Air Fryer Potato Tots: Quick, Crispy, Golden Treats

Tater tots are bite-sized potato snacks that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are easy to make in an air fryer and can be served as a snack or a side dish. This guide will teach you how to make tater tots in an air fryer, achieving the perfect level of crispiness.

Choosing the right potatoes

When it comes to making potato tots in an air fryer, the type of potatoes you choose can make a difference in the final result. While you can use any kind of potato, some varieties will yield better results than others. Here are some tips to help you choose the right potatoes for your air-fried potato tots:

Recommended Potato Varieties

For the best potato tots, it is recommended to use Yukon Gold, Russet, or King Edward potatoes. These varieties have the ideal texture and starch content for achieving that perfect balance of crispiness on the outside and creaminess on the inside. Their flavour also pairs well with the seasonings typically used in potato tots.

Potato Texture

The texture of the potatoes you choose is important. Look for potatoes that are firm and not too waxy. A mealy or floury texture is ideal because it will help the grated potatoes bind together more easily when forming the tots. This texture also tends to cook up fluffier and lighter, resulting in a better mouthfeel.

Starch Content

Different potato varieties have varying starch contents, which can affect the final texture of your potato tots. Higher-starch potatoes, such as Russets, tend to yield crispier results. On the other hand, lower-starch potatoes, like new potatoes or red-skinned varieties, may not crisp up as much but can still be used if that's your preference.

Freshness

Whenever possible, choose fresh potatoes over those that have been stored for a long time. Fresh potatoes tend to have a higher moisture content, which can lead to a fluffier texture in your tots. They also have a more robust flavour that can enhance the overall taste of your dish.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of the potatoes you choose can impact the ease of preparation and the final appearance of your tots. Look for potatoes that are relatively uniform in size, as this will make it easier to grate them and form evenly sized tots. Avoid potatoes with a lot of eyes or sprouts, as these may be past their prime.

Organic Options

If you want the healthiest version, consider choosing organic frozen potato tots as your starting point. These are typically made from potatoes that have been grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which some people prefer to avoid. Organic tots may also contain fewer additives or preservatives.

Remember, when making potato tots in an air fryer, the right potatoes can make a difference in the taste, texture, and overall success of your dish. By selecting the appropriate variety, considering their texture and starch content, and opting for fresh and organic options, you can take your potato tots to the next level.

Grating the potatoes

First, start by peeling the potatoes. This step is optional, but it will make the grating process easier and ensure a more consistent texture in your tots. After peeling, cut the potatoes into smaller pieces. This will help them cook faster and more evenly when boiling.

Next, place the potato pieces in a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Boil the potatoes for around 8 minutes. This step is crucial as it softens the potatoes, making them easier to grate and helping to create the perfect texture for your tots. Once the potatoes are boiled, drain the water and set them aside to cool. It's important to let them cool down before grating to avoid burning your hands.

Now, you're ready to grate the potatoes. Use a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment for this step. If using a box grater, be careful as the potatoes may be soft and slightly slippery. Gently grate the potatoes into a large bowl. If the potatoes are partially cooled, the skin should come off easily during this process. If you find the skin difficult to grate, you can simply peel it off with your fingers as you work.

Once you've grated all the potatoes, it's time to add the seasonings. In a separate small bowl, combine corn starch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the amounts of these seasonings to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you like your tots extra peppery, feel free to add more ground black pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings of your choice.

After mixing the seasonings, add them to the bowl with the grated potatoes. Use your hands to mix the potatoes and seasonings together, working the mixture like you would knead bread dough. Keep mixing and kneading for about a minute or until the mixture holds together well and resembles a dough-like consistency.

At this point, your grated and seasoned potatoes are ready to be formed into tots! Follow the rest of your chosen recipe's instructions for shaping, cooking, and serving your delicious, crispy potato tots made in an air fryer!

Seasoning

Firstly, prepare a seasoning mix by combining corn starch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. You can adjust the proportions to your taste preferences. For example, if you prefer a stronger garlic flavour, you can increase the amount of garlic powder. Similarly, you can add more black pepper for a spicier kick.

Once you have prepared the seasoning mix, it's time to combine it with the grated potatoes. Place the grated potatoes in a large bowl and add the seasoning mix. Use your hands to mix and knead the potatoes with the seasoning, treating the mixture like a dough. Work it for about a minute or until the mixture holds together well and has a dough-like consistency.

At this stage, you can also add other seasonings to the mixture if you wish. For instance, you could add some smoked paprika for a smoky flavour or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for an herby aroma. You could also add some grated cheese to the mixture for a cheesier version of potato tots.

After mixing and seasoning the potatoes, you can start forming the tots. Take a small amount of the potato mixture and gently squeeze it in your hand to form a tot shape. Repeat this process until you have used up all the potato mixture.

Once all the tots are formed, place them in a bowl and drizzle them with oil. Gently mix the tots to ensure they are coated evenly with the oil, being careful not to break their shape.

Finally, cook the potato tots in your air fryer according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. The cooking time and temperature settings may vary depending on your air fryer model.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to find your perfect combination!

Shaping the tots

Next, grab a piece of the potato mixture and gently squeeze it in your hand to form a tot shape. Use your fingers to gently mould and shape the mixture, squeezing gently to create a tot that is roughly the same size as the others. Repeat this process until you have used up all of the potato mixture. You should end up with around 25 tots.

Once you have shaped all of your tots, place them in a bowl and gently toss with oil to coat. This will help to create a crispy exterior when cooked. Be careful not to handle the tots too roughly at this stage, as they can break apart easily.

Now your tots are shaped and ready to be cooked in your air fryer! Remember to place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook in batches if necessary. Enjoy your homemade potato tots!

Reheating

First, place the potato tots in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will last for up to five days.

When you are ready to reheat them, place the tots in the air fryer tray and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). It is okay to stack the tots when reheating, but if you have a lot, you may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time. Reheat for 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

You can also reheat potato tots in a pan with some butter or in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions