Hot & Crispy Air Fryer Tater Tots

Patty Catalano
Patty CatalanoFood Editor at The Kitchn
The only subject that has ever held my attention has been food, because there’s no end to what you can taste, smell, learn, and cook. I patchworked my way to recipe development and food writing by earning degrees in Family & Consumer Sciences (you may have known it as Home Ec) and Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Science, and working anywhere that would take me: university food services, local bakeries, and the set of Good Eats on Food Network. Early on, I asked my mom how she knew what a cookbook recipe (with no pictures) would look and taste like. While my mom was there to teach me, I realized that not everyone has someone to turn to for trusted cooking guidance. I try every day to be that person for The Kitchn’s readers by sharing smart recipes they can feel proud to serve. Recipe development is the most fun job I can imagine, but it also comes with a lot of dirty dishes and hours spent in the grocery store. I’ve found that I actually really love grocery shopping — especially at Costco and Aldi — and it brings me such joy to share my finds with The Kitchn readers.
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updated Apr 16, 2021
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tater tots on a plate with ketchup
Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Anna Stockwell

These hot and crispy air fryer tater tots taste just like the ones from your favorite burger joint.

Serves6 to 8

Prep1 minute

Cook10 minutes to 12 minutes

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tater tots on a plate with ketchup
Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Anna Stockwell

While there’s no wrong way to eat a potato, tater tots rank among the best. These bite-sized spuds are so irresistible that I keep my freezer stocked with bags of them at all times. I learned long ago which brand to buy, and will always shower them with seasoned salt to make them even more tempting. And just like everyone “in the know,” I always baked them longer than the package instructed — until now.

To the surprise of absolutely no one, air fryer tater tots are even better than oven-baked. They’re ready in way less time, are supremely crispy and delicious, and are by far the best way to mimic deep-fried restaurant tots at home. Here’s how to do it.

Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Anna Stockwell

Your Air Fryer Is the Secret to the Crispiest Tater Tots

Air fryer tater tots are impossibly easy. Simply fill the basket of your air fryer with about half a bag of tots (they can touch, but you’ll achieve maximum crispness if they’re in a single layer), then air fry until golden and crisp. You’ll want to shake the basket about halfway through cooking, but don’t flip the tots with a spatula — they can easily break apart once they’re thawed but before their crusts have crisped.

Serve the hot tots as is, or shake seasoned salt over top for an easy one-ingredient upgrade.

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Air Fryer Tater Tots

These hot and crispy air fryer tater tots taste just like the ones from your favorite burger joint.

Prep time 1 minute

Cook time 10 minutes to 12 minutes

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients

  • 1 (28 to 32-ounce) package

    frozen tater tots, divided

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    seasoned salt, such as Lawry's (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat an air fryer to 400°F. Place about 1/2 bag frozen tater tots in a single layer in the basket (they can be touching). Air fry for 6 minutes. Shake the basket to toss the tater tots. Air fry until golden brown and crispy, 4 to 6 minutes more. Transfer to a serving bowl and repeat air frying the remaining tater tots. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt if desired and toss to combine.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Filed in:
Air Fryer
Cooking Methods
dinner
easy
Gluten-Free
Ingredient