Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to cook food quickly and with less oil. These kitchen appliances utilize hot air circulation to mimic the effects of deep frying, resulting in deliciously crispy dishes. One such popular recipe that can be made in an air fryer is tots. Tots, also known as tater tots, are small cylindrical pieces of grated or finely chopped potatoes that are deep-fried until golden brown. In this article, we will discuss a quick and crispy recipe to make tots in an air fryer.
Gather the Ingredients
Before you start making tots in an air fryer, it is essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. The ingredients you will need for this recipe include:
1. Potatoes: Choose potatoes that are starchy and suitable for frying, such as russet or Idaho potatoes.
2. Cooking spray or oil: This will help in preventing the tots from sticking to the air fryer basket.
3. Salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings: Feel free to customize the flavor of your tots by adding additional spices like garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder.
Prepare the Potatoes
Step 1: Peel and Shred
Start by peeling the potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, use a box grater or a food processor fitted with a shredding disc to grate the potatoes. Ensure that the potatoes are evenly shredded, as this will help in shaping the tots.
Step 2: Rinse and Squeeze
After shredding the potatoes, rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch. Once rinsed, take handfuls of grated potatoes and squeeze them over the sink to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial to ensure your tots turn out crispy.
Shape the Tots
Step 3: Season and Mix
Place the squeezed potatoes in a bowl and season them with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Mix well, ensuring that all the grated potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 4: Shape Into Cylinders
To achieve the classic tot shape, take a small amount of the seasoned grated potatoes in your palm and shape it into a cylindrical form. Repeat this process until you have shaped all the potato mixture into tots.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before cooking the tots, it is crucial to preheat the air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and allow the air fryer to preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the tots cook evenly and to a crisp.
Step 6: Arrange the Tots
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the tots in a single layer, making sure that they have space around them to allow for even cooking and airflow.
Step 7: Cook and Flip
Place the filled air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and cook the tots for approximately 10-12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, carefully flip the tots using tongs or a spatula to ensure that they cook evenly on all sides.
Step 8: Check for Crispiness
Air fryers may have varying cooking times, depending on their make and model. After the initial 10-12 minutes, check the tots to see if they have reached the desired level of crispiness. If needed, cook for an additional few minutes until golden brown and crunchy.
Serving and Enjoying
Once cooked to perfection, let the tots cool for a few minutes before serving. These air fryer tots can be enjoyed as a tasty side dish, a party appetizer, or even as a quick snack. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or ranch dressing, and savor the delicious, crispy goodness.
Variations and Tips
1. Cheesy Tots:
To add an extra burst of flavor to your tots, consider mixing in shredded cheese of your choice into the potato mixture before shaping. This will result in cheesy tots with a gooey center.
2. Sweet Potato Tots:
For a healthier twist, replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes. Follow the same preparation and cooking steps, adjusting the seasoning to complement the sweet flavor of the potatoes.
3. Freezing Tots:
If you have leftovers or want to prepare tots in advance, you can freeze them for future use. After shaping the tots, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for convenient storage. When ready to eat, cook the frozen tots directly in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
4. Avoid Overcrowding:
To ensure your tots turn out crispy and evenly cooked, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook the tots in batches, giving each tot enough space for proper air circulation.
5. Experiment with Seasonings:
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings. Try adding different herbs, spices, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to customize the flavor of your tots.
In conclusion, making tots in an air fryer is a simple and convenient way to enjoy this classic comfort food. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create perfectly crispy tots with a fraction of the oil typically used in deep frying. Whether you prefer the traditional potato tots or want to experiment with different variations, an air fryer provides a quick and delicious way to satisfy your tot cravings. So, grab your air fryer, gather the ingredients, and get ready to indulge in crispy and flavorful tots that will leave everyone wanting more.