Olivia Carter
If you love the crispy, golden goodness of tater tots, but want a healthier alternative to deep frying, then making them in an air fryer is the way to go.
Air fryers have become increasingly popular in kitchens worldwide because they can deliver that same crispy texture we all love, but with significantly less oil. This means you can enjoy your favorite fried foods without the guilt!
Whether you’re hosting a game night, preparing a quick snack for the family, or just craving some tater tots, this simple recipe will guide you through the steps of making delicious tater tots in an air fryer.
With just a few ingredients and some cooking spray, you’ll have crispy tater tots ready to enjoy in no time. Plus, these homemade tater tots are so much tastier than the frozen ones you find in the store!
So, let’s dive in and learn how to make tater tots in an air fryer – a healthier and more flavorful way to enjoy this classic treat!
Prepare the potatoes
Start by peeling the potatoes and rinsing them under cold water to remove any excess dirt. Once clean, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Next, using a grater or a food processor with a grating attachment, grate the potatoes into small, fine shreds. Alternatively, you can use a knife to finely dice the potatoes into small cubes.
Once grated or diced, transfer the potatoes to a large mixing bowl and add cold water to cover them. Let the potatoes soak in the water for about 5 minutes to remove excess starch.
After soaking, drain the potatoes and rinse them again under cold water. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out any remaining water from the potatoes.
Finally, season the grated or diced potatoes with salt and pepper, and mix well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
Note: It’s important to remove excess moisture from the potatoes to ensure they become crispy in the air fryer.
Peel and grate the potatoes
To make tater tots in an air fryer, you will need to start by peeling and grating the potatoes. This will help create the perfect texture for your tater tots.
Start by peeling the potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Make sure to remove all of the skin to achieve a smooth texture.
Once the potatoes are peeled, use a grater to grate them into fine shreds. The finer the shreds, the crispier your tater tots will be.
After grating, squeeze any excess moisture out of the potatoes using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This will help ensure your tater tots are not soggy and will cook evenly in the air fryer.
Squeeze out excess moisture
Before starting the process of making tater tots in an air fryer, it is important to squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated potatoes. This step is crucial as it helps to ensure that the tater tots come out crispy and perfectly cooked.
To squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated potatoes, place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Then, gather the edges of the cloth and twist it tightly to form a pouch. Squeeze the pouch firmly over the sink or a bowl to release the moisture. You will be surprised at how much liquid can be extracted.
Why is squeezing out moisture important?
Squeezing out excess moisture from the grated potatoes is important for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it helps to remove the excess starch that can cause the tater tots to become soggy. Secondly, by removing the moisture, you are allowing the potatoes to crisp up evenly and achieve a golden brown color while cooking in the air fryer.
Don’t skip this step!
While it may seem like an extra step, squeezing out the excess moisture is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and taste in your homemade tater tots. Skipping this step could result in tater tots that are mushy, greasy, or undercooked.
So, take the time to squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated potatoes before moving on to the next step in the recipe. Your air-fried tater tots will be crispy, delicious, and worth the extra effort!
Season and shape the tater tots
Once the mixture has cooled, it’s time to season and shape the tater tots. This is where you can get creative and add your own flavors to the tots.
Here are the steps to season and shape the tater tots:
- Begin by adding your desired seasonings to the mixture. This can include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or any other spices you prefer.
- Using clean hands, take a small amount of the mixture and shape it into a small log or cylinder shape. You can also shape them into small balls if you prefer.
- Continue shaping the tater tots until you have used all of the mixture. Make sure to keep the tater tots roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Place the shaped tater tots onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a little space between each tater tot to allow for even air circulation.
Once all the tater tots are shaped and placed on the baking sheet, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer. The next step is to preheat the air fryer and then cook the tater tots until they are golden brown and crispy.
Add seasoning to the grated potatoes
Once you have grated the potatoes, it’s time to add some seasoning to enhance the flavor of your tater tots. You can get creative with the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Salt and pepper: A classic combination that brings out the natural flavors of the potatoes.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the tots.
- Garlic powder: Gives the potatoes a savory and aromatic kick.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that adds an Italian twist to your tots.
Sprinkle the desired amount of each seasoning over the grated potatoes and gently mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasonings accordingly to suit your preferences.
Shape the mixture into small tots
Once the tater tot mixture is well combined, it’s time to shape them into small tots. Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a cylindrical shape, just like a traditional tot. You can adjust the size according to your preference, but it’s generally recommended to make them about an inch long.
Be sure to shape them tightly so that they hold their form during the cooking process. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together, but if you find it too loose, you can add a little more flour.
Place the shaped tots on a tray or plate lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Make sure to leave a little space between each tot so that they cook evenly. Repeat this process until you have shaped all of the mixture into tots.
Tip: Wetting your hands slightly with water can help prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands
Now you’re ready to air fry your homemade tater tots and enjoy a crispy and delicious snack!
FAQ
What are tater tots?
Tater tots are bite-sized snacks made from grated and seasoned potatoes that are typically deep-fried until golden and crispy.
Can I make tater tots in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make tater tots in an air fryer. It’s a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires little or no oil.
How do I make tater tots in an air fryer?
To make tater tots in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking or flipping them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking tater tots?
Yes, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before cooking tater tots. Preheating helps to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
Can I season the tater tots before cooking them in an air fryer?
Yes, you can season the tater tots before cooking them in an air fryer. You can sprinkle them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other seasoning of your choice.
