If you're craving a snack that's golden, crispy, and bursting with cheesy goodness, you're going to love this Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe. It’s like the classic comfort food, but way healthier and so much easier to make at home!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I have to admit, making tater tots from scratch scared me at first, but after trying this method with the air fryer, I’m hooked! It’s the perfect snack for when you want that crispy crunch without the mess or guilt of deep frying.
- Healthier Indulgence: Air frying makes these tots crispy without all the oil of traditional frying.
- Cheesy Flavor Explosion: Sharp cheddar cheese mixed in gives every bite a rich, savory kick.
- Easy to Customize: You can swap cheeses or add your favorite seasonings to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Shape the tots in advance and air fry them fresh whenever you want.
Ingredients & Why They Work
These homemade tater tots are surprisingly simple to make, using ingredients you probably already have. The key is choosing the right potatoes and the best cheese to get that perfect crispy yet melty bite.

- Russet Potatoes: Their starchy texture is perfect for tater tots, helping them crisp up nicely on the outside while staying tender inside.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds bold flavor and a melty texture that’s downright addictive.
- All-Purpose Flour: Acts as the binder to keep everything together without messing with the flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural potato and cheese flavors without overpowering them.
- Black Pepper: Just a touch adds a subtle warmth and depth to the mix.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about this Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and personalize. Whether you love adding a little extra spice or want to fit them into a special diet, these tots are a fantastic starting point for your own tasty creations.
- Spicy Kick: I love sprinkling a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper into the mix for a subtle smoky heat that surprises your taste buds.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh chopped chives or parsley stirred into the mixture brings a bright, fresh note that balances the richness of cheese perfectly.
- Cheese Swap: If you don’t have sharp cheddar on hand, I’ve made these with pepper jack for a spicy twist or Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier flavor – both turned out fantastic.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to keep things light and allergy-friendly without losing that perfect tot texture.
- Make Ahead: Shaping these tots ahead of time and refrigerating them for up to a day means you can enjoy crisp, homemade snacks anytime with almost zero fuss.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe

Step 1: Cook Potatoes to the Perfect Tenderness
Start by placing your washed russet potatoes into a pot of cold salted water. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer them gently for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for that sweet spot where a fork slides in easily but the potatoes still hold their shape firmly. This balance ensures your tots will be tender inside but not mushy. After draining, let them cool for about 15 minutes until they’re comfortably cool to handle.
Step 2: Grate and Mix Your Ingredients
Once cooled, grate the potatoes finely using a box grater or food processor. Transfer the grated potatoes into a large bowl, then sprinkle in the sharp cheddar cheese, flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. Give everything a thorough mix — this step is crucial so each tot gets that cheesy flavor, seasoning, and just enough flour to hold it all together without any sogginess.
Step 3: Shape Your Tater Tots
Lay a large sheet of parchment paper on your workspace and scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture for each tot. Roll each one gently into a classic cylindrical shape with your hands. This part is fun—just imagine the golden, crispy bites you’re about to enjoy! Place them spaced out on the parchment to prevent sticking and keep their perfect shape.
Step 4: Get Your Air Fryer Ready
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). To make sure your tots don’t stick and get that mouthwatering crispness, lightly spray the air fryer basket with a nonstick cooking spray. This little step goes a long way toward crispy, golden results every time.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Place your tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket—no overcrowding here! Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray as well to help crisp up the outsides. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip each tot carefully and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. The tots should emerge golden brown, irresistibly crispy on the outside, and cheesy soft on the inside.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Immediately
Once cooked, remove your tots from the air fryer and serve them hot. Whether as a snack, appetizer, or side, these Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots are always a crowd-pleaser—perfectly crispy, cheesy, and full of comforting potato goodness!
Top Tip
Getting your Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots just right can feel a bit tricky at first, but these handy tips from my own experience will make all the difference in achieving that perfect golden crunch and cheesy goodness every time.
- Pat Dry the Potatoes: Removing excess moisture from the grated potatoes before mixing helps the tots crisp up beautifully without becoming soggy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Giving each tot enough space in the air fryer ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Use Sharp Cheddar: Sharp cheddar provides a wonderful tang and melt that really elevates these homemade tots to something special.
- Flip Midway: Turning your tots at the 10-minute mark guarantees an evenly browned exterior with a soft, cheesy inside.
How to Serve Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe

Garnishes
Try topping your crispy cheesy tots with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and subtle onion flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of spicy sriracha mayo adds a creamy zing that pairs beautifully with the golden, cheesy exterior. For an extra layer of cheese, sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan right after air frying.
Side Dishes
These tots make a fantastic appetizer or side for so many meals! Serve them alongside burgers or grilled chicken for a classic combo. They’re also delicious paired with a crisp Caesar salad or alongside steamed veggies for a lighter touch. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a bowl of warm chili or a tangy ketchup-based dip to dunk your tots in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover crispy cheesy air fryer tater tots in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay deliciously fresh for up to 2 days, making for an easy snack or quick addition to your next meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the shaped tater tots before air frying! Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 1 month. When ready, cook them straight from frozen in your air fryer, just adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover tots in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. This method revives that fresh-from-the-air-fryer texture much better than the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions:
For the best texture and crispiness in this Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe, fresh russet potatoes are recommended. Frozen potatoes tend to release extra moisture, which can make the tots less crispy.
No worries! You can substitute sharp cheddar with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of your favorites. Just aim for a cheese that melts well and offers good flavor.
Yes, flipping the tots after 10 minutes helps them cook evenly and develop that golden brown, crispy exterior all around, making EACH tot perfectly crunchy.
Absolutely! You can shape the tots ahead and refrigerate them for up to 1 day before air frying. This makes meal prep super convenient and saves you time on cook day.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about biting into these Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots — the perfect balance of crunchy exterior and melty, sharp cheddar inside. Making them from scratch in the air fryer means you get all the flavor and texture without the guilt of deep frying. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to whip up a batch soon and enjoy one of the best snacks straight from your own kitchen!
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Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 tots
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Air Fryer Cheesy Tater Tots are crispy, golden bite-sized tots made from shredded russet potatoes mixed with sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of seasoning. These homemade tots are cooked to perfection in an air fryer, offering a healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks with irresistible cheesy flavor and crunch.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Mix-Ins
- 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
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a pot of cold salted water. Bring the water to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes until a fork pierces the potatoes but they remain firm. Drain and let them cool for about 15 minutes until cool to the touch.
- Grate Potatoes: Once cooled, grate the potatoes using a box grater or food processor and transfer them 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 everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape Tater Tots: Lay out a large sheet of parchment paper. Scoop 1 tablespoon of the potato mixture and roll it into a cylindrical tater tot shape. Place each tot on the parchment paper and repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry the Tots: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Spray the tots lightly with cooking spray. Cook for 10 minutes, then 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.
Notes
- To keep the tots crispy, make sure they are spaced properly in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
- If you don’t have cheddar cheese, substitute with any sharp melting cheese like Monterey Jack or Colby.
- You can prepare the shaped tots ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 1 day before air frying.
- For extra crispiness, pat the grated potatoes dry with a kitchen towel before mixing.
- Use nonstick cooking spray or brush lightly with oil to ensure tots crisp up nicely without sticking.
- The flour acts as a binder; if gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tots
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg



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