Name: Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
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

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!

A pile of golden brown tater tots with a crispy surface, some showing small browned spots, spread on a brown parchment paper on a wooden table. Light green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the tots and around them. Below the pile, there are two small round wooden bowls filled with sauces: one is red ketchup and the other is a light orange creamy sauce. The overall scene is warm and rustic. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

Flat lay of fresh whole russet potatoes with rough brown skins, a small mound of finely grated sharp cheddar cheese in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

A close-up image of a woman's hand holding a small, golden-brown tater tot with a bite taken out, showing its soft, light yellow inside texture. The background is filled with more similar golden, crispy tater tots scattered on a white marbled surface, slightly blurred to keep focus on the held tot. The lighting highlights the crispiness and warm color tones of the tater tots. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

The image shows a baking tray lined with white parchment paper, filled with five neat rows of small, rectangular dough pieces with visible orange flecks throughout, suggesting cheese mixed inside. Each dough piece is evenly spaced and has a slightly rough texture on the surface. To the right of the tray lies a metal scoop filled with the same dough. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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:

Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh russet potatoes?

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.

What if I don’t have sharp cheddar cheese?

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.

Is it necessary to flip the tots halfway through cooking?

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.

Can I make these tots ahead of time?

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!