Ah, air fryer tater tots—the pinnacle of culinary perfection in the world of crispy comfort foods. Every bite reminds me of why this version has become my absolute favorite.
Imagine getting the crispiest, golden-brown tater tots without the guilt of deep frying! Not only are they quick to make, but they also offer an unbeatable taste that's nothing short of addictive.
The convenience of an air fryer combined with the simplicity of this recipe guarantees a dish that's easy yet impressively delicious.
Jump in, and let's make the best tater tots you've ever tasted!
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Video Tutorial
Ingredients
- 6 small potatoes (about 21 oz)
- 1 ½ tablespoons potato starch or cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried onion
- Cooking spray
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Small saucepan
- Two large bowls
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Grater
- Kitchen tongs
- Serving dish
Instructions
Peel the potatoes, place them in a saucepan, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Boil the potatoes for 8 minutes.
Drain the water and let the potatoes cool completely. Then grate them using a box grater.
Add potato starch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the grated potatoes. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all the ingredients. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the starch to absorb excess moisture.
Shape the potato mixture into small oval or round tater tots, similar to traditional tater tots.
Tip: You can also divide the potato mixture into four parts, roll each part into a log, and then divide each log into six pieces.
Preheat the air fryer (mine’s the Instant Vortex Plus XL) to 400ºF (200ºC).Â
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with vegetable oil, and place your tater tots in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Give the surface of the potatoes a quick spritz with cooking oil spray, as this will add extra golden crispiness to the tater tots.
Air fry them for 12-15 minutes until they achieve a golden hue.
Once the tater tots turn golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve them hot. They can be served as a side dish with meat or fish or as a standalone snack with your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips for Adjusting the Cooking Time and Temperature
- Always preheat your air fryer: Just like an oven, giving it a few minutes to heat up ensures even cooking.
- Size matters: Smaller tater tots might need less time, while larger ones might need a bit more. Keep an eye on them!
- Check for crispiness: About halfway through, give one a gentle squeeze. If it feels soft, add more time.
- Avoid overcrowding: Overloading the fryer basket prevents even air circulation. Cook in batches if needed.
- Altitude can affect cooking: If you're at a higher elevation, you might need a slight adjustment in time or temperature.
Serving Recommendations
- Pair with dips: Classics like ketchup, ranch, or a spicy aioli can elevate the flavor.
- Serve alongside a protein: These tater tots are a perfect side for grilled chicken, burgers, or even fish.
- Toppings: Sprinkle some grated cheese or fresh herbs for an extra layer of yum.
- Perfect for breakfast: Serve them with scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast for a delightful morning meal.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Spice it up: Add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mix for a kick.
- Cheesy delight: Mix in some grated cheese with the potato mixture before forming the tots.
- Swap the potatoes: Try using sweet potatoes or even zucchini for a different twist.
- Go vegan: Use egg replacers and dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
Leftover Storage
- Cool before storing: Always let the tater tots cool to room temperature before putting them in storage.
- Use airtight containers: This helps keep the freshness and prevents them from getting soggy.
- Reheat in the air fryer: When ready to eat, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes for that freshly cooked crispness.
- Avoid the microwave: It might make them a tad mushy. If you have to use it, it's just for a quick warm-up.
Pro Tips for Success
- Dry the potatoes thoroughly: The drier the grated potatoes, the crispier your tots will be.
- Uniformity is key: When forming the tots, try to keep them all the same size for even cooking.
- Rotate or shake: Halfway through, give the basket a gentle shake or rotate the tots for an even golden finish.
- Less is more: Don't be tempted to add too much oil. The beauty of the air fryer is it requires very little to achieve that crispy exterior.
Air Fryer Tater Tots FAQs
Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 400°F (200°C). Place the tater tots in a single layer, ensuring they're not overcrowded. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Absolutely! Just place the frozen tater tots in the air fryer and adjust the cooking time by adding a few more minutes. There's no need to thaw them first.
The key to crispy tater tots is ensuring the potatoes are thoroughly dried before cooking and using an air fryer or oven that's preheated. Also, avoiding overcrowding helps them crisp up evenly.
While both methods yield delicious results, many find that the air fryer gives tater tots a superior crispiness in a shorter amount of time compared to the oven. Plus, it uses less oil, making it a slightly healthier option.
Well, there you have it, fellow home cooks! Mastering the art of the perfect air fryer tater tots isn't just rewarding—it's deliciously fun.
If you're as smitten with your air fryer as I am, make sure to check out other mouthwatering recipes on this blog.
And, if you've given these tater tots a whirl, drop a comment below. I'd love to hear how they turned out for you.
Happy air frying, and here's to many more culinary adventures together!
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Recipe
Air Fryer Tater Tots
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Small saucepan
- Two large bowls
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Grater
- Kitchen tongs
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 21 ounce potatoes
- 1 ½ tablespoon potato starch or cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried onion
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes, place them in a saucepan, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Boil the potatoes for 8 minutes.
- Drain the water and let the potatoes cool completely. Then grate them using a box grater.
- Add potato starch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the grated potatoes. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all the ingredients. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the starch to absorb excess moisture.
- Shape the potato mixture into small oval or round tater tots, similar to traditional tater tots.Tip: You can also divide the potato mixture into four parts, roll each part into a log, and then divide each log into six pieces.
- Preheat the air fryer (mine’s the Instant Vortex Plus XL) to 400ºF (200ºC).
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with vegetable oil, and place your tater tots in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Give the surface of the potatoes a quick spritz with cooking oil spray, as this will add extra golden crispiness to the tater tots.
- Air fry them for 12-15 minutes until they achieve a golden hue.
- Once the tater tots turn golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve them hot. They can be served as a side dish with meat or fish or as a standalone snack with your favorite dipping sauces.
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