Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
Introduction
Air fryer tater tots are crispy, golden bites of comfort that are quick and easy to make at home. Using simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can achieve perfectly crunchy tots without deep frying. They make a fantastic snack or side dish.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. russet potatoes, peeled
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for finishing
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot of boiling water, add the peeled potatoes and boil until they are just tender, about 7 minutes. Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool.
- Step 2: Once cooled enough to handle, shred the potatoes using the medium holes of a box grater. In a large bowl, combine the shredded potatoes with 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Using your hands, form about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into the shape of tater tots, gently squeezing to help them hold together.
- Step 3: Place the tater tots in the air fryer basket in batches, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook at 375°F for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the tots are golden and crispy.
- Step 4: Remove the tater tots from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle with additional kosher salt to taste. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, dry shredded potatoes well with a clean kitchen towel before mixing.
- Add finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the potato mixture for a fragrant twist.
- Use smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to give the tots a smoky or spicy kick.
- If you prefer, bake the tots in a conventional oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage
Store leftover tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep them crunchy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and softer variation, but keep in mind they may cook and brown faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Do I need to soak the shredded potatoes before forming the tots?
Soaking is not required if you boil the potatoes first and drain them well, but drying the shredded potatoes thoroughly helps achieve a crispier texture.
Print
Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 40 tater tots 1x
Description
Crispy and golden Air Fryer Tater Tots made from scratch with shredded russet potatoes, seasoned with garlic and onion powder for a flavorful homemade snack that’s healthier and quicker than traditional frying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lb. russet potatoes, peeled
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for finishing
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: In a large pot of boiling water, add peeled potatoes and boil for about 7 minutes, or until potatoes are just tender with a little resistance when poked with a knife. Drain and allow the potatoes to cool completely.
- Grate and Season: Once cooled enough to handle, shred the potatoes using the medium holes of a box grater. In a large bowl, combine the shredded potatoes with 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well with hands to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Shape Tater Tots: Take about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and gently squeeze and form it into the classic tater tot shape. Repeat until all the mixture is formed into tots.
- Air Fry Tater Tots: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Working in batches, place the tater tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning, until tots are golden and crispy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the tater tots from the air fryer and sprinkle them with additional kosher salt to taste. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- For best results, use russet potatoes because of their high starch content which helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Allow potatoes to cool completely before shredding to prevent excess moisture in the tots.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- You can customize seasoning by adding paprika, cayenne, or fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or spicy mayo.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Air Fryer Tater Tots, Homemade Tater Tots, Crispy Tater Tots, Potato Snacks, Air Fryer Recipes
