Description
Air Fryer Cheesy Tater Tots are crispy, golden shredded potatoes mixed with sharp cheddar cheese and seasoned perfectly, formed into bite-sized tots and cooked to perfection in an air fryer. This homemade snack offers a cheesy, crunchy delight that's a great appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes, washed
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Place the washed whole russet potatoes in a pot filled with cold salted water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until a fork can pierce the potatoes but they remain firm. Drain the potatoes and let them cool for about 15 minutes until they are cool enough to handle.
- Grate Potatoes: Once cooled, grate the potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Transfer the grated potatoes into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the grated potatoes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form Tater Tots: Lay a large sheet of parchment paper on a flat surface. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of the potato and cheese mixture, then shape it into a cylindrical tater tot shape. Place each formed tot onto the parchment paper. Continue until all the mixture is used.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Tater Tots: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Spray the tops of the tots with cooking spray. Air fry for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each tot and cook for an additional 5 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the tater tots from the air fryer and serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Make sure the potatoes are drained well before grating to avoid soggy tots.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a strong cheesy flavor; you can substitute with other cheese varieties if preferred.
- Work in batches if your air fryer basket is small to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- You can store uncooked tots on parchment in the fridge for a few hours before cooking if needed.
- For extra crispiness, spray a little oil on the tots before and halfway through cooking.
- Any leftover tots can be reheated in the air fryer to regain crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 3 tots)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
