded Tater Tots
Making Loaded Tater Tots in an air fryer is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a crispy twist. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this mouth-watering treat:
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Frozen Tater Tots: The foundation of homemade loaded tater tots recipe, use your favorite brand.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy, comforting, and delicious layer.
- Bacon: Adds a salty, smoky crunch that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients, elevating the overall flavor profile.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top of the loaded tater tots introduces a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, savory flavors, adding a creamy texture that’s hard to resist.
- Green Onions: Adds a burst of color and a fresh, slightly sharp flavor that cuts through the richness of the other toppings.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the tater tots and toppings, balancing the dish beautifully.
- Cooking Spray: A light coating of cooking spray on the air fryer basket ensures that the tater tots don’t stick and allows them to achieve an even golden crispness.
How to Make Loaded Tater Tots Air Fryer
Here’s how to how to make loaded tater tots in air fryer:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the tater tots will cook evenly and become crispy.
Prepare the Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket to allow for even cooking and crispiness. Lightly spray them with cooking spray.
Air Fry the Tater Tots: Set cook time for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or use a spatula to turn the tots to ensure they cook evenly.
How To Make Tater Tots Into Air Fryer Totchos
Add Cheese and Bacon: Once the tater tots are crispy and golden brown, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on the top of the tots. You can do this in the air fryer basket itself.
Melt the Cheese: Place the basket back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Garnish and 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—season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while they are hot and crispy for the best experience.
Pro Tips
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat the air fryer before adding the tater tots. This helps them cook evenly and become crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the tater tots in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the basket. This ensures they all get evenly crispy. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Shake or Turn Regularly: Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or turn the tots. This promotes 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 a harmonious blend – think about a mix of creamy, crunchy, salty, and fresh ingredients.
- Add Toppings at the Right Time: Add cheese and other toppings only after the tater tots are fully cooked and crispy. Then, please return them to the air fryer long enough to melt the cheese.
- Use 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 Immediately: Loaded tater tots are best enjoyed hot and crispy. Serve them immediately after cooking for the best texture and taste.
- Experiment with Sauces: Dipping sauces can significantly elevate the dish. Offer a variety of sauces like ranch dressing, creamy queso, blue cheese dressing, or spicy ketchup for dipping.
- Balance Your Flavors: 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 sweet paprika) to balance the flavors.
- Mind the Cheese: Choose cheeses that melt well, like American cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack. Grate the cheese yourself for better melting.
FAQ’s
What Are Loaded Tater Tots? Loaded tater tots are crispy tater tots served hot from the air fryer, topped with various ingredients like melted cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions, similar to loaded nachos. They are also known tochos.
Can I Make These with Frozen Tater Tots? Absolutely! This recipe works great with frozen tater tots. There’s no need to thaw them; cook them directly in the air fryer.
How Long Should I Cook the Tater Tots in the Air Fryer? Cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer model, but generally, getting them crispy takes about 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Can I Add Different Toppings? Yes, this recipe is quite versatile. Feel free to add toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or different types of cheese to suit your taste.
Are Air Fryer Loaded Tater Tots Healthy? While tater tots are comfort food, using an air fryer reduces the oil needed, making them a healthier alternative to deep-fried tots. Be mindful of the toppings to keep it healthier.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time? Tater tots are best served fresh for maximum crispiness. However, you can cook the tots beforehand and then reheat and add toppings before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers? Store any leftover tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer to bring back the crispiness before eating.
Can I Make These in an Oven? Yes, you can bake the tater tots in an oven if you don’t have an air fryer. Place the frozen tater tots onto a baking sheet, spray the tops of the tater tots with oil spray, 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.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Them? Reheat leftovers in the air fryer to maintain crispiness. The microwave can make them soggy.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free? Yes, most tater tots are naturally gluten-free, but always check the packaging. Also, ensure that any added toppings are gluten-free.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER KETO BACON-WRAPPED AVOCADO BURGER BOMBS
- CRISPY AIR FRYER BACON
- AIR FRYER KETO MAPLE BACON CRACK
- AIR FRYER LEMON CRAB CAKES
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Air Fryer Loaded Tater Tots
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 them in a single layer on the air fryer basket or tray.
- Generously spray the Tater Tots 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 before serving.
- Then add the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon, etc.
- If you want the cheese to be melted in, return to the air fryer for a couple of minutes.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
Share this recipe
We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!
