Air-Fryer Tater Tots: Quick, Crispy, Golden

Tater tots are a popular side dish, especially for those with kids, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get them crispy. The air fryer is also a healthier alternative to deep frying, and it's faster than using an oven.

Preheat settings and timings

Firstly, preheating your air fryer is an important step for crispy tater tots. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, which is typically the highest temperature setting on most air fryers. This step ensures that your tater tots will cook evenly and efficiently.

For basket-model air fryers, preheat the air fryer for about 1 minute. Then, load the basket with frozen tater tots and cook for an initial 7 minutes. It is important not to overfill the basket to allow for proper air circulation. Fill the basket only halfway, or even less, to ensure optimal cooking.

After the initial 7 minutes, shake the basket well to toss the tater tots and prevent them from sticking together. Continue air-frying for another 5 to 7 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. The total cooking time can range from 12 to 15 minutes, so keep an eye on them and adjust the timing accordingly.

For oven-style air fryers, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 1 minute as well. Gently spray the air fryer racks with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping or stacked. Shake the rack gently to spread them out evenly and allow adequate air circulation.

Air-fry the tater tots for 13 minutes, and they should be ready to serve!

It is important to note that the timing may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer and your personal preference for crispiness. Always keep an eye on your tater tots to avoid overcooking or burning them.

Additionally, shaking the basket or rack during cooking is crucial to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. If you are cooking a larger batch, you may need to shake multiple times throughout the cooking process.

Layering and spacing

Firstly, it is crucial to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or tray. Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap or stack. This allows for even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tater tots in multiple batches. For larger quantities, consider using an oven, which can accommodate more tater tots on sheet pans.

When placing the tater tots in the air fryer, it is recommended to fill the basket no more than halfway. This ensures proper air circulation and even cooking. The more you fill the basket, the more often you should shake it during the cooking process. Shaking the basket helps move the tater tots around, ensuring they cook evenly and don't stick together.

If you are using a basket-style air fryer, load the frozen tater tots and cook for 7 minutes. Then, shake the basket well and continue air frying for another 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. For oven-style air fryers, gently spray the racks with non-stick cooking spray before placing the tater tots in a single layer. Ensure there is enough space between the tater tots to allow for proper air circulation. Air fry for 13 minutes, and there is no need to flip them during the cooking process.

In summary, when making frozen tater tots in an air fryer, always place them in a single layer with adequate spacing to allow for even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Don't forget to shake the basket during cooking, especially if you have filled it closer to the halfway mark. By following these instructions, you'll achieve perfectly crispy and delicious tater tots every time!

Shaking and flipping

Firstly, it is important to note that shaking the basket of tater tots is generally preferred over flipping them with a spatula. This is because the tots can easily break apart once they start to thaw but before their crusts have crisped. By shaking the basket, you can avoid breaking them apart while still ensuring even cooking.

When cooking tater tots in an air fryer, it is recommended to shake the basket about halfway through the cooking process. This helps to prevent the tots from sticking together and ensures that all sides are exposed to the hot air, resulting in a crispy exterior. If you are cooking a larger batch of tots, you may need to shake the basket multiple times to ensure even cooking.

The frequency of shaking depends on the amount of tots in the basket. If you are cooking just one or two servings, shaking the basket once halfway through should be sufficient. However, if you are cooking a larger batch, it is recommended to shake the basket two or three times throughout the cooking process.

In addition to shaking, it is also important to ensure that the tater tots are in a single layer in the basket, with enough space between them for air to flow through. This allows the hot air to circulate effectively and helps achieve even cooking without the need for flipping or constant shaking.

By following these instructions and tips for shaking and flipping, you can ensure that your tater tots cook evenly and achieve the desired level of crispiness.

Oil and cooking spray

Some recipes for cooking frozen tater tots in an air fryer suggest using cooking spray, while others advise against it. Some sources claim that frozen tater tots already contain oil, so there is no need to add more. However, if you want to add cooking spray, it is recommended to use non-aerosolised avocado oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil that is not extra virgin. These oils have a higher smoke point and will not leave a bitter taste on the food.

If you want to use cooking spray, you should spray the potato puffs lightly, toss them, and then spray again. This will help you achieve the crunchiest air fryer tater tots possible.

If you don't want to use cooking spray, you can simply place the frozen tater tots into the air fryer basket and let the air fryer do its job.

Dipping sauces and seasonings

Tater tots are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a snack and can be paired with a variety of sauces and seasonings to enhance their flavour. Here are some ideas to elevate your air-fried tater tots:

Dipping Sauces

• Big Mac sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Nacho cheese sauce
• Honey buffalo sauce
• Ketchup
• Fry sauce (a mix of mayonnaise and ketchup)
• Ranch
• Honey mustard
• Mayo

Seasonings

• Garlic and herb
• Cajun
• Taco
• Old Bay
• Olive oil, garlic powder, chilli powder, and Italian seasoning
• Granulated garlic
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Chilli powder
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Black pepper
• Cayenne

Frequently asked questions