Best Air Fryer Tater Tots - Recipes From A Pantry (2024)

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Air Fryer Tater Tots are a healthier homemade version of the fast food favorite. They turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside. Cook up homemade tater tots in air fryer using absolutely no oil at all!

Suitable for gluten free and vegan diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

These homemade Air Fryer Tater Tots are a real game changer. Crispy on the outside yet pillowy soft on the inside, kids and adults alike will go crazy for this healthier version of a fast food favorite.

Who knew that making homemade tater tots in air fryer at home could be such a breeze? And the best part? We’re ditching the oil without sacrificing an ounce of that irresistible crunch. Yep, you heard me right – these golden nuggets of potato perfection are about to become your go-to healthy indulgence.

If you have been searching for a different way to eat your potatoes, you are going to love this recipe for crispy potato puffs. Not only is it made without oil, but it is also gluten free and vegan. Get ready to turn your humble spuds into a symphony of flavors and textures.

And if you love potatoes and veggies, you might like these Air Fryer Baked Potatoes or these easy Air Fryer Frozen Hash Browns.

Plus, you might also love these easy and tasty Smothered Potatoes or you can learn How To Cook Frozen Hash Browns.

With this air fryer tater tots recipe, you can say goodbye to the deep-fried dilemma and say hello to a guilt-free snack that’s sure to have you doing a happy dance in your kitchen. For even more amazing air fryer snack hacks, be sure to check out how to Reheat Fries In Air Fryer.

Why Make This Recipe

• Budget-friendly– made with affordable pantry staple ingredients.
• Family-friendly – Tater tots are a totally kid-friendly and kid-approved appetizer or side dish.
• Healthier – Air frying means they taste like they are deep fried but without all the oil. Plus, we used cornstarch instead of flour to keep them gluten free.
• For Every Occasion – Just the thing for serving up at lunchtime, as an after-school snack or game day snack, or as a tasty side dish for supper.
• If you like potatoes then check out these awesome Air Fryer Potato Recipes. Sooooooo much good choice.

Ingredient Notes

• Potatoes – Go for starchy potatoes such as russet potatoes if you want that classic tater tot taste and texture. You can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Corn Starch(cornflour) – Cornstarch is our secret weapon for achieving that coveted crispy exterior. It helps absorb moisture and create a delightful crunch.
• Dried Oregano and Garlic Powder – Oregano and garlic add an herby, savory flavor.
• Salt – Kosher salt or sea salt enhances all of the flavors. You can use seasoned salt if you prefer.

Ready to learn how to cook tater tots air fryer style? Gather up your ingredients, and I will show you….

How To Make Tater Tots in Air Fryer

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C.
2. Boil the potatoes till they are about half cooked and then plunge them into a cold water bath to stop the cooking process and cool them down.
3. Using a box shredder, shred the cooled potatoes into a large bowl, then squeeze out any excess water.
4. Add in the cornstarch, spices, and salt and combine, then form the mixture into individual air fryer tater tots.
5. Place half of the tater tots into the air fryer basket (making sure they don’t touch) and air fry for 18-20 minutes till golden brown. Turn the tots twice using tongs during cooking so that they brown evenly. You can shake or toss the tots carefully instead so they don’t break.
6. Remove the tater tots and keep them warm, then repeat the steps to fry the remaining tots.

Just look at those cute little tater tots all ready for the air fryer….

Pro Tips

• Preheat your Air Fryer before cooking for the best results.
• Opt for starchy potatoes like russet potatoes for the best texture. They’ll give you that fluffy interior and crispy exterior we all love in tater tots.
• After grating the potatoes, squeeze out excess moisture.
• Try to keep your tater tots the same size so they will cook evenly and at the same rate.
• Don’t skimp on the seasonings.
• Be sure to preheat the air fryer.
• Toss or gently shake the air fried tater tots during cooking so they cook evenly.
• For the best results cook the tater tots in a single layer in the Air Fryer with space around them so the hot air can circulate.
• These are best served immediately.
• Depending on the size you make, this recipe will give you about 20 tots.
• If you do want these really crispy you can spray them with some cooking spray or avocado oil. You can also cook them for a few extra minutes.
• Air fryer temperatures can vary depending on the make and model. I recommendstarting with less cook time, checkingfor doneness, then adding moretime as needed.
• Check out some of my favorite things to use to make this recipe. Do you have any of these as well?

Delicious Variations

Air fryer tots are a fun food, so why not have some fun coming up with different ways to flavor them? Here are a few suggestions for you to try:

• Taco Flavor – Turn your tots into copycat Taco Bell Mexi-Nuggets by adding taco seasoning, or a combination of chili powder and cumin, to the tater tots mixture before cooking. Serve with a side of guacamole or some refried beans.
• Italian-Style – You can also add basil and Tuscan seasoning mix or Italian seasoning to these tater tots and then serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
• Tatchos – Another popular way to serve these is as tater tot nachos style, sometimes referred to as ‘totchos’ on restaurant menus. Simply replace tortilla chips with tater tots, cover in nacho cheese sauce (if not vegan), sliced jalapeños, and salsa.
• Adjust the Seasoning – Feel free to change up the seasoning to suit your taste. Use other seasonings like onion powder, chopped herbs, or some chili for a little heat. If not vegan, you can add in shredded cheese.
• Use Sweet Potatoes –If you’re feeling adventurous, sweet potatoes can be a fantastic substitute. They bring a hint of sweetness and loads of nutrients to the party.

Prep and Storage

• Prep Ahead – Parcook the potatoes and allow them to cool before shredding.
• Store –Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze – Cool completely, then lay on a baking sheet and flash freeze. Transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat – in a 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C air fryer until warmed through. There is no need to thaw first.

FAQs

More Air Fryer Recipes You May Like

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Looking for more easy recipes to cook up in the air fryer like these crispiest tater tots? Then check out these air fryer recipes:

• Air Fryer Zucchini Fries.
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.
• Crispy Air Fryer Plantains.
• Delicious Air Fryer Chickpeas.
• Air Fryer Green Beans.
• Easy Air Fryer Roasted Garlic.

Serve Air Fryer Tater Tots With:

Pair up a portion of these homemade tater tots with your favorite dipping sauce like vegan ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, sour cream, ketchup, and more alongside any one of these delicious dishes;

• Air Fryer Hamburger.
• Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops.
• Air Fryer Whole Chicken.
• Air Fryer Garlic Mushroom Steaks.
• Rainbow Vegetable Tortilla Wrap.
• Reheat Steak In Air Fryer.
• Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs.
• Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer.

• An Air Fryer – There are different air fryer makes and models. Choose the right size for your family.
• Tongs – Use tongs to turn over those crispy tots.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Air Fryer Tools on Amazon.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 5 Blue Plan SmartPoints in a serving of Air Fryer Tater Tots.

Thank you for reading my Air Fryer Tater Tots recipe post.And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

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