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    Home

    Air Fryer Tater Tots

    Feb 24, 2022 · 33 Comments

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    How to air fry tater tots (from frozen) in just 12 minutes with NO OIL! These frozen air fryer tater tots are fuss-free, require just 2 ingredients, and are wonderfully crispy outside and tender in the middle!

    completed Air Fryer Tater Tots in a white speckled bowl and a small bowl of ketchup against a white background

    Oil-Free Crispy Air Fryer Tater Tots (From Frozen)

    Jump to:
    • Oil-Free Crispy Air Fryer Tater Tots (From Frozen)
    • What are Tater Tots?
    • The Ingredients
    • How to Air Fry Tater Tots?
    • Serving Recommendations
    • FAQs
    • Top Recipe Tips and Notes
    • More Air Fryer Recipes
    • Air Fryer Tater Tots

    It’s a sad truth that often, the deep-fried version of foods is far superior to other cooking methods. Until the Air Fryer came along to challenge that theory, that is. Air fryers cook in a fraction of the time needed to oven bake, with minimal (if any) oil or hands-on effort, but providing results that give the deep fryer a run for its money. Like with these crispy air fryer tater tots. 

    While I won’t pretend these air fryer frozen tater tots taste EXACTLY the same as they would when deep-fried (after all, I made these completely oil-free!), they are amazingly crispy and crunchy outside with a melt-in-the-mouth middle. It has quickly become my favorite way to cook them. No more limp/ soggy baked tots for me!

    What are Tater Tots?

    Delicious! No, but seriously—tater tots are a popular side dish for any potato lover. They are made with grated potatoes formed into tiny tots and then deep-fried until golden-brown and crisp on the outside with a tender middle. They are also naturally vegan (yay!). 

    While, for most of us, we now rely on baking them from frozen for ‘okay’ results. You don’t have to settle for just ‘ok’… not when air fryer tater tots create such superior results!

    completed Air Fryer Tater Tots in a white speckled bowl with a fork in one being dipped in ketchup against a white background

    The Ingredients

    • Tater tots: Use your preferred bag of frozen tater tots (sometimes labeled potato puffs), like Ore-Ida or Alexia brands. Organic will be the healthiest.
    • Herbs (optional): To boost the flavor of the tots, I love adding ½ tablespoon of chopped rosemary or parsley. 

    I’ve found that I love the results of these air-fried tater tots without any oil at all. However, if you want even crispier results, a light spritz of olive oil spray/cooking spray should be more than enough. 

    bowl of frozen tater tots in white bowl

    Optional Seasonings

    Like regular potato fries, there are tons of ways to adapt the seasoning of these tots to match your meal (or cravings). Here are just a few options.

    I recommend using around 1 teaspoon in total either of a single seasoning or blend of spices for the crispy tater tots. Add salt to taste. 

    • Salt & black pepper
    • Seasoned salt
    • Smoked paprika
    • Onion powder
    • Garlic powder
    • Chili/Cayenne powder
    • Old Bay seasoning
    • Italian seasoning
    • Cajun seasoning
    • Taco seasoning
    • Tajin

    You could also make 'cheesy' air fryer tater tots by sprinkling the tots with your favorite vegan melty cheese once they’re ready, closing the air fryer for 2-3 minutes until it’s melted.  

    How to Air Fry Tater Tots?

    It’s practically effortless to air fry frozen tater tots and requires just three steps!

    1) First, preheat the air fryer to 400F/205C. 

    2) Then, spread the frozen tater tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Slight touching is okay, but they’ll be even better when arranged with space in between. 

    frozen tater tots in the air fryer basket

    3) Cook for 6 minutes, then pause and shake the basket, add the fresh herbs (if using), and cook for a further 6 minutes. 

    If you’d like even crispier air fryer frozen tater tots, continue to air fry in 1-minute increments until you reach your desired texture. Then serve immediately with the condiment/s of your choice! 

    Serving Recommendations

    I enjoy these air-fried tots like french fries. i.e., either fully loaded or with my favorite dipping sauce (ketchup, vegan mayo, vegan ranch, vegan sour cream, BBQ sauce, sriracha, vegan buffalo sauce, vegan queso/cheese sauce, etc.)

    When I’m feeling particularly hungry (or as a vegan game day appetizer/snack), I love to load them up like nachos with salsa, guacamole, and melty vegan cheese—yummy!

    Plus, this all-purpose potato side dish pairs with so many meals! Burgers, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, salad, chili, to top casseroles, and more!

    completed Air Fryer Tater Tots in a white speckled bowl and a small bowl of ketchup against a white background

    FAQs

    Are tater tots vegan?

    Yes, most brands are 100% vegan, though check the ingredients for any dairy and what oil is used in the product, just in case. 

    How long to air fry tater tots?

    In this method, I recommend 12 minutes as the perfect ‘checking’ point for the air fryer frozen tater tots. Then, if you want them even crispier, you can increase the time by a minute or two. 

    What is the best way to cook frozen tater tots?

    Air frying tater tots is best, of course! Oven methods, while okay, can be iffy and sometimes come out even soggy. Meanwhile, deep fryer methods require more effort, a ton of oil, and more cleanup. With this air fryer method, you’ll achieve super crispy results every single time and with NO OIL!

    Do I need to thaw tater tots before air frying?

    Not at all. Just chuck them in straight from frozen. 

    Can I use this method for chilled tater tots?

    Chilled tots will take less time to cook. I haven’t tried this before, but I recommend checking on them at 8-9 minutes. Then increase the time in 1-minute increments until you reach your desired level of crispiness.  

    Can I store air fryer tater tots?

    Generally, I’d say that tater tots are best eaten fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Reheat them in the air fryer (never a microwave) for several minutes to try bringing back some of the crisp texture. 

    completed Air Fryer Tater Tots in a white speckled bowl with a fork in one tot against a white background

    Top Recipe Tips and Notes

    • Don’t skip the preheating: This will ensure that the air fryer frozen tater tots cook evenly. 
    • For the crispiest results: Use a light spray of olive oil or cooking spray. This will provide more of a ‘deep-fried result.’ However, even without oil, they are wonderfully crispy. 
    • Cooking time can vary: Times vary according to the size and type of your air fryer (basket vs. air fryer vs. rotating) as well as the tater tots used. I recommend checking on them at 10 minutes to begin and adjusting the time accordingly. 
    • Don’t overcrowd the basket: Otherwise, the tater tots won’t become crispy. This is even more important when omitting all oil! While they can touch, it’s best to make them in a single layer with some space between. Cook in batches if necessary and then chuck them all back into the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at the end to reheat before serving (if necessary). 
    • Enjoy immediately: These tots taste best when fresh from the air fryer and super crispy!

    More Air Fryer Recipes

    • Air Fryer Butternut Squash [Cubes + Halves]

    If you try this method for air fryer frozen tater tots, I’d love to know what you think in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating!

    Photos by Alfonso Revilla

    completed Air Fryer Tater Tots in a white speckled bowl with a fork in one being dipped in ketchup against a white background

    Air Fryer Tater Tots

    These Air Fryer Tater Tots are fuss-free, require just 2 ingredients, and are wonderfully crispy outside and tender in the middle!
    5 from 17 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 3 mins
    Cook Time 12 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 3 cups
    Calories 228 kcal

    Equipment

    • air fryer
    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 cups of tater tots
    • ½ tablespoon of chopped rosemary or parsley (optional)
    • Ketchup, for serving (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
    • Spread the tots in a single layer and cook for 6 minutes. Pause the air fryer and shake the basket, add fresh herbs (if using), and cook for another 6 minutes.
    • If you’d like them to be crispier, cook in 1-minute increments until you reach your desired texture.
    • Serve immediately with ketchup, if using.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 228kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 548mgPotassium: 342mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 16IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword air fryer, crispy, easy dessert, herbs, oil-free, potatoes, quick recipes, tater tots, vegan, vegetarian
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @foodsharingvegan on Instagram!

    Disclaimer: Although foodsharingvegan.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Foodsharingvegan.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Andrea says

      February 24, 2022 at 3:29 am

      5 stars
      BIG fan of these tater tots!

      Reply
    2. Gina H. says

      February 25, 2022 at 6:30 pm

      5 stars
      These air fryer tater tots are the most perfect snack! Crispy, savory, and hits the spot every time. They're tasty with ketchup, but I love mine with a smoky, sweet barbecue sauce. Heavenly!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        February 27, 2022 at 2:40 am

        The crisp gets me every time! Soooo good!

        Reply
    3. Amanda says

      February 26, 2022 at 1:03 am

      5 stars
      Tater tots are my favorite and it's one of the only vegan foods I can share with my cat! Love this guide.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        February 27, 2022 at 2:40 am

        Love that for you and your cat!! They're so good!

        Reply
    4. Teodora says

      February 26, 2022 at 10:32 pm

      5 stars
      I'm definitely making these again! Everyone in the house liked it!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        February 27, 2022 at 2:41 am

        Yay! So glad you guys enjoyed them! They're so hard to not love!

        Reply
    5. nancy says

      February 28, 2022 at 2:53 am

      5 stars
      is it wrong if i popped the whole serving myself?

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        March 01, 2022 at 3:11 am

        That sounds completely right to me! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Cindy says

      February 28, 2022 at 3:33 am

      5 stars
      One of my favorite snacks! So good

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        March 01, 2022 at 3:12 am

        Love the small snacks!

        Reply
    7. Kyleigh says

      February 28, 2022 at 4:57 am

      5 stars
      They were so crispy!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        May 08, 2022 at 1:41 am

        Gotta love that crisp!

        Reply
    8. Jami says

      February 28, 2022 at 5:15 am

      5 stars
      I loooooove potatoes and these are the best!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        March 01, 2022 at 3:13 am

        They're definitely a winner!

        Reply
    9. Jeannie says

      February 28, 2022 at 7:09 am

      5 stars
      It was so good love the part of skipping oil

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        March 01, 2022 at 3:14 am

        I love the oil-free recipes too!

        Reply
    10. Freya says

      February 28, 2022 at 6:23 pm

      5 stars
      I so wish we had tater tots in the U.K., they look so crunchy and delicious!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        March 01, 2022 at 3:15 am

        You should totally start it up!

        Reply
    11. Oscar says

      February 28, 2022 at 10:43 pm

      5 stars
      Looks great, can't wait to try this recipe.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        May 08, 2022 at 1:41 am

        Let us know what you think 🙂

        Reply
    12. Stine Mari says

      March 01, 2022 at 10:29 am

      5 stars
      Love that these are oil free! Perfect weeknight treat.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        March 02, 2022 at 3:33 am

        Oil-free recipes are my favorite!

        Reply
      • Andrea says

        March 04, 2022 at 4:53 am

        I'm a sucker for oil free recipes! So so good!

        Reply
    13. Michelle says

      March 01, 2022 at 9:02 pm

      5 stars
      Love making these, they are a staple in our house!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        March 02, 2022 at 3:33 am

        Nothing like tater tots!!

        Reply
      • Andrea says

        March 04, 2022 at 4:53 am

        They're just too good!

        Reply
    14. Tatiana says

      March 03, 2022 at 7:32 pm

      5 stars
      Who doesn't like tater tots? Yummy!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        March 04, 2022 at 4:53 am

        Haven't met anyone yet, ha! So good!

        Reply
    15. Janaye says

      March 05, 2022 at 3:27 pm

      5 stars
      Omg yess these make me so happy to even just look at!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        March 06, 2022 at 6:15 am

        Right?! I loveeee tots and these are just too good!

        Reply
    16. Debra says

      March 05, 2022 at 11:25 pm

      5 stars
      so easy...and the kids adored them.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        March 06, 2022 at 6:17 am

        It's a kid favorite!!

        Reply

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