Emilie Meyer
Tater tots are a tasty, crispy snack that can be made at home and cooked in a frying pan. The process is simple: first, prepare the potatoes, then shape them into small cylinders, and finally, fry them in hot oil. Frying the potatoes creates their unique texture: soft and fluffy on the inside, and crunchy on the outside. While a deep fryer or electric skillet is recommended, it is possible to cook tater tots in a frying pan, as long as the oil is hot enough and the tots are not crowded in the pan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pan type | Deep frying pan, cast iron skillet, or electric skillet |
| Oil type | Peanut oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil |
| Oil temperature | 350°F (180°C) |
| Oil level | Enough to fully submerge potatoes, with a few extra inches to accommodate bubbling |
| Potato type | Russet potatoes |
| Potato preparation | Peeled, shredded, soaked in water, and dried |
| Potato shaping | Small cylinders, flattened at the ends |
| Frying time | 3-8 minutes, until golden brown |
| Seasoning | Salt, minced parsley |
| Dipping sauces | Sriracha mayonnaise, ranch dressing |
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Oil temperature
Yes, you can cook tater tots in a frying pan. If you are frying frozen tater tots, it is recommended to heat oil to 375° and fry them for six to eight minutes, or until they are golden brown. This second fry is key to achieving the classic texture of tater tots: a soft inside and a crunchy outside. The potatoes will absorb less oil when fried at a higher temperature.
When frying tater tots, it is important to use an oil with a high smoking point, such as peanut or sunflower oil. You will need enough oil to fully submerge the potatoes, with a few extra inches between the oil surface and the top of the pan to accommodate bubbling.
One source suggests frying tater tots in bacon grease, however, another source notes that there is already so much oil holding the tater tots together that frying them in additional oil may be unnecessary.
If you are frying homemade tater tots, it is recommended to fry them twice. First, fry them at a lower temperature, and then increase the heat of the oil to 375° for the second fry. Fry the tater tots in batches for four to five minutes, turning them frequently, until they are crisp and golden brown.
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Frying time
Frying tater tots is a straightforward process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure they turn out crispy and golden brown. Firstly, it's important to heat the oil to the right temperature, which is typically around 350°F. Peanut oil or sunflower oil are good choices due to their high smoking points. Make sure you have enough oil to fully submerge the tater tots, with a few extra inches to accommodate bubbling.
Once the oil is hot, it's time to add the tater tots. Avoid overcrowding the pan by adding too many at once. Fry them in batches, and use a slotted spoon to carefully place them into the oil. Allow them to fry for around 6 to 8 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. You'll know they're done when they're golden brown and crispy.
Remove the tater tots from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This will help ensure they stay crispy. Season them with salt while they're still hot, and consider adding some minced parsley for extra flavour.
If you're making tater tots from scratch, there are a few additional steps to follow. First, prepare your potato mixture and shape it into small cylinders. Then, heat the oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat. Fry the cylinders in batches, turning them frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes until they're golden brown. You can also bake them in the oven at 450 degrees for 7-8 minutes on each side for a healthier alternative.
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Potato preparation
The first step in making tater tots is to prepare the potatoes. Russet potatoes are the most recommended variety, as their high starch and low moisture content yield the crispiest tots. Other good options include Maris Piper, Dutch Cream, Classic Idaho, Sebago, or King Edward potatoes. Avoid Yukon golds, as they may be too soft and moist.
Start by peeling the potatoes and roughly chopping them into one-inch chunks. Next, give them a quick dunk in cold water to remove excess starch. This step guarantees a fluffy interior for your tater tots and prevents them from becoming gummy.
After draining the potatoes, it's time to cook them partially. This can be done by parboiling, microwaving, or simmering them until just tender but still firm. Parboiling involves boiling the potatoes in a large pot of salted water for about 6-7 minutes. Microwaving the potatoes for a minute or two is another option, as it cooks them just enough to be tender yet retain a slight crunch. Alternatively, you can simmer them for about 6 minutes.
Once the potatoes are partially cooked, drain them and let them cool. It's important that they are cool enough to handle before the next step. The potatoes then need to be broken down into small bits. This can be done by grating them using a box grater or cheese grater, or by using a food processor. If using a food processor, pulse until the potatoes are in small bits.
The next crucial step is to remove excess moisture from the potatoes. This ensures the tater tots hold their shape when fried and prevents them from becoming soggy. Place the grated or processed potatoes in a clean tea towel or dish towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
At this stage, you can season the potatoes as desired. A simple mix of salt, onion powder, pepper, cornstarch, parsley, and cheese is often used. However, you can also get creative and add spices, herbs, or other ingredients like bacon bits, basil, or jalapenos.
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Shaping the tots
Shaping the tater tots is a fun and creative process. You can make the tots any shape you like, but keeping them small and similar in size will ensure even cooking. The traditional barrel shape is a popular choice for tater tots. To achieve this shape, start by scooping about a tablespoon of the potato mixture into the palm of your hand. Use your fingers to gently round the sides, and then flatten the ends with your fingertips. Press the mixture firmly so that it holds its shape. You can also shape the tots into small cylinders by pressing the mixture together.
Once you have shaped the desired number of tots, place them on a tray or plate and put them in the fridge to cool. This step will help the tots maintain their shape when fried. If you want to prepare the tots ahead of time, you can freeze the unfried, shaped tots on a baking sheet for at least an hour until they are firm. After they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container, where they can be stored for up to three months.
When you are ready to fry your tater tots, you can take them directly from the freezer and place them into the hot oil. Freezing the tots beforehand will not affect their taste or texture. However, it is important to note that the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly when frying frozen tots. They may require a few extra minutes to ensure they are cooked through and golden brown.
Additionally, when shaping your tater tots, it is essential to ensure that the potato mixture is neither too dry nor too wet. If the mixture is too dry, it will be challenging to shape and may not hold together during frying. On the other hand, if the mixture is too wet, the tots may fall apart or become mushy. Therefore, finding the right balance of moisture is crucial for shaping the perfect tater tots.
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Seasoning
Tater tots can be seasoned in a variety of ways to elevate this simple dish. The key to achieving a crispy texture is to add oil, which also adds flavour and prevents the spices from burning.
A basic seasoning can be made with granulated garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. You can also add smoked paprika, chilli powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. For a sweet and spicy combination, you can try a mix of white pepper, ground ginger, Chinese five spice, salt, and sugar.
If you're using frozen tater tots, preheat your oven and baking sheets to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, combine olive oil with your desired spices. Add the frozen tater tots and toss until they are evenly coated in the oil and spice mixture. Spread the tots on the preheated baking sheets, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and bake according to the package instructions. For crispier tots, add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
For homemade tater tots, the seasoning can be mixed into the potato mixture before shaping and frying. After frying, sprinkle seasoned salt over the cooked tots and toss to coat them evenly.
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Frequently asked questions
The best oil temperature for frying tater tots is 350°F.
Fry your tater tots for 3-8 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Keep your tater tots small and similarly sized so they cook evenly. Don't overcrowd the pan and fry them in batches.
