Tater tots are a beloved American snack that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for decades. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, there’s just something about those crispy, golden potato bites that is undeniably delicious. While you can easily find frozen tater tots in the grocery store, there’s nothing quite like making them from scratch. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making tater tots in an air fryer from scratch. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this foolproof recipe!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start making tater tots, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Potatoes – You can use russet or golden potatoes for this recipe. Aim for about 4 large potatoes, which will yield around 2 cups of grated potatoes.
2. Onion – A small onion, finely grated or minced.
3. Flour – About 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour.
4. Salt – To taste, around 1 teaspoon.
5. Garlic powder – Around 1/2 teaspoon.
6. Paprika – Around 1/2 teaspoon.
7. Oil – You’ll need some oil for greasing the air fryer basket and brushing the tater tots.
Prepare the Potatoes
The first step in making tater tots is to prepare the potatoes. Start by peeling the potatoes and then use a grater to finely grate them. Alternatively, you can also use a food processor fitted with a grating blade for a quicker process.
Once the potatoes are grated, place them in a clean kitchen towel or a cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture from the grated potatoes as possible. Removing excess moisture will help the tater tots become crispier when cooked.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, minced onion, flour, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix everything together until well combined. The flour will act as a binder, helping to hold the tater tots together.
Shape the Tater Tots
Now comes the fun part – shaping the tater tots! Take about a tablespoon of the potato mixture and roll it into a small cylindrical shape. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all the potato mixture. You should end up with approximately 40 to 50 tater tots, depending on the size.
Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, lightly grease the air fryer basket with some oil to prevent sticking.
Once preheated, carefully arrange the tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave a little space between each tater tot to allow hot air to circulate properly.
Cook the tater tots in the air fryer for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they reach a golden brown color without burning.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the tater tots are beautifully crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They will be piping hot, so exercise caution when taking a bite!
Serve the tater tots as a snack, appetizer, or a side dish. They pair perfectly with ketchup, ranch dressing, or any dipping sauce of your choice. These homemade tater tots are sure to be a hit at any gathering or family meal.
Tips and Variations
– Experiment with different seasonings to add extra flavor to your tater tots. You can try adding herbs like parsley or thyme, or even spices like cayenne pepper for some heat.
– If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
– For a cheesy twist, mix in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the potato mixture before shaping the tater tots.
– If you don’t own an air fryer, you can also bake the tater tots in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Conclusion
Making tater tots in an air fryer from scratch is a simple and rewarding process. With just a few ingredients and some handy kitchen tools, you can create crispy, homemade tater tots that are bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking to enjoy them as a snack or serve them as a side dish, these tater tots are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, why settle for store-bought when you can impress your taste buds with the deliciousness of homemade tater tots? Fire up your air fryer and give this foolproof recipe a try!