Air Fryer Tater Tots

Grab your favorite dipping sauce because you’re going to need it when you make these Crispy Air Fryer Tater Tots! They make a great side dish when you’re serving burgers and hot dogs, and a quick and easy afternoon snack.

Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe 

This is one of my favorite air fryer recipes. Not only because I just love tater tots, and my family does too, but because they get super crispy on the outside and stay fluffy on the inside.

And because you are using frozen tots, you can pour only as many as you need and cook them. No leftovers!

This recipe will take those soggy tater tots from the grocery store to the next level and make sure you get maximum crispness. Use them to make these steakhouse tots or try these cheesy taco tots too.

Or top them with pulled pork, cheese, and pickles and make these Cuban totchos.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my disclosure policy.

Ingredients Needed

Frozen tater tots – Use a bag of your favorite brand of frozen tater tots. They can also be swapped for french fries or sweet potato fries instead.

Cooking spray – Choose a vegetable oil or avocado oil if possible. You can also use olive oil if necessary.

Salt – I like pink Himalayan sea salt, but you can also use seasoning salt for a little more kick.

For more insider tips & tricks, and a candid behind the scenes look follow me on social media! Check use out on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (yes, people still use Twitter, LOL!)

How To Make Air Fryer Tater Tots

First: Preheat air fryer to 400F. Spray air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Spread tater tots in a single layer evenly along the bottom.

Second: Cook in preheated air fryer for 5 minutes. Pull out the basket and give it a good shake before spraying tots with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt.

Third: Cook for another 5-6 minutes or until crispy. Remove and place on serving tray. Sprinkle with more salt if desired.

Fourth: Serve air fryer tots warm with your favorite sauce or condiments, like ketchup or barbecue sauce.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How long do they last?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. 

Reheat them in the air fryer to crisp them back up. Make sure to coat them in a little bit of oil before placing them on the air fryer racks.

The best thing about these is that you can make just the amount you want to eat so there shouldn’t be too many leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

These are a great snack or a side dish along with a BBQ chicken sandwich, a juicy burger, or a well dressed hot dog!

Dip in your favorite sauces like this fry sauce, In-n-Out sauce, or this Mississippi Comeback sauce. Try them in this remoulade sauce for a cajun kick!

For a twist make tater tot nachos. Spray your tots with cooking spray or brush with oil. Roll your frozen tater tots in taco seasoning before baking.

Once done, top with cheese sauce, guacamole, pico de gallo, lettuce, or sour cream.

How long does it take to cook them in the air fryer?

I like to start with 10 minutes and check them every 1-2 minutes until I get just the right level of crispiness. Be sure to spread them out so they can heat all the way around.

How do you make extra crispy tater tots?

A spritz of cooking spray will not only allow the salt to stick to the tots better but will make the outside super crispy!

Seasoning Options

• homemade steak seasoning
• homemade bbq seasoning
• fry seasoning
• cajun seasoning

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• Preheat your air fryer so there are no cold spots.
• A quick spritz of cooking spray will help them get even crispier and browner and help with seasoning stick better.
• Be sure to shake or flip your tots half way through the cooking process so they are evenly cooked.
• Add your seasoning half way through so it can stick and doesn’t burn.
• Use good quality tater tots. My fave brand is Alexia!
• Serve right out of the fryer for best results.

My Favorite Air Fryer

I have a DASH model but I prefer a digital temperature read out so I bought this model too.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

Out of all of the air fryer recipes that I’ve tried, this is my favorite way of getting the best results for the crispiest tater tots. Pair with your favorite seasoning and favorite sauce!

©TakeTwoTapas.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.