Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—these homemade air fryer tater tots are everything you love about the classic snack, made healthier and tastier right in your air fryer.
Jump to RecipeThey’re made with real mashed potatoes, seasoned just right, and air-fried to golden perfection. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, appetizer, or quick snack, these tater tots are always a crowd-pleaser and ready in under 30 minutes.
PRO TIPS for the Best Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe?
For extra crispy tater tots, make sure your mashed potatoes are not too wet—drain them well before mashing.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; air circulation is key to crisping.
Flipping halfway through ensures even browning.
And for even better texture, refrigerate the shaped tots for 15–20 minutes before air frying to help them hold their shape.
Personalizing the Recipe
This tater tot recipe is easy to customize.
Swap parmesan for cheddar, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or spice it up with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
You can even mix in finely chopped bacon or jalapeños for added flavor.
Prefer dairy-free? Just skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Ingredients
Mashed potatoes form the base of this recipe, offering a soft and creamy texture.
Cornstarch helps bind the mixture and adds a slight crispiness to the outside.
Parmesan cheese brings in a rich, savory flavor, while garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, and Italian seasoning create the perfect balance of seasoning.
Olive oil ensures the tots crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Homemade air fryer tater
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with cornstarch, grated parmesan, and all the spices. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into small cylinders or classic tater tot shapes.
Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the shaped tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly brush or spray them with olive oil for a crisp finish.
Step 4: Air fry the tater tots for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. They should be golden and crispy on the outside.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Different Methods of Preparation
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the tater tots in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
They can also be shallow-fried in a skillet with a bit of oil for a traditional crispy texture, although the air fryer offers a lighter, oil-free option.
Different Methods of Serving
Serve these tater tots as a snack with your favorite dips or as a fun side dish for burgers, sandwiches, or grilled proteins.
You can also turn them into loaded tater tots by topping with melted cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and green onions for a party appetizer or game-day treat.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until they’re crisp again.
Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.
You can also freeze the shaped, uncooked tater tots for up to 2 months—just cook them directly from frozen when needed.
Air Fryer Tater Tots FAQ’s
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes! This is a perfect recipe for using up leftover mashed potatoes—just be sure they’re not too creamy or runny.
Do I need to boil the potatoes first?
Yes, you’ll need to boil and mash the potatoes before mixing in the seasonings. Let them cool before using.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free—just ensure your seasoning blends and cheese are labeled gluten-free.
Why aren’t my tots crispy?
Make sure your air fryer isn’t overcrowded and that you’ve brushed the tots lightly with oil. Also, check that the potatoes are not too moist.
air fryer tater tots
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes mashed
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chilli flakes
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the mashed potatoes, cornstarch, parmesan cheese and seasonings and mix them well.
- Using a tablespoon of potato mixture, roll the dough into tater tots.
- Pre-heat the Air Fryer to 400°F. Place the tater tots in a single layer and brush them with oil.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping half way until crisp and golden brown. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
These homemade air fryer tater tots are crispy, golden, and absolutely irresistible. Made with simple ingredients and minimal oil, they’re a healthier take on a nostalgic favorite. Whether you’re cooking for kids, prepping snacks for a gathering, or just treating yourself, this easy recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
About the Author
I am Seun, and I love to share my first-hand experience using multiple air fryers. Stick around for yummy delicacies made from the air fryer and many amazing tips on using your newfound Kitchen appliance – the air fryer!
