Tater tots are a beloved snack-crispy, golden, and downright addictive. If you’re wondering how to cook tater tots in the air fryer, you’re in for a treat. Air frying tater tots is quick, easy, and gives you that perfect crunch without deep frying or excess oil. Let’s dive into how you can make restaurant-quality tater tots right at home!
Why Cook Tater Tots in an Air Fryer?
Air fryers use hot air circulation to crisp up food, making them a healthier alternative to deep frying. When it comes to tater tots, air frying means:
– Less oil and fat but still crispy outsides
– Soft, fluffy insides
– Faster cooking times
– Easy clean-up
You get all the flavor and texture with less guilt and mess-what’s not to love?
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Frozen Tater Tots in the Air Fryer
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C) and let it preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating helps the tater tots start crisping immediately once inside.
2. Prepare the Basket
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little oil. This prevents sticking and helps achieve an even crisp.
3. Arrange the Tater Tots
Place frozen tater tots in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding-they need space for air to circulate and crisp all sides. If you have a lot, cook in batches.
4. Cook and Shake
Air fry at 400°F for about 12 to 15 minutes. Halfway through (around 6 to 7 minutes), pause and shake the basket or flip the tots with tongs. This ensures even browning and crunchiness.
5. Check for Crispiness
Keep an eye on your tots near the end of cooking to avoid burning. Cook longer if you want them extra crispy.
6. Serve Immediately
Once golden and crispy, transfer to a plate and serve hot with your favorite dips like ketchup, ranch, or cheese sauce.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Tater Tots
– Don’t thaw: Cook tater tots straight from frozen for best texture.
– Single layer: Crowding leads to soggy tots; keep them spread out.
– Use oil spray sparingly: Frozen tots already contain oil, but a light spray can boost crispiness.
– Shake often: Tossing every few minutes cooks tots evenly and prevents burning.
– Experiment with seasoning: Add garlic powder, paprika, or parmesan for extra flavor before cooking.
Making Homemade Tater Tots in the Air Fryer
If you want to go beyond frozen tots, homemade tater tots are surprisingly easy:
– Boil potatoes until tender but not mushy. Cool completely.
– Shred potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture.
– Mix with cornstarch, salt, and your favorite seasonings.
– Shape into small cylinders.
– Air fry at 350-400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping occasionally until golden.
This method gives you crispy, fresh tots with no preservatives and the ability to customize flavors.
Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Tater Tots
– Classic ketchup or mustard
– Cheese sauce or melted cheddar
– Bacon bits and green onions
– Ranch or spicy aioli dip
– As a side for burgers, hot dogs, or breakfast dishes
Tater tots are versatile and loved by kids and adults alike!
Air fryer tater tots are a quick, easy, and healthier way to enjoy this crispy favorite. Whether frozen or homemade, you’ll get perfectly golden tots in under 20 minutes with minimal effort. Ready to crunch into your next batch?