Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Tots, Crispy And Quick

Cooking frozen tots in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy, fluffy, and perfect tots. It is a convenient method as you can cook them straight from the freezer without defrosting or precooking. The cooking time ranges from 7 to 15 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness and the air fryer model. The key to achieving even results is to shake the basket once or twice during cooking and ensure the tots are in a single layer without overcrowding.

How to Cook Frozen Tots in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process. It ensures that your appliance reaches the ideal temperature before you begin cooking your tater tots, preventing undercooked food. The preheating time for air fryers is typically between 2 and 5 minutes, depending on the model. During this time, the air fryer's heating element warms up, and the appliance becomes ready to cook the food evenly and efficiently.

To preheat your air fryer, start by turning it on and setting the desired temperature. Most recipes for frozen tater tots recommend preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but you should always refer to your specific air fryer's instructions for precise guidelines. Once you've set the temperature, simply wait for the designated preheating time. Some air fryers may have a preheat light or indicator that lets you know when it's ready.

While preheating, you can also prepare your tater tots. Place the desired amount of frozen tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. It's important not to overcrowd the basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. If you're cooking a large batch, you may need to work in batches or use multiple air fryers.

Some recipes suggest lightly spraying the air fryer basket with a neutral spray oil before adding the tater tots. This step is optional, as frozen tater tots already contain oil, but it can help ensure an even crispiness. You can also add seasonings like salt, garlic powder, or herbs to the basket before placing the tater tots inside.

Once the preheating is complete, you can proceed to the next step of cooking your tater tots. Place the basket containing the frozen tater tots into the preheated air fryer and follow the cooking instructions provided earlier. Remember to shake the basket periodically during cooking for even browning and crispiness.

Cook at 400°F for 10-15 minutes

To cook frozen tots in your air fryer, it is recommended that you preheat the appliance to 400°F. Doing so will ensure that your tots cook evenly and achieve a desirable level of crispiness. Once preheated, carefully place the desired amount of frozen tots into the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure optimal cooking results. Set the timer for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness.

During the cooking process, shake the basket periodically to toss the tots and promote even cooking. This is especially important to ensure that all sides of the tots get crispy and golden brown. If you prefer your tots extra crispy, consider extending the cooking time by a few minutes. However, keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning.

While the tots are cooking, you can prepare any desired dips or seasonings. For example, you can make a simple ketchup or mustard dip, or get creative with a cheese sauce or ranch dressing. Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to find your favorite combination. Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer and transfer the cooked tots to a serving plate.

Let them cool down for a minute or two before serving, as they will be very hot straight out of the air fryer. Enjoy your crispy, delicious frozen tots as a side dish or a snack, paired with your chosen dips and seasonings. Remember that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the specific brand of frozen tots, so adjust the timing as needed for future batches.

Shake the basket halfway through

Shaking the basket halfway through is a crucial step in cooking frozen tots in an air fryer. This technique ensures even cooking and browning, resulting in crispy tots. By shaking the basket, you're essentially tossing the tots, allowing them to move from the centre to the sides and vice versa. This movement prevents the tots from staying in one place and cooking unevenly. It also gives you a chance to check on their progress and ensure they're not getting too crispy.

The ideal time to shake the basket is around the halfway point of the cooking process. Most recipes recommend cooking frozen tots in an air fryer for about 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F. So, you'll want to pause the air fryer and shake the basket after about 6 to 7 minutes of cooking time. It's a good idea to check on your tots at this point to see if they're crisping up evenly.

Shaking the basket also helps prevent the tots from sticking to the air fryer surface or to each other. By giving them a good shake, you're creating space between the tots, allowing hot air to circulate effectively and ensuring even cooking. This is especially important if you're cooking a larger batch of tots or if they're stacked on top of each other.

Additionally, shaking the basket halfway through lets you assess the doneness of your tots. You can check if they're reaching your desired level of crispiness and browning. If you prefer them extra crispy, you might want to add another minute or two to the cooking time after shaking the basket. Remember, every air fryer is different, so the cooking time may vary slightly, and it's always better to check early to prevent overcooking.

Lastly, when shaking the basket, be gentle and careful. Frozen tots can be delicate, especially after they've started cooking and become softer. A gentle shake will ensure they don't break apart or lose their shape. Once you've shaken the basket and returned it to the air fryer, let the tots finish cooking until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

No need to defrost

There is no need to defrost tater tots before cooking them in an air fryer. In fact, it is recommended that you put frozen tater tots straight into the air fryer from the freezer. This is because the outside of the tater tots will heat up and start to crisp before the inside is totally defrosted. By the time they finish cooking, you will have a hot and fluffy interior with a crisp exterior.

To cook frozen tater tots in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, place the frozen tater tots straight into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tater tots in batches.

Next, spray the tater tots lightly with cooking spray. You can use avocado oil or vegetable oil spray as these hold up to higher heat well without adding a funky flavor. Then, toss the tater tots and spray again.

Finally, air fry the tater tots for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The tater tots are done when they are golden brown and crispy to your liking.

You can also add your favorite seasonings to the tater tots. For example, you can use plain sea salt, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or taco seasoning.

Serve with your favourite sauce

Once your tater tots are cooked to perfection, it's time to serve them with your favourite sauce. The options are endless, but here are some ideas to get you started.

For a classic take, serve your tater tots with ketchup. This sweet and tangy condiment is a perfect pairing for the crispy potatoes. If you're feeling adventurous, spice things up with a dash of hot sauce or sriracha.

If you're a fan of creamy sauces, try dipping your tater tots in ranch dressing. The cool, herby flavour will balance out the crispiness of the tots. You could also go for a rich and savoury option like aioli or garlic mayonnaise.

Perhaps you want something with a bit more kick. In that case, BBQ sauce is the way to go. The sweet and smoky flavour of BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior of the tots. Or, if you're feeling fancy, try a lemon herb tahini sauce for a bright, zesty kick.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different sauces and seasonings to find your favourite combination. You could even try making your own signature sauce by blending your favourite herbs and spices with a base like mayonnaise or yoghurt. The possibilities are endless!

Frequently asked questions