Introduction

Homemade tater tots are a crispy, golden treat that’s perfect as a snack or side dish. Made from simple ingredients, these tots bring a comforting crunch and a fresh flavor far superior to store-bought versions.

Homemade Tater Tots Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 pounds potatoes
1/2 tablespoon flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch of pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped onions
Oil for frying (peanut oil preferred)

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the potatoes into fourths and parboil them in enough water to cover until just tender but not fully cooked.
Step 2: Allow the potatoes to cool enough to handle comfortably.
Step 3: Grate the cooled potatoes using the large holes of a grater and place the grated potatoes gently into a bowl.
Step 4: Add the flour, salt, pepper, and finely chopped onions to the bowl and gently mix until combined.
Step 5: Let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes to bind slightly.
Step 6: Heat the oil to 355-360°F for frying.
Step 7: Use about 1 1/2 teaspoons of the potato mixture for each tot and gently shape into classic tater tot shapes.
Step 8: Fry a few tots at a time in the hot oil until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 9: Drain the fried tots on absorbent paper to remove excess oil before serving.
Step 10 (Air Fryer option): Chill the shaped tots first, or cook them from frozen. Lightly spray with olive oil and preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Step 11: Place tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket without touching sides and cook for about 10 minutes, turning gently after 6 minutes, until golden.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, make sure the potatoes are well drained and cooled before grating to avoid excess moisture.
Substitute onions with garlic powder or chopped chives for a different flavor twist.
You can bake them in the oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes as a lower-fat alternative to frying.

Storage

Store any leftover tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven for best crispness; avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. Tots also freeze well when chilled or fully cooked, allowing you to reheat straight from frozen.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be used for a sweeter and slightly softer tot. The cooking method remains the same, but watch closely as sweet potatoes may cook faster.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds a rustic texture and extra nutrients, but peeled potatoes make for a smoother tot.

Homemade Tater Tots Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 77 reviews

Crispy and delicious homemade tater tots made from grated parboiled potatoes mixed with onions and seasonings, perfect for frying or air frying for a healthier twist.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: About 40 tater tots 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

2 pounds potatoes

Seasonings and Mix-ins

1/2 tablespoon flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch of pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped onions

For Cooking

Oil for frying (preferably peanut oil)
Olive oil spray (for air frying)

Instructions

Parboil Potatoes: Cut the potatoes into fourths and parboil them in a generous amount of water to cover until slightly tender but still firm enough to handle.
Cool Potatoes: Allow the parboiled potatoes to cool until they can be handled comfortably.
Grate Potatoes: Grate the cooled potatoes using the large holes of a grater to get coarse shreds.
Mix Ingredients: Place the grated potatoes gently in a bowl, then add flour, salt, pepper, and finely chopped onions. Mix gently to combine all ingredients without breaking down the potatoes.
Rest Mixture: Let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes to allow the flour to absorb moisture and bind the mixture slightly.
Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to a temperature of 355-360°F (180-182°C) for frying.
Shape Tater Tots: Scoop about 1 1/2 teaspoons of the potato mixture for each tot and gently shape it into the classic tater tot form.
Fry Tots: Fry a few tater tots at a time in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, then drain on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
Air Fryer Option – Chill: If using an air fryer, be sure to chill the tater tots first, or you can cook them from frozen.
Prepare Air Fryer: Lightly spray the tater tots with olive oil and preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
Air Fry Tots: Place the tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure sides do not touch, then cook for about 10 minutes, turning gently after about 6 minutes, until golden and crispy.

Notes

Make sure potatoes are not overcooked – they should be parboiled just until slightly tender.
Chilling the tater tots before air frying helps them hold their shape and crisp better.
Peanut oil is preferred for frying because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
You can freeze shaped tots before frying or air frying to cook later.
Handle the mixture gently to keep the texture light and crispy.

Keywords: tater tots, homemade tater tots, crispy tater tots, air fryer tater tots, fried potatoes, snack, side dish