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Crispy Air Fryer Tater Tots from Scratch Easy Homemade Recipe

crispy air fryer tater tots - featured image

These crispy air fryer tater tots from scratch are a quick, easy, and delicious homemade snack with a golden, crunchy exterior and fluffy inside. Perfect for family gatherings, snacks, or as a side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large russet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds or 700 grams), peeled
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, can substitute nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt recommended)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil (for tossing before air frying)
  • Optional: smoked paprika or cayenne pepper (a pinch for a spicy kick)

Instructions

  1. Peel 2 large russet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds). Grate the potatoes on the coarse side using a box grater or food processor (about 5 minutes).
  2. Place grated potatoes into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and twist/squeeze firmly for 1-2 minutes to remove as much moisture as possible.
  3. Transfer dried grated potatoes to a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to combine (about 3 minutes).
  4. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the potato mixture and shape into small cylinders or oval shapes. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should get roughly 30 tots. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Lightly brush or spray tots with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or toss gently in a bowl with oil. Arrange tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket without touching. Cook in batches if needed.
  7. Air fry tots for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even browning. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  8. Let tots cool for 2 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm and crispy.

Notes

Drying the grated potatoes thoroughly is crucial for crispy tots. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid steaming. Chilling the shaped tots before cooking helps them hold their shape. Use oil sparingly to avoid greasiness. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast. Sweet potatoes can be used but reduce cooking time slightly.

Nutrition

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