Want an easy, delicious snack? Try Air Fryer Tater Tots! Crispy, golden, and packed with garlic and parmesan flavor, they’re ready in just 15 minutes — perfect for when you’re short on time.
Our air fryer tater tots are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory flavors like garlic, onion, and parmesan. They’re a modern twist on a classic favorite!
Cooking them in the air fryer is quick, easy, and mess-free — no need for deep frying! Once you try them, you’ll see why air fryer tater tots are a game-changer for busy days or snack cravings!
A few more easy appetizers I can’t get enough of are my Sweet Potato Tater Tots, Keto Cheese Chips, and Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp!
Why You’ll Love Our Recipe
- Healthier Choice: Air fried tater tots are crispy but use less oil than deep-fried ones.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 15 minutes, they’re perfect for snacks, sides, or parties.
- Great for Dipping: Tastes even better with your favorite sauces.
- Full of Flavor: Garlic, onion, and parmesan make every bite delicious.
- Easy to Reheat: Frozen tots crisp up perfectly in the air fryer for a fast snack.
How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Tater Tots
Boil Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and boil them whole for 8-10 minutes until fork-tender but not falling apart. Let them cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
Shred the Potatoes: Shred the cooled potatoes using a coarse grater or food processor. In a large bowl, mix the shredded potatoes with chopped parsley, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, flour, and parmesan cheese until well combined.
Shape the Tots: Roll the mixture into compact 2-inch cylinders, making sure they hold their shape for even cooking.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Air Fry: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer in the basket, brushing or spraying them lightly with oil. Avoid overcrowding — cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 14-15 minutes, flipping the tots halfway through to ensure they’re crispy and golden on all sides.
Serve Warm: Enjoy your tater tots fresh and warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like ketchup or aioli!
Pro Tips
- Freeze for Later: Let cooked tater tots cool completely, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Don’t forget to label and date them for easy reference!
- Reheat: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. To bring back their crispiness, reheat them in the air fryer — it’s the best way to get them warm and crunchy again!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Potatoes: Golden potatoes work best for their rich, buttery texture, but russet potatoes are a great alternative.
- Flour: All-purpose flour helps bind the tater tots and gives them a crispy finish. For a gluten-free option, try almond or rice flour.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a savory, cheesy flavor. You can swap it with cheddar or mozzarella for a different taste.
- Seasonings: A mix of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder creates the perfect savory flavor. Add chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Olive Oil: A light brush of olive oil ensures a crispy, golden exterior. Canola or vegetable oil can be used as substitutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen store-bought tater tots instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, you can! Simply follow the same air fryer instructions, adjusting the cooking time as needed (usually 10-12 minutes at 400°F).
Can I make these tater tots ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can shape the tots and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.
How do I prevent the tater tots from falling apart in the air fryer?
Make sure the potato mixture is well combined and compact when shaping. Chilling the tater tots for 10-15 minutes before cooking can also help them hold their shape.
What dipping sauces pair best with these tater tots?
These tots go great with ketchup, ranch, spicy aioli, or even a cheesy queso dip. Feel free to get creative!
Air Fryer Tater Tots
Ingredients
- 32 oz Golden Potatoes
- 1 handful Parsley chopped
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and boil them whole for 8 to 10 minutes, until they’re fork-tender but still firm. Let them cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before continuing.
- Grate the cooled potatoes using a coarse box grater or food processor. Transfer them to a large bowl and mix in chopped parsley, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, all-purpose flour, and parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 2-inch-long tater tots, rolling them into compact cylinders to help them hold their shape during air frying.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the tots in a single layer and brush or spray them with oil. Avoid overcrowding—cook in batches if necessary for even crisping.
- Air fry for 14–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- Allow cooked tater tots to cool to room temperature first. Then, place the tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. This prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer the tater tots to a freezer-safe, airtight container or bag. Label and date it for easy reference.
- To reheat frozen tater tots, preheat your Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally for even heating. Alternatively, you can use an oven or toaster oven.
- Store any leftover cooked tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the Air Fryer or oven for the best results.