Ella Walter
Tater tots are a beloved snack, and cooking them in an air fryer is a convenient, healthier way to get them crispy without deep-frying. The air fryer also offers a quicker alternative to the oven, with a more deep-fried texture than the oven can achieve. You can use frozen tater tots or make them from scratch. To make them from scratch, grate potatoes into a bowl and mix in Cajun seasoning or your choice of spices. Form the mixture into tot-shaped cylinders. For frozen tater tots, simply place them in the air fryer in a single layer and spray them with cooking spray. If you're making them from scratch, spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray and place the tots inside. For both methods, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket gently every 5 minutes. Serve with your favourite sauce!
Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Potato Tots
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350-400°F (175-200°C) |
| Cook Time | 11-15 minutes |
| Cook Time (frozen) | 10-15 minutes |
| Reheat Time | 2-3 minutes at 375°F |
| Cookware | Air Fryer Basket |
| Layer | Single |
| Spacing | Even, with space between each tot |
| Shake/Turn | Every 5 minutes |
| Seasoning | Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, etc. |
| Dipping Sauce | Ketchup or any sauce of choice |
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What You'll Learn
How to make potato tots from scratch
Making potato tots from scratch is a simple process that yields delicious results. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create crispy, golden potato tots at home:
Ingredients:
For this recipe, you will need potatoes, preferably a starchy variety like Russet, Maris Piper, Dutch Cream, Classic Idaho, or King Edward. You will also need flour, salt, onion powder, and paprika for seasoning. Other optional ingredients include garlic powder, oregano, dill, pepper, and cheese.
Preparation:
Start by peeling and roughly chopping your chosen potatoes. Dunk them in cold water to remove excess starch, then boil them for about 5 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly before shredding them using a box grater or a food processor. It is important to remove as much moisture from the shredded potatoes as possible, so squeeze them with your hands or use a clean dish towel.
Seasoning and Shaping:
In a large bowl, mix your flour, salt, onion powder, and paprika. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, oregano, and dill, or get creative with pepper, cheese, or herbs. Add the potatoes to this mixture and stir until well combined.
To shape the tots, generously flour a chopping board. Take a large handful of the potato mixture and gently roll it into a sausage shape, then cut it into tot-sized pieces. You can dip your fingers in cold water or oil to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
Cooking:
To cook your potato tots, you can use an air fryer, oven, or deep fryer. For an air fryer, preheat the appliance to between 350-400°F (175-200°C). Place the tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other or the sides. Cook for about 15 minutes, gently shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
If using an oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and place the tots on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, parchment paper, or a silicone baking mat. Drizzle with oil and bake for about 20 minutes, turning them halfway through.
For a deep fryer, heat vegetable oil in a large pot to 360°F (182°C). Carefully place the tots in the hot oil and cook for about 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.
And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy potato tots that can be served as a snack or side dish. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup or something spicier!
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How to cook frozen potato tots in an air fryer
Cooking frozen potato tots in an air fryer is a convenient and healthier way to get crispy tots without deep-frying. The air fryer also offers a quicker alternative to the oven, with a more deep-fried texture.
First, preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature seems to be a matter of personal preference, with sources suggesting preheat temperatures of between 350 and 400°F (200°C). Place the desired amount of frozen potato tots into the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. There is no need to defrost the potato tots before cooking—in fact, they may cook better if not defrosted, as the outside will heat up and start to crisp before the inside is totally defrosted.
Next, spray the potato tots lightly with cooking spray (such as avocado oil or vegetable oil spray) and toss them to ensure even coverage. Then, place the basket into the air fryer and cook until crispy. The cooking time will depend on your preferred level of crispiness and the model of your air fryer, but sources suggest cooking times of between 11 and 15 minutes, shaking the basket gently every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. For softer potatoes with just a bit of crispness, reduce the cooking time by a minute or so. For extra crispy tots, cook for a little longer, checking the tots every minute or so until they are as crispy as you like.
Once the tots are cooked to your liking, sprinkle them with salt or your favourite seasoning blend and serve!
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How to make potato tots crispy
The best way to make potato tots crispy is to cook them in an air fryer. If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake them in the oven, but it's important to ensure they are crispy on the bottom before you flip them over. After cooking, place the tots on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil and add a bit of extra crispiness.
To make homemade potato tots, you will need half-boiled potatoes. First, boil the potatoes (with the peeling left on, if you prefer) for 8 minutes. Then, drain the water and set the potatoes aside to cool for at least 15 minutes. Next, grate the potatoes—the skin will come off easily as you do this. Place corn starch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and mix together. You can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. For example, you can add more black pepper for a peppery flavor.
Now it's time to make the tots. Take a piece of the potato mixture and place it in your hand. Gently squeeze it to form a tot shape. Repeat this process until you've used up all of the potato mixture. Place the tots in a single layer in a preheated air fryer basket. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook the tots in batches. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the basket every 5 minutes and gently shake it to turn the tots, ensuring they cook evenly.
If you prefer to use frozen potato tots, you can still achieve a crispy texture by cooking them in the air fryer. Simply coat them with a little bit of oil and cook them in the air fryer for 11-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Again, remove the basket every 5 minutes and shake to ensure even cooking.
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How long to cook potato tots in an air fryer
The cooking time for potato tots in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of crispiness and the size of the air fryer. For softer potatoes with a slight crisp, cook for around 10 minutes at 350–400°F (175–200°C). For crispier potatoes, increase the cooking time to 12–15 minutes at the same temperature.
When cooking potato tots in an air fryer, it is important to place them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the tots in batches. During the cooking process, gently shake or turn the tots every 5 minutes to ensure even crisping on all sides.
For frozen potato tots, there is no need to thaw them before air frying. In fact, cooking them straight from the freezer can result in a crispier texture. Simply place the frozen tots in the air fryer basket, spray them lightly with cooking spray, and cook according to your desired level of crispiness.
Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on the tots during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.
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How to season potato tots
Seasoning your potato tots is a simple and versatile process. The base seasoning for potato tots is usually salt and pepper, but you can add other spices and herbs to suit your taste. Here are some ideas and instructions for seasoning potato tots:
Base Seasoning
Salt and pepper are the most common base seasonings for potato tots. You can use regular table salt or sea salt, and black pepper is a popular choice. This combination provides a classic savoury flavour that complements the potatoes well.
Additional Spices and Herbs
You can enhance the flavour of your potato tots by adding various spices and herbs. Some popular options include:
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder or granulated garlic
- Oregano
- Dill
- Parsley
- Cajun seasoning
- Cheddar cheese
Combining Seasonings
When combining seasonings, it's essential to ensure that the mixture is well-combined and coats the potatoes evenly. Here's a general process:
- Prepare your potatoes by peeling and shredding them.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded potatoes with your desired seasonings.
- Use a fork or your hands to mix thoroughly, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- If using additional starch or flour, add it gradually and mix until you achieve a workable yet dry mixture.
- Form the seasoned potato mixture into the desired tot shape.
Seasoning Frozen Potato Tots
If you're using frozen potato tots, you can still add your own seasonings to enhance their flavour. Simply follow the cooking instructions for the frozen tots, and then:
- Place the cooked frozen tots in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle your desired seasonings over the tots.
- Toss the tots gently to ensure an even coating of the seasonings.
- Serve immediately while they're still hot.
Remember, the beauty of seasoning potato tots is that you can adjust the spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend!
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