Can I make these in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake frozen tater tots in a conventional oven at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. However, they likely won't achieve quite the same level of crispiness as the air fryer version. For best results in an oven, use a dark, non-stick baking sheet and arrange tots with space between them.

Why are my tater tots not getting crispy enough?

This usually happens when the air fryer is overcrowded. Make sure to arrange your tots in a single layer with a bit of space between each one. Also, don't skip tossing them every 4 minutes, as this ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides. If they're still not crispy enough, try adding a couple more minutes to your cooking time.

Can I use different types of potato products in the air fryer?

Absolutely! This method works wonderfully for hash browns, potato puffs, potato croquettes, and other frozen potato products. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—smaller or thinner items may cook more quickly than standard tater tots.

Is it necessary to spray the tots with oil?

While you can make them without oil, a light spray really does make a difference in achieving that perfect golden-brown color and enhanced crispiness. The good news is you're still using significantly less oil than traditional deep frying, so it's a reasonable compromise for optimal results.

The Best Crispy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe

Description

A simple yet perfect way to enjoy crispy and flavorful tater tots right out of your air fryer. Quick to make, versatile, and perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer. These tater tots are golden, crunchy, and seasoned to perfection, making them absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Tater Tots

1 pound frozen tater tots

Seasoning

3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt

Others

Olive oil spray

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. This step ensures that the tater tots begin cooking at an even and consistent temperature.
Prepare the Tater Tots
Place the frozen tater tots into the preheated air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with olive oil spray and gently toss to coat. This coating helps in achieving a crispy texture.
Season the Tots
Sprinkle the seasoned salt evenly over the tater tots. Toss them gently again to ensure they’re well-coated with the seasoning.
Cook the Tater Tots
Spread the tater tots in a single layer in the basket to ensure they cook evenly. Air fry them for 15–18 minutes, tossing gently every 4 minutes. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy to your liking. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and your preference for crispiness.
Taste and Serve
After cooking, taste the tater tots and add more seasoned salt if needed. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy while hot.

Notes

Use olive oil cooking spray to prevent damaging your air fryer and to achieve a light, crispy coating.
Experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of the tater tots. Consider garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
These tater tots can be used in other recipes such as casseroles or breakfast bowls.
Toss the air fryer basket frequently during cooking to help ensure even browning and crisping.
You can use any brand of store-bought frozen tater tots for this recipe.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 85g
Calories: 180
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg