Air Fryer Tater Tots

There’s something undeniably addictive about crispy, golden tater tots. They’re the perfect snack, side dish, or even a fun appetizer to share. Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, you can enjoy irresistibly crunchy Air Fryer Tater Tots at home with minimal oil and mess. Using frozen Ore-Ida tater tots, this recipe is quick, straightforward, and yields perfectly crispy tots every time. Whether you dip them in ketchup or your favorite sauce, these tots are sure to become a favorite go-to treat.

Why I Love This Recipe

What makes this Air Fryer Tater Tots recipe a winner? First, it’s the simplicity. No need to thaw or add complicated ingredients—just a bag of frozen tater tots and a little seasoning. The air fryer cooks them to crispy perfection without deep frying, which means less oil and a lighter bite. Plus, it’s super fast: from freezer to table in under 20 minutes. I love how easy it is to customize with different seasonings or dipping sauces to suit any mood or meal. This recipe is a perfect example of how convenience and deliciousness can go hand in hand.

What Goes Into Air Fryer Tater Tots

• 1 pound frozen tater tots – I used Ore-Ida for their consistent quality and crisp texture.
• Nonstick cooking spray – To lightly coat the air fryer basket and help the tots crisp up without sticking.
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt (optional) – Adds a bit of extra flavor, but feel free to skip or swap for smoked paprika, garlic powder, or your favorite spice blend.
• Ketchup or your dipping sauce of choice (optional) – For serving. Classic ketchup, spicy mayo, or honey mustard all work beautifully.

Prep & Cook Tools

• Air fryer – Essential for getting the perfect crispy texture without deep frying.
• Nonstick cooking spray – Helps prevent sticking and encourages even browning.
• Tongs or spatula – For shaking or flipping the tots halfway through cooking.
• Small bowl – To mix seasoning salt if you’re adding it.

Air Fryer Tater Tots Made Stepwise

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Start by setting your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the tater tots cook evenly and get that crispy outer crust right away.

Step 2: Prepare the Basket

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. This keeps the tots from sticking and helps them crisp up beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Frozen Tater Tots

Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding them to allow hot air to circulate around each tot, which is key for crispiness.

Step 4: Air Fry the Tots

Cook the tater tots at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket or use tongs to toss the tots halfway through cooking. This flipping helps them brown evenly on all sides.

Step 5: Season and Serve

If you’re using seasoning salt, sprinkle it onto the hot tots right after cooking and toss to coat. Serve immediately with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your perfectly crispy Air Fryer Tater Tots!

Health-Conscious Tweaks

• Use a light spray of olive oil instead of cooking spray for a heart-healthy fat boost.
• Try seasoning with herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of salt to reduce sodium intake.
• Pair with a fresh veggie dip like Greek yogurt mixed with herbs for extra nutrients.
• Choose baked or air-fried versions of tots that are lower in fat compared to traditional deep-fried ones.

Pro Tips & Notes

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — giving each tot space helps them crisp evenly.
• For extra crispy tots, increase cooking time by a couple of minutes but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
• Feel free to experiment with seasoning blends like Cajun, ranch, or taco seasoning to switch up flavors.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the tots in a conventional oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Leftover tots can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.

Storage Pro Tips

Store leftover Air Fryer Tater Tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to bring back their crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. For longer storage, freeze the leftover tots in a freezer-safe bag and reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Quick Q&A

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

Yes! You can make your own homemade tater tots using grated potatoes, but it requires extra prep like draining moisture and shaping the tots. Frozen tater tots are a fantastic shortcut that still deliver great texture and flavor.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots before air frying?

No need to thaw! Air frying directly from frozen works best and results in crispier tots. Just make sure to adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

What dipping sauces pair well with Air Fryer Tater Tots?

Classic ketchup is always a hit, but you can also try spicy sriracha mayo, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or even a cheesy queso dip for a fun twist.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! Just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding reduces air circulation and will make the tots less crispy.

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• Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese – Comfort Food Classic

Wrap-Up

Air Fryer Tater Tots are a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, golden bites without the hassle or mess of deep frying. With just frozen tots, a quick spray of cooking oil, and your favorite seasoning, you can have a delicious snack or side ready in minutes. The air fryer ensures they cook evenly and crisp up beautifully, making this recipe a new staple for busy weeknights, game days, or anytime cravings hit. Customize your seasoning and dipping sauces to make this recipe your own, and enjoy the perfect balance of convenience and flavor every time.

Try this recipe out and watch how quickly these Air Fryer Tater Tots disappear—they’re that good!

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