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Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Tater Tots

A generous pile of crispy, golden brown air fryer tater tots stacked high on a white plate.

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Learn the simple steps to cook frozen tater tots in your air fryer for a perfectly crispy, golden-brown side dish every time. This guide uses the best temperature settings for success.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
  • Cooking spray (optional, for extra crisping)

Instructions

  1. Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary for the best results.
  2. If you want extra crispiness, lightly spray the tops of the tots with cooking spray.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). If your model does not have a preheat function, run it empty for 3 minutes.
  4. Cook the tater tots for 12 to 15 minutes.
  5. Shake the basket vigorously halfway through the cooking time (around the 7-minute mark) to ensure even browning.
  6. Continue cooking until the tots are golden brown and crispy. Check for doneness at 12 minutes.
  7. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For extra crispy air fryer tater tots, cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes after the initial time, checking frequently.
  • Do not thaw the tater tots before cooking; cook them directly from frozen.
  • If you notice the tots sticking, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray before adding the tots, or use parchment paper designed for air fryers.
  • This method works well for frozen potato puffs and hash brown patties too.

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