Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe

Frozen tater tots: These are the main ingredient and provide the base for the recipe. Look for a 16 oz bag in the frozen foods section of your supermarket.

Olive oil: This helps to crisp up the tater tots and adds a slight flavor. Use a good quality olive oil for the best taste.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the tater tots. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.

For an extra crispy texture, try soaking the tater tots in cold water for about 30 minutes before tossing them with olive oil and salt. This helps to remove excess starch, allowing them to crisp up more effectively in the air fryer. Make sure to pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel before seasoning and cooking.

• frozen tater tots - Substitute with frozen hash brown patties: They have a similar texture and can be cut into smaller pieces to mimic the size of tater tots.

• frozen tater tots - Substitute with cauliflower tots: For a lower-carb option, cauliflower tots provide a similar bite and can be found in the frozen section.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for air frying.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil also has a high smoke point and adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with garlic salt: Adds an extra layer of flavor while still providing the necessary seasoning.

• salt - Substitute with seasoned salt: Offers a blend of spices that can enhance the overall taste of the tater tots.

• Allow the tater tots to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Transfer the cooled tater tots to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the tater tots within 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, place the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the tater tots to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to reheat, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen tater tots in the basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the tater tots in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are crispy and heated through.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover tater tots in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
• Use an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Spread the tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to achieve a crispy texture.
• For a quick microwave method, place the tater tots on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Note that this method may result in a softer texture.
• If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the tater tots on the tray in a single layer. Toast for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through for even crispiness.
• On the stovetop, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and place the tater tots in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are heated through and crispy.

• Air fryer: A kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food, perfect for making crispy tater tots without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl used to toss the tater tots with olive oil and salt evenly.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the olive oil and salt accurately.

• Tongs: Handy for shaking the basket halfway through cooking and for serving the hot tater tots.

• Serving plate: A plate to serve the hot and crispy tater tots once they are cooked.

Preheat while prepping: Preheat your air fryer while you toss the tater tots with olive oil and salt to save time.

Use a single layer: Ensure the tater tots are in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking and to avoid having to cook multiple batches.

Shake halfway: Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides of the tater tots get crispy, saving you from having to cook longer.

Serve immediately: Serve the tater tots hot right after cooking to enjoy their optimal crispiness without reheating.