Air Fryer Tater Tots
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Air Fryer Tater Tots – from frozen to crispy perfection in minutes! If you’ve ever stared at a sad, mushy tot and thought, this could be better, you’re in the right place. The air fryer works its magic, giving you golden, crunchy bites that taste like they just rolled out of a diner. No oven, no waiting—just pure, crispy goodness!
This is seriously the easiest side dish recipe. Serve them with Sloppy Joes, Chicken Tenders, or inside Breakfast Burritos!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – No oven required, and they cook in just 10-15 minutes.
- Crispy Perfection – The air fryer makes them extra crunchy without deep frying.
- Kid-Friendly – A family favorite that’s perfect for picky eaters.
- Better Than Baking – The air fryer gives you even crispier results than the oven.
Tater tots in air fryer are the ultimate easy side—crispy, golden, and ready in minutes! No waiting for the oven to preheat or dealing with soggy tots here. The air fryer works its magic, giving you that perfect crunch every time with minimal effort. Just toss them in, let the hot air do its thing, and enjoy a batch of diner-style perfection at home.
Whether you’re serving them with burgers, piling them high with chili and cheese, or just dipping them in ketchup, these tots are a guaranteed hit. Plus, with a few simple seasonings, you can customize them to fit any craving. Quick, easy, and completely foolproof—this is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making the perfect tater tots in an air fryer couldn’t be easier! With just a couple of ingredients and a few simple tips, you’ll have crispy, golden tots that taste like they came straight from your favorite diner.
What You’ll Need:
- Frozen Tater Tots – Any brand works, but go for a quality option for the crispiest results. No need to thaw—straight from the freezer is best!
- Seasoning of Choice – Keep it classic with salt, or mix it up with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a sprinkle of ranch seasoning for extra flavor.
- Cooking Spray (Optional) – A light spritz of oil can help boost the crispiness, but most frozen tots already have enough oil to get the job done.
That’s it! A few simple ingredients, a little air fryer magic, and you’re on your way to the crispiest, most addictive tater tots ever. Let’s get cooking!
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
Air Fryer Tater Tots are a total game-changer! They come out perfectly crispy every time—way better than baking.
Tip from Jesseca:
Give the basket a shake halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness on all sides. No one wants a half-soggy tot!
Variations
Want to take your air fried tater tots to the next level? A little seasoning swap or creative topping can turn them into something totally new. Here are a few fun ways to mix things up:
- Garlic Parmesan Tots – Toss the hot tots with melted butter, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a bold, cheesy bite.
- Spicy Cajun Tots – A shake of Cajun seasoning adds a kick! Perfect for dipping in ranch or a cool aioli.
- Chili Cheese Tots – Load ‘em up with warm chili, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a hearty side.
- Breakfast Tots – Serve with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a breakfast twist.
- Loaded Tots – Top with melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, and green onions for an easy, crowd-pleasing snack.
- Ranch-Seasoned Tots – A sprinkle of ranch seasoning before air frying makes these extra addicting.
The best part? You can customize them to fit whatever you’re craving. Let your inner tot-chef shine!
Frozen Tater Tots in Air Fryer
Cooking frozen tater tots in the air fryer is the easiest way to get crispy, golden perfection in just minutes. No waiting for the oven to preheat and no flipping halfway through—just effortless crunch every time!
How to Make Air Fryer Tater Tots:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (if your model requires it).
- Add the tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. No overcrowding!
- Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
- Season immediately with salt or your favorite seasoning while they’re hot.
That’s it! Quick, crispy, and way better than baking—these air fryer tater tots will be your new go-to side.
Storage Instructions
Got leftover air frozen tater tots? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep them crispy and delicious for later:
- Refrigerate: Store cooled tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid sealing them while they’re still warm to prevent sogginess.
- Freeze: If you want to save them longer, spread the cooled tots on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat:
- Air Fryer: The best way to bring back the crisp! Reheat at 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Oven: Spread tots on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Not recommended—this will make them soft instead of crispy.
For the crispiest results, always reheat in the air fryer or oven. It’s like a second chance at tot perfection!
Recipe FAQs
It depends on your air fryer! Some models heat up quickly, while others require preheating. If yours does, preheating to 400°F will help get the crispiest results.
For best results, lay them in a single layer. A little overlap is fine, but too many stacked tots will steam instead of crisp. If making a large batch, cook in multiple rounds.
A light spray of cooking oil before air frying can enhance crispiness. Also, make sure to shake the basket halfway through to cook them evenly.
Classic salt is a must, but try garlic powder, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, ranch seasoning, or even grated Parmesan for a flavor boost.
Yes! Reheat at 400°F for 3-5 minutes to bring back that crispy texture. Avoid the microwave—it will make them soft.
Most frozen tater tots already have oil, so it’s not necessary. However, if your air fryer tends to stick, a light spray can help.
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400 degrees 10-15 minutes
Season with salt after
Frozen Tater Tots in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 cups Tater Tots
- salt (or other seasoning)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (if your air fryer requires preheating). This helps ensure even cooking and the crispiest results.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate and crisp them up properly. If needed, cook in batches.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping. Start checking around the 10-minute mark—some air fryers cook faster than others.
- Check for doneness—the tots should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you like them extra crispy, add another 1-2 minutes.
- Season immediately after cooking. Sprinkle with salt or your favorite seasoning while they’re still hot, so the seasoning sticks better.
- Serve and enjoy while they’re warm and crispy!
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Notes
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
