Air Fryer Recipes: Learn How to Cook Tater Tots
Tater tots are a popular snack that originated in the United States. These bite-sized treats are made from grated or finely chopped potatoes that are then deep-fried until crispy. However, with the rise in popularity of air fryers, people are now looking for healthier alternatives to traditional deep-fried foods. In this article, we will explore how to cook tater tots using an air fryer and provide you with some delicious air fryer recipes to try.
Why Choose an Air Fryer?
Air fryers have gained popularity in recent years due to their ability to cook food with a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep-frying methods. Instead of submerging food in hot oil, air fryers use hot air circulation to crisp up the exterior while maintaining a juicy and tender interior. This makes them an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy their favorite fried foods without the guilt.
Cooking Tater Tots in an Air Fryer
Cooking tater tots in an air fryer is incredibly easy and yields crispy results that rival deep-fried tater tots. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure the tater tots cook evenly and become crispy all around.
2. Arrange the Tater Tots: Place the tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this will prevent proper airflow and result in less crispy tots.
3. Cook Time: Set the timer for about 10-15 minutes. However, cooking time may vary depending on the size and quantity of tater tots. It’s best to check on them halfway through and give the basket a shake to ensure even cooking.
4. Enjoy: Once the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and enjoy them immediately. Remember, tater tots are best enjoyed hot!
Delicious Air Fryer Tater Tot Recipes to Try
Now that you know how to cook tater tots in an air fryer let’s explore some mouth-watering recipes you can try at home.
Cheesy Bacon Tater Tots
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of frozen tater tots
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4-6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook for 10 minutes, then remove the basket and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions over the tots.
4. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and tater tots are crispy.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy this cheesy bacon twist on classic tater tots!
Sweet Potato Tater Tots
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and grated
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the grated sweet potatoes, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Shape the mixture into small tots and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sweet potato tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve hot and enjoy a healthier alternative to traditional tater tots!
Loaded Tater Tot Nachos
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of frozen tater tots
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup diced red onions
– 1/4 cup sliced black olives
– 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapenos
– Sour cream and guacamole for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Transfer the cooked tater tots onto a baking sheet and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, diced red onions, sliced black olives, and chopped pickled jalapenos evenly over the tots.
5. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese has melted and bubbled.
6. Serve the loaded tater tot nachos with sour cream and guacamole for a delicious and indulgent treat!
Conclusion
Cooking tater tots in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying while still yielding crispy and delicious results. With these simple recipes, you can enjoy tater tots in various ways – from the classic cheesy bacon tots to the healthier sweet potato version or even loaded tater tot nachos. So, dust off your air fryer and start experimenting with these scrumptious tater tot recipes today!