Tater tots are a delectable and crispy snack that everyone loves. And what better way to make them than in a Ninja Air Fryer? This kitchen appliance has gained immense popularity due to its ability to cook food with little to no oil, resulting in healthier and guilt-free dishes. In this article, we will guide you on how to make tater tots in a Ninja Air Fryer, providing you with a delicious and crispy recipe that will leave you craving for more.
Gather Your Ingredients
First and foremost, let’s gather all the ingredients needed to make these mouthwatering tater tots. You will need:
1. 2 pounds of russet potatoes.
2. 1 teaspoon of salt.
3. 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
4. 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
5. 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
6. 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
7. 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
Prepare the Potatoes
To begin, peel and rinse the russet potatoes thoroughly. Then, using a grater, grate the potatoes into a bowl. Next, place the grated potatoes onto a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is crucial to achieve a crispy texture for your tater tots.
Create the Tater Tot Mixture
Once you have drained the potatoes, transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. This flavorful mixture will enhance the taste of your tater tots.
Shape the Tater Tots
Now comes the fun part! Take a tablespoon-sized portion of the tater tot mixture and shape it into a small cylindrical tot using your hands. Repeat this process until you have used up all the mixture. If you find the mixture sticking to your hands, you can lightly coat them with vegetable oil to prevent any sticking.
Preheat the Ninja Air Fryer
Before you start cooking the tater tots, it’s important to preheat your Ninja Air Fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for around 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the tater tots cook evenly and become crispy on the outside.
Cooking the Tater Tots
Once the Ninja Air Fryer is preheated, it’s time to cook the tater tots. Carefully place the tots into the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding the basket can prevent proper air circulation and result in unevenly cooked tots. If needed, cook the tots in batches.
Set the cooking time to 15 minutes. Flip the tater tots halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. The Ninja Air Fryer’s powerful circulation of hot air will cook the tots to perfection, giving them a delightful crispy exterior.
Enjoy Your Crispy and Delicious Tater Tots
Once the cooking time has elapsed, remove the tater tots from the Ninja Air Fryer. They should be golden brown and crispy. Allow them to cool slightly before serving, as they will be extremely hot right out of the air fryer.
These homemade tater tots are best enjoyed immediately. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or even a spicy sriracha aioli for an extra kick. They make a perfect side dish for burgers, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack.
Experiment with Flavors
While the recipe we have shared offers a classic tater tot flavor profile, feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to suit your taste. You can try adding dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for an herby twist or even some shredded cheese for a gooey and cheesy center.
Cleaning your Ninja Air Fryer
Now that you have enjoyed your delicious tater tots, it’s important to clean your Ninja Air Fryer properly. Allow the appliance to cool down before cleaning. The cooking basket and tray can be removed from the air fryer and washed with warm, soapy water. Ensure that all food residue is removed to prevent any unpleasant smells or flavors.
Conclusion
Making tater tots in a Ninja Air Fryer is a simple and satisfying cooking adventure. With just a few ingredients and the Ninja Air Fryer, you can create crispy and delicious tater tots that rival any store-bought version. Whether you’re enjoying them as a side dish or a snack, these homemade tater tots will surely be a hit with your family and friends. So, grab your Ninja Air Fryer and get ready to indulge in a batch of perfectly cooked tater tots!