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
Scale
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
