Air-Fryer Veggie Tots: Quick, Easy, And Healthy!

Veggie tots are a fun, healthy snack that can be made from scratch or bought frozen. They are a healthier alternative to tater tots and French fries, and can be made with a variety of vegetables, including sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini. In this article, we will discuss how to make veggie tots in an air fryer, the benefits of using an air fryer, and provide a step-by-step guide to making your own delicious veggie tots at home.

Preheat the air fryer to 385-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your veggie tots cook evenly and efficiently. Depending on the make and model of your air fryer, it should take around 5 minutes to preheat to the desired temperature of 385-400°F.

When preheating, it is a good idea to prepare the basket of the air fryer with a non-stick cooking spray such as olive oil or avocado oil. This will help to ensure your veggie tots don't stick to the basket and make cleaning up easier.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can add the frozen veggie tots in a single layer to the basket. It is important not to overcrowd the basket as this will affect the cooking process and the crispiness of your veggie tots. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the veggie tots in batches.

Prepare the air fryer basket

To prepare the air fryer basket, first preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. Then, spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray such as olive oil or avocado oil. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper to keep the basket clean, but make sure to preheat the air fryer before placing the parchment paper inside.

When the basket is prepared, spread the frozen veggie tots in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the tots from cooking and crisping evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tots in batches.

Cook the veggie tots for 8-13 minutes

Now that your air fryer is preheated and prepped with non-stick cooking spray, it's time to add the veggie tots and let the air fryer work its magic!

Add the frozen tots to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with no overcrowding. This will help them cook and crisp evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the veggie tots in batches.

Once they are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Now you're ready to serve these delicious, crispy veggie treats!

Add toppings or seasoning

Veggie tots are a great snack on their own, but you can also add toppings or seasoning to change up the flavours. You can sprinkle the cooked veggie tots with parmesan cheese or add different seasonings such as onion powder, garlic powder, or salt.

If you're using frozen veggie tots, keep in mind that they might already be seasoned. So, it's a good idea to check the packaging before adding any additional salt or pepper. You can also add your favourite dipping sauce on the side. Some popular options include ranch dressing, thousand island, ketchup, or queso cheese.

If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different dipping sauces. For example, you can try a sour cream and chives dip or any other sauce that you would typically use with traditional tater tots.

Serve with a dipping sauce

There are a variety of sauces that you can serve with your veggie tots. Here are some ideas:

Sour Cream and Chives Dip

This dip is a great way to add a creamy and tangy flavour to your veggie tots. Simply mix sour cream with finely chopped chives and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other herbs or spices, such as garlic powder or paprika, to give it an extra kick.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a classic dipping sauce that pairs well with veggie tots. You can either make your own by mixing buttermilk, mayonnaise, and herbs or buy a bottle of ranch dressing from the store.

Thousand Island Dressing

Thousand Island dressing is another tasty option for dipping your veggie tots. It's a sweet and tangy sauce that is typically made with mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and chopped onions.

Ketchup

If you're looking for something simpler, ketchup is always a good option. It's sweet, tangy, and goes well with just about anything.

Queso Cheese Dip

For a more indulgent option, you can dip your veggie tots in a warm queso cheese dip. You can either make your own by melting cheese and adding milk or buy a jar of queso dip from the store.

Other Ideas

You can also get creative and experiment with other sauces, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, sweet and sour sauce, or even a spicy salsa.

Frequently asked questions