How To Cook Frozen Tater Tots In The Air Fryer

Enjoy crispy perfection with this quick and convenient method for cooking frozen tater tots in the air fryer. With minimal prep and cook time, you’ll have perfectly golden and delicious tater tots ready to enjoy in no time!

Tater tots are the ultimate comfort food – crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and oh-so-delicious. 

And thanks to the magic of the air fryer, you can enjoy perfectly cooked tater tots in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in the oven. 

So, if you’re ready to elevate your tater tot game to new heights, let’s dive into how to cook frozen tater tots in the air fryer!

If you love this easy air fryer recipe you may also want to try my Frozen Hashbrowns In The Air Fryer or my Frozen Chicken Tenders In The Air Fryer.

WHY CHOOSE THE AIR FRYER?

The air fryer has become a kitchen staple for many households. The main reason being its ability to mimic the results of deep frying with a fraction of the oil and mess.

When it comes to cooking frozen tater tots, the air fryer is a game-changer. It circulates hot air around the tots, giving them that coveted crispy exterior while keeping the insides fluffy and tender.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE TATER TOTS IN THE AIR FRYER

You’ll love cooking tater tots in the air fryer because it gives you that crispy exterior and fluffy interior without the need for a deep fryer. 

Plus, it’s quick and convenient – you can have perfectly cooked tater tots in just a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in the oven. 

It’s the ultimate hassle-free way to enjoy everyone’s favorite potato snack!

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE CRISPY TATER TOTS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make these crunchy tots (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Frozen tater tots – bag of your favorite brand.
• Olive oil spray or a little oil – can also use avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil if desired
• Your favorite seasoning blend – coarse salt, black pepper, seasoning salt, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, etc.

HOW TO MAKE

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for about 3-5 minutes.
2. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
3. Cook the tater tots in the preheated air fryer for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
4. Once the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and season with salt or your favorite seasonings, if desired.
5. Serve the tater tots hot with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own as a tasty snack or side dish.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THE PERFECT HOMEMADE AIR FRYER TATER TOTS

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re arranged in a single layer with some space to allow for proper air circulation.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure that the tater tots cook evenly.
• If you like extra crispy tater tots, you can cook them for a few minutes longer. Be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

STORING THE LEFTOVER MINI TATER TOTS

To store leftover tater tots, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or resealable bag. Then, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. 

When ready to reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes. They will be warmed through and crispy again.

FAQS

​WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO ENSURE CRISPY TATER TOTS IN THE AIR FRYER?

For the crispiest results, make sure to preheat your air fryer before adding the tater tots. Be sure to also arrange them in a single layer with space between each tot. 

You can also lightly spray the tots with cooking spray before cooking to help them crisp up.

CAN I SEASON MY TATER TOTS WITH DIFFERENT FLAVORS BESIDES JUST SALT?

Absolutely! Get creative with your seasonings by adding your favorite spices or seasonings.

Use spices such as taco seasoning, barbecue seasoning, or even ranch seasoning, to give your tater tots an extra flavor boost. Experimenting with different seasonings is a fun way to take your tater tot game to the next level!

CAN I COOK THE TATER TOTS AS WELL AS OTHER FOODS LIKE HOT DOGS OR FRENCH FRIES IN THE AIR FRYER AT THE SAME TIME?

Yes, you can definitely cook multiple foods in the air fryer at the same time, as long as they require similar cooking temperatures and times. 

Just make sure to arrange them in a way that allows for proper air circulation, and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything cooks evenly.

WHAT’S THE BEST TYPE OF POTATO TO USE IF MAKING HOMEMADE TATER TOTS?

Russet potatoes are often preferred for making homemade tater tots because they have a higher starch content, which helps them crisp up nicely. 

However, you can use other varieties of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, if that’s what you have on hand.

CAN I USE A BASKET-STYLE AIR FRYER OR TRAY-STYLE AIR FRYER TO COOK THESE?

Yes, you can use either type of air fryer to cook tater tots. Just make sure to arrange them in a single layer in the basket or on the tray to ensure even cooking.

​WHAT ARE THE BEST DIPPING SAUCES TO SERVE WITH THESE AIR FRYER TOTS?

Ketchup, barbecue sauce, sour cream, or hot sauce are all great options for dipping. If you’re a tater tot lover you will know exactly what you want to use as dipping sauce.

Other Air Fryer Recipes You May Enjoy!

• Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe
• Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Fries
• Frozen Air Fryer Fried Pickles
• Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast
• Easy Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Protein Bagels
• Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers (Quick And Juicy)
• Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Breasts
• Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
• 10-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausages
• Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

IF YOU TRIED THESE CRISPY AIR FRYER TATER TOTS PLEASE LEAVE THEM A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS HOMEMADE TATER TOTS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails