Air Fryer Tater Tots: 5 Crispy Joys You Can’t Resist

Name: Air Fryer Tater Tots: 5 Crispy Joys You Can't Resist
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups grated potatoes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 15, 2025

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There’s just something magical about crispy snacks, isn’t there? The crunch, the golden color, and the joy of biting into a perfectly cooked morsel—it’s pure happiness! That’s why I absolutely adore making Air Fryer Tater Tots at home. Not only do they satisfy that craving for a crunchy snack, but they’re also a healthier option compared to traditional fried tater tots. I remember the first time I made them; my kids couldn’t get enough! We had a mini tater tot party in our kitchen, and the best part? I didn’t have to feel guilty about indulging. Trust me, you’ll love these!

Air Fryer Tater Tots - detail 1

Ingredients List

To whip up these delightful Air Fryer Tater Tots, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups grated potatoes – I recommend using russet potatoes for that perfect texture and taste.
1 tablespoon olive oil – This helps with crispiness while adding a nice depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon salt – Essential for enhancing all those delicious potato flavors.
1/2 teaspoon pepper – Just the right amount to give it a little kick.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Because who doesn’t love a hint of garlic in their snacks?
1/2 teaspoon onion powder – It complements the garlic beautifully and adds extra savoriness.

These ingredients combine to create the crispy, golden perfection that will have everyone coming back for more!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Tater Tots

Making Air Fryer Tater Tots is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps to create a crispy snack that everyone will love. Let’s dive right in!

Prepping the Potatoes

First up, grab your trusty box grater and get ready to grate those potatoes! I like to use russet potatoes for their perfect texture. Once you have your two cups of grated potatoes, it’s super important to squeeze out any excess moisture. Just take a clean kitchen towel and wring out the grated potatoes. This step will ensure your tater tots turn out crispy and not soggy!

Mixing the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes with the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. You want to make sure every potato shred gets a taste of that delicious seasoning!

Shaping the Tater Tots

Now, it’s time to shape those tots! Take a small amount of the potato mixture—about a tablespoon—and roll it into a small cylinder or oval shape. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a little rustic charm just adds to the fun! Place them on a plate as you go.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once it’s ready, arrange the tater tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This will help them cook evenly and get that perfect crisp! Cook them for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they brown beautifully on both sides. After the timer goes off, check for your desired crispiness. If you like them extra crunchy, feel free to pop them back in for a few more minutes. The smell will be irresistible!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers! These Air Fryer Tater Tots are not just delicious; they’re also surprisingly reasonable in the calorie department. Each serving, which is about four tater tots, comes in at around 150 calories. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values:

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 200mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. But overall, these little bites of joy are a guilt-free snack option you can feel good about serving!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore these Air Fryer Tater Tots! Here are just a few:

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up a batch in no time!
Healthier Option: Air frying uses less oil than traditional frying, making these tots a guilt-free snack.
Great Taste: The combination of spices delivers a flavor punch that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the seasoning or add your favorite herbs for a twist!
Fun to Make: Shaping and cooking these tots is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy!

Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they’ve become a staple in my kitchen!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Air Fryer Tater Tots turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, don’t skip preheating your air fryer; it’s crucial for achieving that golden crispiness. Also, feel free to adjust the seasoning to match your taste. If you love a little heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper! Remember to keep the tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. Lastly, if you prefer them extra crispy, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. Happy frying!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up a batch of delicious Air Fryer Tater Tots, it’s time to think about how to elevate your snack experience! These crispy little bites pair perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces. My personal favorites are creamy ranch dressing and zesty ketchup, but don’t stop there! Try serving them with a tangy barbecue sauce for a smoky kick or a spicy sriracha mayo if you’re feeling adventurous. You could even go gourmet and whip up a garlic aioli for a touch of elegance. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a fresh salad or as a side to burgers. Enjoy every crunchy bite!

FAQ Section

Got questions about Air Fryer Tater Tots? No problem! Here are some common queries I hear:

Can I store leftover tater tots? Absolutely! Just let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat them? Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crunch!
What if I don’t have garlic or onion powder? You can try using fresh minced garlic and onion instead! Just remember to adjust the amounts to your taste.
Can I freeze tater tots? Yes! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll be ready for you anytime!

If you have more questions, feel free to ask—I’m here to help you make the best tater tots ever!