Name: Air Fryer Tater Tots
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 bag (32 oz frozen tater tots); Cooking spray (such as olive oil or canola oil); Salt (to taste)

Quick, crispy Air Fryer Tater Tots made with just frozen tater tots, cooking spray, and salt. Ready in 10 minutes for the perfect snack or side!

Okay, so here’s the thing. I’ve got a bit of a love-hate relationship with tater tots. Not in a bad way, but more like… they’ve betrayed me one too many times. Like, the number of times I’ve burned my tongue on scorching hot, fresh-from-the-oven tots because I just couldn’t wait? Embarrassing. And you’d think I’d learn, but nope.

I remember this one time—probably way too late on a Friday night—I threw a bag of tots into the oven, only to realize I’d forgotten to preheat it. Typical. Then I proceeded to leave them in for way too long because I got distracted binge-watching something ridiculous. Long story short, I ended up eating charred little nuggets that tasted like pure regret.

And then came the air fryer. Oh man, total game-changer. Crispy tots in ten minutes without babysitting them like a nervous parent at their kid’s first sleepover? Sign me up. And honestly, it’s kind of therapeutic hearing that little crunch as you take a bite. You know what I’m talking about, right?

The best part? My kids think I’m some kind of snack wizard now. They’re not wrong, though. And if you haven’t tried making Air Fryer Tater Tots yet, let me tell you—you’re missing out big time.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe?

Fast & Easy: From frozen to crispy perfection in about 10 minutes. Perfect for those “I’m starving and I need food NOW” moments.
Perfect Crunch: No more mushy, sad tots. The air fryer gives them that perfect golden crispiness every single time.
Picky-Eater Approved: Got kids? Trust me, they’ll love these. And if you toss them in cheese or ranch seasoning, you’re basically a hero.
Endless Possibilities: Dipping sauces, tot nachos, breakfast bowls... The world’s your tater tot oyster.
Healthier (Kind of): Less oil than frying and quicker than the oven. It’s like cheating but without the guilt.

Ingredient Notes:

Nothing complicated here—just the basics. And you can totally play around with the flavors if you’re feeling fancy.

Frozen Tater Tots: I usually grab a 32 oz bag. Classic, seasoned, sweet potato—whatever floats your boat.
Cooking Spray: A light mist of olive oil spray works wonders for that crispy texture.
Salt: Sprinkle it on fresh out of the air fryer. It just sticks better when they’re hot and crispy.

How To Make Air Fryer Tater Tots?

I swear, it’s almost too easy. And maybe a little dangerous because it means I make these way more than I probably should.

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C). Preheating just gives you that crispiness right off the bat. No soggy tots here.
Arrange & Spray: Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd them. Otherwise, they just end up steaming. Give them a quick spray of cooking spray.
Air Fry & Shake: Cook for about 8–10 minutes. About halfway through, give the basket a good shake. You know, the kind that feels oddly satisfying. If you like your tots extra crispy, let them go for an extra minute or two.
Season & Serve: As soon as they’re done, sprinkle on the salt (or whatever seasoning you love). Then, dig in while they’re still hot!

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Storage Options:

Here’s the thing—if you have leftovers, you’ve got some serious willpower. But just in case:

Refrigeration: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They won’t be as crispy, but still delicious.
Freezing: Not ideal once cooked, but if you must, freeze them spread out on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer at 400°F for about 5 minutes.
Reheating: Toss them back in the air fryer at 400°F for 3–4 minutes. They crisp right back up. It’s like magic.

Variations and Substitutions:

I love how easy it is to switch things up. Here are a few ideas to make your Air Fryer Tater Tots even better:

Cheesy Tots: Sprinkle shredded cheese on them right after they come out. Gooey, melty goodness.
Spicy Tots: Add a bit of smoked paprika, cayenne, or chili powder before air frying. Perfect if you like a kick.
Garlic Parmesan Tots: Toss with garlic powder, parmesan cheese, and parsley. Instant gourmet!
Loaded Totchos: Turn them into nachos with sour cream, bacon, jalapeños, and cheese. Over-the-top? Maybe. But worth it.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Tater Tots?

They’re great on their own, but why stop there? Here’s what I love to pair them with:

Dipping Sauces: Ketchup, ranch, honey mustard, sriracha mayo… or all of the above. No judgment.
Burgers or Hot Dogs: Classic combo. And way better than fries, honestly.
Breakfast Platters: Toss them on a plate with scrambled eggs and bacon. It’s like a diner breakfast at home.
Salads: Yes, seriously. A few tots sprinkled over a salad? Game-changing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I cook tater tots straight from the freezer in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Just toss them in frozen, and you’re good to go.

How do I make my tater tots extra crispy?
Cook them a minute or two longer and don’t skimp on the cooking spray.

Can I reheat tater tots in the air fryer?
Yes! Reheat them at 400°F for 3–4 minutes. They’ll be just as crispy as the first time.

So, there you have it. Air Fryer Tater Tots that’ll seriously change your snacking game. Have you tried making tots in the air fryer before? Or do you have your own crazy topping ideas? Let me know—I’m always looking for excuses to make another batch.

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

<Remember it later>

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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