Air Fryer Tater Tots: Achieving Maximum Crispiness

Tater tots are a beloved snack, side dish, or appetizer. They are made from grated potatoes that are deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior and soft interior. While tater tots can be baked in an oven, using an air fryer is a healthier, quicker, and easier alternative to achieve that perfect crispiness. This guide will teach you how to make tater tots crispy in an air fryer, ensuring you get that deep-fried crunch without the excess oil.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making crispy tater tots. By setting your air fryer to 400°F, you create the ideal environment for achieving that signature crispiness. Here's a detailed guide to help you master this crucial step:

Step 1: Understand the Importance of Preheating

Preheating your air fryer to 400°F is essential for two main reasons. Firstly, it ensures even cooking, so you avoid any unwanted sogginess. Secondly, it helps you achieve that sought-after crispiness that makes air-fried tater tots so irresistible. This initial blast of heat sets the stage for the perfect crunch.

Step 2: Adjust Your Air Fryer Settings

Locate the temperature control settings on your air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F, ensuring that you give your air fryer ample time to reach this temperature. Depending on the model, it could take a few minutes to heat up. Refer to your air fryer's user manual if you're unsure about the specifics of your model.

Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

While the air fryer is preheating, it's a good idea to get the air fryer basket ready. Some air fryers may require you to prepare the basket with a light coating of cooking spray, avocado oil, or another suitable oil. Check your air fryer's instructions to see if this step is necessary.

Step 4: Timing is Key

Keep a close eye on the temperature gauge of your air fryer. You want to ensure that it reaches the desired temperature of 400°F before adding your tater tots. Depending on your air fryer's wattage and size, this process could take anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes. Be patient and allow it to reach the correct temperature to ensure optimal cooking results.

Step 5: Maintain Consistency

Consistency is vital when it comes to cooking tater tots in an air fryer. To ensure even cooking and crispiness, arrange the tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's okay if they touch, but avoid stacking or overlapping them. This way, the hot air circulates evenly around each tot, resulting in that perfect crispiness.

In summary, preheating your air fryer to 400°F is a critical step in achieving the ultimate crispiness for your tater tots. By following these steps, you'll create delicious, crispy tater tots that will be the star side dish or snack at any gathering.

Use frozen tater tots

Air fryer tater tots are a quick and easy snack or side dish that can be made straight from the freezer. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried tater tots and can be made in large or small quantities, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Most air fryers will need to be preheated for 2-5 minutes, but you should follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model.
• Prepare the tater tots: Place the desired amount of frozen tater tots into the air fryer basket. For the best results, arrange the tater tots in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook them in multiple batches.
• Cook the tater tots: Air fry the tater tots for 7-15 minutes at the desired temperature. For crispier tots, cook for a longer duration, up to 15 minutes. It is recommended to shake or flip the tater tots halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Season and serve: Once the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and season with salt or your favourite seasoning blend. Serve them as a side dish or snack with your preferred dipping sauce.

Tips for the Best Results:

• No need to defrost: Frozen tater tots can go straight from the freezer into the air fryer. There is no need to defrost or pre-cook them.
• Single layer for even cooking: Arranging the tater tots in a single layer ensures that they cook evenly and crisp up nicely. If they overlap, some tots may not get as crispy.
• No need for additional oil: Frozen tater tots already contain oil, so there is no need to add extra oil or cooking spray. However, if you prefer, you can lightly coat the tater tots with cooking spray before air frying.
• Reheating: To reheat leftover tater tots, place them in the air fryer at 350-400°F for 2-5 minutes until warmed and crispy. You can stack the tater tots when reheating, but give the basket a good shake halfway through to ensure even heating.

Enjoy your crispy, golden tater tots!

Cook for 7-15 minutes

Once your air fryer is preheated to 400°F, it's time to cook your tater tots. Place them in the fryer basket in a single layer—it's fine if they touch, but they'll be crispier if they're not overlapping. You don't need to add any extra oil as frozen tater tots already contain oil.

Cook the tater tots for 7 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you're after extra crispy tots, cook them for another minute or two until they're a dark golden brown.

Once they're golden brown and crispy, they're ready to serve. Sprinkle with seasoned salt, or shake in a bowl with a seasoning blend, if desired.

Shake the basket halfway through

Shaking the basket halfway through is an important step in the process of making crispy tater tots in an air fryer. This is because it helps the tater tots cook evenly and ensures that all sides become crispy. It is recommended that you shake the basket after the first 6 minutes of cooking and then continue cooking for another 4 to 6 minutes. This will help to ensure that your tater tots are golden brown and crispy all over.

Shaking the basket also helps to toss the tater tots, which is important as it is best to avoid flipping them with a spatula. This is because they can easily break apart once they are thawed but before their crusts have crisped. Shaking the basket is, therefore, a crucial step to ensure your tater tots don't fall apart and become evenly crispy.

Additionally, if you are cooking a large amount of tater tots, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure they cook evenly. By shaking the basket halfway through, you can also check on the progress of your tater tots and see if they need a little longer to reach your desired level of crispiness.

Finally, shaking the basket can help to distribute any cooking spray or oil you have added to your tater tots. This will ensure that they are evenly coated and will help to achieve that desired crispy texture.

Add seasoning

Adding seasoning to your tater tots can take them to the next level. While some people enjoy the taste of tater tots as they are, you might want to add some extra flavour.

A light coating of cooking oil can help to enhance the crispiness of the tots, and also helps any seasonings stick to the potato. Avocado oil is a great option for this.

When it comes to seasoning, seasoned salt is a popular choice, and you can simply sprinkle this on top of your tots. You could also try garlic and herb seasoning, or a cajun, taco or Old Bay seasoning blend. If you want to add a bit of spice, sprinkle some paprika on your tots, or add some heat with chilli powder.

If you're feeling creative, you could try a blend of your own making. A simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder can be a great way to season your tots, or you could add some dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a more complex flavour.

Don't be afraid to experiment and find a blend that works for you!

Frequently asked questions