Hey y’all! Craving that irresistible, golden crunch of tater tots but don’t want the hassle or extra oil of deep frying? Air Fryer Tater Tots to the rescue! These crispy, fluffy bites are perfect for game days, easy weeknight dinners, or anytime you need a comforting snack. Ready in minutes and so simple, you’ll never go back to oven-baked or fried tots again. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
- Super Crispy: The air fryer makes every tot perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside.
- Quick & Easy: Just pop them in—no preheating or flipping required!
- Healthier Snack: Uses little to no oil, making it lighter than traditional frying.
- Kid-Friendly: Always a hit with little ones and picky eaters.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as a side, party appetizer, or late-night treat.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Tater Tots
- 16 oz (450g) frozen tater tots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Air Fryer Tater Tots: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes. This ensures even, crispy results.
Step 2: Season the Tater Tots
In a large bowl, toss frozen tater tots with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This step is optional, but it adds extra flavor and crunch.
Step 3: Arrange Tater Tots in the Basket
Spread the tater tots in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid stacking for maximum crispiness.
Step 4: Air Fry
Cook the tater tots at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They’re ready when crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Season & Serve
Sprinkle with extra salt if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 14-17 minutes
Notes for Making the Best Air Fryer Tater Tots
- Don’t overload the basket, as overcrowding prevents proper crisping.
- Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray to avoid sticking.
- For more air fryer tips, check out Serious Eats’ Air Fryer Guide.
Air Fryer Tater Tots Variations
- Cheesy Tots: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar halfway through cooking for gooey cheese pulls.
- Spicy Tots: Toss with cayenne pepper or chili powder for a kick.
- Loaded Tots: Top with bacon bits, green onions, and a drizzle of ranch dressing after cooking.
Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Tater Tots
- Air fryer (basket or toaster oven style)
- Large bowl (for tossing)
- Tongs or spatula
How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Tater Tots
Leftover tater tots keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as they can become soggy.
Air Fryer Tater Tots Serving & Pairing Suggestions
- Serve as a side with burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches.
- Pair with dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard.
- Enjoy as a crunchy topping for casseroles or loaded bowls.
Pro Tips for the Crispiest Air Fryer Tater Tots
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Use the highest heat setting for extra crunch without burning.
- Let tots cool for 1-2 minutes before serving for the ultimate crunch. For more health info on potatoes, visit Medical News Today.
Air Fryer Tater Tots FAQ
Can I cook homemade tater tots in the air fryer?
Yes! Just shape your homemade tots, spray with oil, and air fry at the same temperature for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Do I need to thaw frozen tater tots before air frying?
Nope! Cook tater tots straight from frozen for best results—they’ll turn out crispy and delicious every time.
Can I reheat leftover tater tots in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Just pop them in at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes. They’ll regain their crispy exterior quickly. Learn more about reheating in air fryers at Food Network.
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
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2In a large bowl, toss the frozen tater tots with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
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3Arrange the seasoned tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
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4Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
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5Transfer the tater tots to a serving plate and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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