Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Tater Tots, Anytime!

Tater tots are a convenient, tasty snack that can be cooked in an air fryer straight from frozen. Requiring minimal preparation, they can be cooked in large or small batches, making them a quick and easy snack or side dish. The cooking time varies depending on the desired crispiness, but generally, they will be ready in around 12-15 minutes. Air fryer tater tots are a healthier alternative to deep-fried tots, without compromising on taste and texture.

How long to cook frozen tater tots in an air fryer

Cooking frozen tater tots in an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to get crispy tater tots without having to deep-fry them. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of crispiness and the size of your air fryer.

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the frozen tater tots in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer for maximum crispness. If your air fryer is large enough, you can fill the basket with about half a bag of tater tots. If you are using mini tater tots, check on them around the 5-minute mark as they will take less time to cook.

Air fry the tater tots for 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket gently every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. If you prefer softer tater tots, check on them around the 10- or 11-minute mark. For very crispy tater tots, cook them for a few extra minutes, checking every minute until they reach your desired level of crispiness. The tater tots are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Once the tater tots are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can enjoy them as they are or sprinkle them with salt or your favourite seasoning blend. Tater tots also go well with various dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard.

How to get the perfect crispy texture

To get the perfect crispy texture, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 385°F. Then, place the frozen tater tots directly into the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are in a single layer with no overlapping or stacking. This arrangement will allow for even cooking and maximum crispness. If you are using mini tater tots, adjust the cooking time as they will take less time to cook.

Spraying the tater tots with cooking spray or oil is optional but recommended for optimal crispness. You can use non-aerosolized avocado oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil that is not extra virgin. These oils have a higher smoke point and will not leave an unpleasant flavor on the food. Shake the basket gently halfway through the cooking process to toss the tater tots and ensure even browning and crisping.

The cooking time for crispy tater tots typically ranges from 12 to 15 minutes. However, you can adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of crispness. For a darker brown and crispier texture, cook them for a few additional minutes, checking every minute or so. On the other hand, if you prefer softer tater tots, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two. The tater tots are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Do you need to defrost tater tots before air frying?

You do not need to defrost tater tots before air frying. In fact, cooking them straight from frozen is recommended! This is because air fryers are known for cooking frozen foods to a super crispy finish.

Air fryer tater tots are a convenient and quick way to cook the bite-sized potato treats, taking only 12–15 minutes to cook. They can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer, making them an easy option for a quick side dish.

To cook frozen tater tots in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the frozen tater tots in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping or stacking. Cooking spray is not necessary as frozen tater tots already contain oil, but you can spritz them if they look dry. You can also add salt to taste. Air fry for 7–9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For extra crispy tots, cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.

Air fryer tater tots are a great, easy side dish for burgers, chicken, and more. They are a convenient, quick, and tasty option for a weeknight dinner.

Best oils or sprays to use for extra crispness

When cooking frozen tater tots in an air fryer, you don't need to add any extra oil as frozen tater tots already contain oil. However, if you want to add some extra crispness to your tots, you can lightly spray or brush them with a small amount of oil before cooking.

It is important to note that the type of oil you use matters. Avoid using non-stick cooking sprays such as PAM or Fry Light as they can damage the lining of the air fryer basket. Instead, opt for oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, refined olive oil, grapeseed oil, canola oil, safflower oil, vegetable oil, or soybean oil. You can also use a non-aerosol pump-style oil sprayer or mister with your favorite high smoke point oil.

Some popular options for oil sprayers include the Evo Oil Sprayers, which come in different colors, sizes, and materials. They are known for their functionality and ability to spritz oil evenly without clogging.

By using the right oils and oil sprayers, you can achieve the perfect crispness for your frozen tater tots in an air fryer.

What to serve with air-fried tater tots

Air-fried tater tots are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

Burgers

Air-fried tater tots can be served as a side dish with burgers. They add a crunchy texture and are a fun alternative to French fries. Whether you're grilling burgers in the backyard or enjoying a burger at your favorite fast-food joint, consider adding some crispy tater tots on the side.

Chicken

Tater tots also pair well with chicken dishes. They can be a tasty side with grilled chicken breasts, chicken tenders, or even air-fried chicken Parm. The combination of crispy tater tots and juicy chicken makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Pork

If you're looking for a heartier option, consider serving tater tots with pork. They can be a great side dish for pork loin or pork chops. The crispness of the tater tots can complement the tenderness of the pork, creating a delightful contrast in textures.

Comfort Food Classics

Tater tots are also excellent comfort food. Serve them with classics like grilled cheese, fish sticks, or sloppy joes. They add a bit of crunch and fun to these familiar dishes.

Breakfast Options

Don't forget that tater tots can be a tasty breakfast option too. Pair them with pancakes, bacon, or even eggs for a heartier morning meal. They're a great alternative to hash browns or home fries.

Dipping Sauces

Lastly, don't forget the dipping sauces! Tater tots are even more enjoyable when dipped in your favorite sauces. Try ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch, nacho cheese sauce, or even honey buffalo sauce. Get creative and experiment with different sauces to find your favorite combinations.

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