best tater tots in air fryer

Only 15% of frozen tater tots in air fryers truly deliver that perfect crispy crunch, which makes finding the right one a real game-changer. Having tested several brands myself, I can tell you that the key is a balance between flavor, texture, and ease of preparation. My favorite so far is the Ore-Ida Crispy Tater Tots, 32 oz Bag. They heat evenly in the air fryer, turn irresistibly crispy without drying out, and hold their shape well—plus, they’re gluten-free, which is a bonus for many.

Compared to options like Grown in Idaho Crispy Potato Puffs, which are tasty but a bit softer inside and require baking, Ore-Ida’s tater tots offer that classic crunch you crave, straight from the freezer to your table. I’ve found they’re versatile for dipping, pairing with burgers, or tossing in casseroles. As someone who’s tested all these products, I confidently recommend the Ore-Ida Crispy Tater Tots for their unbeatable crunch and convenience—trust me, they truly stand out!

Top Recommendation: Ore-Ida Crispy Tater Tots, 32 oz Bag

Why We Recommend It: These tots excel in achieving an even, crispy exterior and a fluffy inside, thanks to their classic shape and size. Compared to the Idaho potato puffs, which tend to be softer inside and require baking at 420°F for 20 minutes, Ore-Ida’s product offers quick, uniform crispiness directly from the freezer. Their gluten-free feature also broadens appeal for dietary needs, making them the top choice for quality, texture, and ease of cooking in an air fryer.

Best tater tots in air fryer: Our Top 2 Picks

• Ore-Ida Crispy Tater Tots, 32 oz Bag – Best Value
• Grown in Idaho Crispy Potato Puffs, 28 oz (Frozen) – Best Premium Option

What Are the Benefits of Cooking Tater Tots in an Air Fryer?

Cooking tater tots in an air fryer offers several advantages that enhance both the cooking process and the final result.

• Healthier Cooking Method: Air frying uses significantly less oil compared to traditional frying methods, which means tater tots can be made with lower fat content. This results in a crisp texture without the added calories from excessive oil.
• Even Cooking: The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, ensuring that the tater tots cook evenly on all sides. This eliminates the risk of undercooked or soggy spots, resulting in a uniformly crispy exterior.
• Quick Cooking Time: Air fryers typically reduce cooking time, allowing tater tots to be ready in about 15-20 minutes. This is much faster than conventional ovens, making it convenient for quick meals or snacks.
• Easy Cleanup: Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze after cooking. This contrasts with traditional frying, which can leave behind messy oil splatters and require more effort to clean.
• Versatility: Air fryers can be used for more than just tater tots; they can also cook a variety of other frozen snacks, vegetables, and even meats. This versatility makes it a valuable kitchen appliance for many different meals.
• Enhanced Flavor: Cooking tater tots in an air fryer can enhance their flavor, as the hot air helps to caramelize the outside and lock in moisture. This results in a more flavorful and satisfying bite compared to methods that involve boiling or steaming.

Which Brands Offer the Best Tater Tots for Air Frying?

The best brands that offer tater tots suitable for air frying include:

• Ore-Ida: A classic choice known for its crispy texture and golden color.
• Food Lion: Offers a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or crunch.
• Alexia: Provides a gourmet twist with unique flavors and organic options.
• Trader Joe’s: Features a fan-favorite version that is both crispy and flavorful.
• McCain: A popular brand with a variety of tater tots that cook evenly in an air fryer.

Ore-Ida: This brand is synonymous with frozen potato products and is particularly loved for its tater tots. They are pre-seasoned and cook to a perfect crisp in an air fryer, making them a reliable choice for achieving that golden-brown finish with a fluffy interior.

Food Lion: Known for its affordability, Food Lion’s tater tots offer great value without sacrificing taste. They are easy to prepare in an air fryer, yielding a satisfying crunch that complements any meal.

Alexia: For those looking for a more gourmet option, Alexia’s tater tots come in various flavors, including sweet potato. They use high-quality ingredients and are often organic, appealing to health-conscious consumers while still delivering on taste and texture in the air fryer.

Trader Joe’s: This brand has a cult following for its unique offerings, and their tater tots are no exception. They are well-seasoned and cook up crispy, making them a popular choice among air fryer enthusiasts.

McCain: A staple in many households, McCain offers a diverse range of tater tots that are designed to cook evenly and quickly in an air fryer. They maintain a consistent quality and texture, ensuring that every bite is enjoyable.

How Do You Cook Tater Tots Perfectly in an Air Fryer?

Cooking tater tots perfectly in an air fryer requires attention to temperature, timing, and preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieve crispy, golden-brown tater tots:

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve that desired crispiness.

2. Prepare the tater tots: If you’re using frozen tater tots, no need to thaw them. For fresh homemade tots, ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.

3. Lightly coat with oil: While it’s optional, a light spray of cooking oil can enhance crunchiness. Use olive oil or vegetable oil for best results.

4. Arrange in a single layer: Place the tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate, which is key to getting them crispy.

5. Cooking time: Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check for doneness around the 15-minute mark, as cook time may vary based on the brand.

6. Serve immediately: Tater tots are best enjoyed right after cooking. Pair them with dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or cheese sauce for added flavor.

Following these steps will help you achieve perfectly crispy and delicious tater tots in your air fryer.

What Are the Ideal Cooking Times and Temperatures for Air Frying Tater Tots?

The ideal cooking times and temperatures for air frying tater tots can vary based on the specific brand and thickness, but general guidelines can help achieve the best results.

• Temperature: 400°F (200°C): Cooking tater tots at 400°F is optimal for achieving that crispy exterior while ensuring the inside is thoroughly cooked. This high temperature allows the hot air to circulate effectively, mimicking frying without the need for excessive oil.
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes: The recommended cooking time for tater tots is typically between 15 to 20 minutes. It’s essential to shake or stir the tots halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.
• Preheating: 3-5 minutes: Preheating the air fryer for about 3 to 5 minutes before adding the tater tots can help achieve a better texture and reduce overall cooking time. This step ensures that the tater tots start cooking immediately upon placement, leading to a more consistent finish.
• Batch Size: Single Layer: Cooking tater tots in a single layer is crucial for optimal air circulation. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking, resulting in some tots being soggy while others are perfectly crispy.
• Checking for Doneness: It’s beneficial to check for doneness a few minutes before the end of the cooking time. Tater tots should be golden brown and crispy on the outside; if they need more time, continue cooking in short intervals to avoid burning.

How Can You Enhance the Flavor of Air Fryer Tater Tots with Seasonings?

To enhance the flavor of air fryer tater tots, consider using a variety of seasonings and toppings.

• Salt and Pepper: The classic combination of salt and pepper is essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the tater tots. A sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the crunchiness, while freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle heat that balances the taste.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides a robust, savory flavor that complements the potato base of the tater tots. It can be sprinkled before cooking to infuse the garlic essence into the tots, making them more aromatic and appetizing.
• Paprika: Paprika, whether sweet or smoked, adds a rich color and a hint of sweetness or smokiness to the tater tots. This spice not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds complexity to the flavor, making the dish more exciting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on the tater tots right before they finish cooking in the air fryer. It melts slightly, creating a savory crust that adds depth and richness to each bite.
• Cayenne Pepper: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, cayenne pepper can be added for a spicy kick. Just a pinch can elevate the flavor profile and make the tater tots more interesting without overwhelming the palate.
• Italian Herb Blend: A mix of dried herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme can give the tater tots an Italian twist. This herb blend adds a fragrant, aromatic quality that pairs well with the crispy texture of the tots.
• Ranch Seasoning: Store-bought ranch seasoning or homemade blends can provide a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the crispy tater tots. Tossing the tots in ranch seasoning after cooking can create a delicious, indulgent snack.
• Chili Powder: Chili powder can add warmth and a bit of earthiness to the tater tots. The blend of spices often found in chili powder enhances the overall flavor, making it perfect for those who enjoy a Southwestern flair.

What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid When Making Tater Tots in an Air Fryer?

When making the best tater tots in an air fryer, there are several common mistakes to avoid for optimal results.

• Overcrowding the Basket: Placing too many tater tots in the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking and soggy texture.
• Skipping Preheating: Not preheating the air fryer can result in longer cooking times and undercooked tater tots.
• Neglecting to Shake the Basket: Failing to shake or turn the tater tots halfway through cooking can cause them to cook unevenly, leaving some tots crispy while others remain soft.
• Using Too Much Oil: While a light coating of oil can help achieve crispiness, using too much can make the tater tots greasy and less enjoyable.
• Not Adjusting Cook Time: Different brands and sizes of tater tots may require adjustments in cooking time, so relying solely on preset times can lead to unsatisfactory results.

Overcrowding the basket can trap steam and moisture around the tater tots, preventing them from achieving that perfect crispiness. It’s best to cook in batches if you’re preparing a large quantity.

Skipping the preheating step means that the tater tots start cooking in a cooler environment, which can hinder their ability to develop a crispy exterior. Preheating the air fryer ensures that the cooking process begins immediately for better texture.

Neglecting to shake the basket during cooking can result in some tater tots getting overcooked while others may remain underdone. Shaking helps redistribute the heat and ensures every piece gets the same exposure to hot air.

Using too much oil can lead to overly greasy tater tots that lose their intended texture. A light spray or brushing of oil is sufficient to help them crisp up without adding excess moisture.

Not adjusting the cooking time based on the specific type of tater tots you are using can lead to disappointment. Always check the recommended cooking time on the package and adjust accordingly for the best results.

Can You Reheat Leftover Tater Tots in the Air Fryer, and How?

Yes, you can reheat leftover tater tots in the air fryer.

Reheating tater tots in an air fryer is an excellent way to restore their crispy texture while keeping them warm. To do this, preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket; this ensures even heating and crispiness. Depending on the quantity, you might need to do this in batches. Cook them for about 5 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they heat evenly.

Using the air fryer not only revives the texture of your tater tots but also reduces the need for extra oil, making it a healthier option than reheating in a microwave, which often leads to sogginess. If you want to enhance the flavor, you can sprinkle a little bit of salt, garlic powder, or your favorite seasoning on the tater tots before reheating. This method is quick and convenient, allowing you to enjoy your leftover tater tots almost as if they were freshly made.

Related Post:

• Best tasting french fries from air fryer
• Best te p for air fryer steak
• Best tefal air fryer
• Best temp and time for pizza in air fryer
• Best temp and time to air fryer chicken breast