Homemade Tater Tots Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade tater tots are a treat that’s both crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They make for an irresistible side dish that pairs wonderfully with almost any meal. The best part is that you can easily modify the recipe to create different variations—think beef , cheese, or even sweet potato tater tots. Plus, making them from scratch means you can control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary preservatives. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal, a gathering, or just craving a snack, these tater tots are sure to impress.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds potatoes

• ½ tablespoon flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• Pinch of pepper

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onions

• Oil for frying (peanut oil is recommended)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cut the potatoes into quarters and parboil them in a large pot of water until just tender.

2. Allow the potatoes to cool down enough to handle.

3. Grate the cooled potatoes using the large holes of a box grater.

4. Place the grated potatoes in a bowl and add the flour, salt, pepper, and finely chopped onions. Gently mix until well combined.

5. Let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Heat oil in a fryer or large pan to 355-360°F.

7. Use about 1 ½ teaspoons of the potato mixture for each tater tot and shape them gently into small cylinders.

8. Fry the tots in batches in the hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 3-4 minutes per batch.

9. Drain on absorbent paper.

For air frying:

1. Chill the tots before cooking (you can also cook them from frozen).

2. Lightly spray with olive oil.

3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

4. Place the tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, gently turning them halfway through.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 servings (about 5 tots per serving)

• Prep time: 30 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Jalapeno Tater Tots: Mix in finely chopped jalapenos for a spicy kick.

• Sweet Potato Tots: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter and slightly healthier version.

• Gluten-Free Tater Tots: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking mix and add an egg to help bind the mixture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze tater tots for up to 3-4 months. Be sure to place them on a baking sheet in a single layer before freezing, then transfer to a freezer-safe container once frozen.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make tater tots ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the tater tots and store them in the fridge or freeze them before cooking. Simply fry or air fry them when you’re ready to serve.

2. How do I prevent my tater tots from being mushy?

Make sure to parboil the potatoes just until tender, not too soft. Grate them gently and handle them with care to avoid releasing excess moisture.

3. What type of oil should I use for frying tater tots?

Peanut oil is ideal for frying tater tots as it has a high smoke point and produces crispy results. However, you can also use vegetable or canola oil.

4. Can I bake the tater tots instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake tater tots at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, for a lighter version.

5. How long will homemade tater tots last in the fridge?

Homemade tater tots will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

6. Can I freeze tater tots before frying them?

Yes, you can freeze the raw tater tots before frying. Just place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them solid before transferring to a freezer bag or container.

7. How do I make sure my tater tots are crispy?

Ensure the oil is hot enough (355-360°F) before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan. For air frying, don’t forget to spray lightly with oil.

8. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes make a delicious and slightly healthier alternative. Just follow the same steps as for regular potatoes.

9. Can I use cornstarch instead of flour as a binder?

Yes, cornstarch can be used as a binder, but use it sparingly. Too much can make the texture too dense.

10. Can I make tater tots with other vegetables besides potatoes?

While traditional tater tots are made with potatoes, you can experiment with other vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing.

Conclusion

These homemade tater tots are a fantastic side dish or snack that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Whether you deep-fry them or use an air fryer, the result is always crispy, golden goodness. Customize the flavor with your favorite mix-ins and enjoy the satisfaction of making this classic comfort food from scratch.