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Homemade Tater Tots Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. Cool Potatoes: Allow the parboiled potatoes to cool until they can be handled comfortably.
  3. Grate Potatoes: Grate the cooled potatoes using the large holes of a grater to get coarse shreds.
  4. 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.
  5. Rest Mixture: Let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes to allow the flour to absorb moisture and bind the mixture slightly.
  6. Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to a temperature of 355-360°F (180-182°C) for frying.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Air Fryer Option – Chill: If using an air fryer, be sure to chill the tater tots first, or you can cook them from frozen.
  10. Prepare Air Fryer: Lightly spray the tater tots with olive oil and preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
  11. 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

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/homemade-tater-tots-recipe/