Description
Air Fryer Cheesy Tater Tots are crispy, golden-brown shredded potatoes mixed with sharp cheddar cheese and seasoning, shaped into tots, and cooked to perfection in an air fryer. This homemade appetizer is a delicious twist on the classic snack, easy to prepare and perfect for serving crispy cheesy bites.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Mixture
- 4 medium russet potatoes, washed
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Place the whole potatoes in a pot of cold salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 15 minutes until a fork can pierce the potatoes but they remain firm.
- Cool and Grate Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and let them cool for about 15 minutes until they are cool enough to handle. Grate the cooled potatoes into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and black pepper to the bowl with grated potatoes. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Form Tater Tots: Lay out a large sheet of parchment paper. Scoop 1 tablespoon of the potato mixture and shape it into a small cylindrical tot. Place it on the parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining mixture to form all tots.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Tater Tots: Arrange the tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Spray the tops with additional cooking spray. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: After 10 minutes, carefully flip each tot to ensure even crispiness. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the crispy cheesy tater tots from the air fryer and serve immediately while hot and melty.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for the best texture because they are starchy and crisp up nicely.
- Make sure potatoes are cooled completely before grating to avoid clumping.
- You can add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor if desired.
- Cooking in batches may be necessary depending on the size of your air fryer to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tots
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
