Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Tater Tots
Recipe Snapshot
PREP + COOK TIME: 15-17 minutes
METHOD: Air Fryer
TOTAL INGREDIENTS: 3
Tater tots are a family favorite around here, and the best way to cook them is in the air fryer! Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Tater Tots are the perfect side for burgers, sandwiches, or just as a game-day snack. Add dipping sauces and enjoy golden-browned tots in under 15 minutes.
What’s To Love About This Recipe
- You don’t need a special occasion for hot and crispy tater tots! This side can be enjoyed with any meal or just as a snack with dipping sauces.
- With the air fryer, the tots turn out crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
- The air fryer also makes it possible to get perfectly golden tater tots in under 15 minutes, without requiring any extra planning.
- You won’t need to heat the oven for just a serving or two of golden tots. The air fryer makes it easy to prepare just what you need. This method also cooks the tots straight from frozen with no thawing required.
- No deep-frying needed here – a huge bonus for easy prep! Get that tasty texture without a greasy mess.
- I love that these are easy enough for my kids to make without having to use the oven. With some ketchup or sauce, they can easily enjoy a self-made snack!
Ingredients Needed
- Frozen tater tots – Use your favorite brand of frozen tater tots. Alexia and Ore-Ida are popular for consistent crispiness, but I personally love and use the Aldi brand most of the time. (Be sure to check ingredient labels to ensure tots are gluten or dairy-free as needed.)
- Cajun Seasoning – If the tots aren’t already seasoned, you can add just a pinch of homemade Cajun seasoning for a smoky, savory flavor. Feel free to get creative with seasonings for a fun variation!
- Avocado oil spray – No oil is needed for the tots, but a light mist of avocado or olive oil spray can be used for an extra-golden finish.
How To Make Air Fryer Tater Tots
- Add tots to the air fryer basket.
- Spray the tots evenly with oil and sprinkle with seasoning.
- Toss to distribute the seasoning.
- Cook at 380 ℉ for 10-12 minutes until browned and crispy, shaking halfway through.
Pro Tips
- Optional: If you like, preheat the air fryer to help the tots cook more evenly.
- Shake or flip the tots halfway through the cooking time for even browning on all sides.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent soggy tots. The tots should have some space between them to allow proper airflow.
- The air fryer is best suited for preparing single servings or small sides of tater tots. For larger batches, consider baking them in the oven if you need to serve a larger group all at once.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Spice up your tots with a variety of seasoning blends! Whether homemade or your favorite store brand, seasonings are a fun way to elevate this side. Try these ideas or create your own combo:
- Garlic and herb seasoning
- Sea salt and black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Ranch powder
- Taco seasoning
If you don’t have avocado oil spray, olive oil spray is also sufficient since it has a light flavor. (Note for cooking sprays: avoid aerosol propellants since they can create a difficult residue inside the air fryer.)
If you want to use a frozen mini-tater tot option, simply reduce the cooking time by 2-3 minutes and watch them closely to avoid over-browning.
How To Serve Air Fryer Tater Tots
Serve this quick and easy side dish with Frozen Burgers also made in the air fryer, with grilled meats, or with a tasty Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich. Another fun option is to serve the tots diner-style in a basket with an Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich, or as a breakfast trio with scrambled eggs and bacon.
Dipping sauces are key! Pair the tots with your favorites, such as ketchup, Dairy-Free Ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or Sriracha Mayo.
For a heartier option, try making Loaded Tater Tots for a full meal or appetizer. The tots are a kid-friendly base for lots of yummy toppings!
Storing and Reheating
How To Best Store Leftovers
Fridge
Store leftover tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freezing is not recommended since tots were previously frozen.
How To Best Reheat Leftovers
Reheat in the air fryer at 375 ℉ for 3-5 minutes, or until crisp. Avoid microwaving since it can make the tots soggy.
Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Tater Tots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 oz bag frozen tater tots
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Add tots to air fryer basket
- Spray tots evenly with oil and sprinkle with seasoning
- Toss to distribute seasoning
- Cook at 380 ℉ for 10-12 minutes until browned and crispy, shaking halfway through
Notes
- Store leftover tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375 ℉ for 3-5 minutes until crisp.
- Optional: Preheat air fryer for even cooking and slightly quicker results.
- Flip the tots or shake the basket halfway through to brown evenly.
- Be sure to leave space for airflow between the tots. Cook in small batches if needed.
