Name: Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium russet potatoes, washed; 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a batch of golden, crispy, cheesy bites fresh from the air fryer. If you’ve been searching for the ultimate Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe, this one’s a total game-changer—made from scratch with russet potatoes and sharp cheddar, they deliver that perfect melty, crunchy snack you’ll want on repeat.

A white marbled surface holds a piece of brown parchment paper topped with many golden-brown tater tots, each showing a crispy and uneven texture with small green herb bits sprinkled on top. Two small round wooden bowls near the bottom left corner hold thick red ketchup and creamy light orange dipping sauce. The tater tots are arranged in a loose pile, with some scattered around the edges, showing their crunchy, browned edges and soft centers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore how these homemade tater tots combine crispy outsides with gooey, cheesy centers. They’re addictive, simple to make, and cook up super fast in the air fryer — no deep frying mess here!

Made from Scratch: No freezer bags or preservatives—just fresh potatoes and real cheddar cheese.
Perfectly Crispy: Air frying locks in crunch without excess oil for a healthier snack.
Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples that you probably already have on hand.
Versatile Snack: Great as an appetizer, side, or anytime treat that pleases both kids and adults.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe keeps things straightforward with quality ingredients that come together to create both texture and flavor. When shopping, make sure you pick russet potatoes because they offer that ideal starchy texture perfect for crispy tater tots.

Flat lay of four whole russet potatoes with natural skin texture, a small mound of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with plain all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse kosher salt crystals, and a small white ceramic bowl with ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Russet Potatoes: Their high starch content ensures crispy tots with a fluffy inside.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, tangy flavor and melty goodness throughout.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the mixture so your tots hold their shape while cooking.
Kosher Salt: Brings out the savory flavors and balances the cheese.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick of warmth to complement the cheese and potatoes.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste buds. Whether you want to kick up the spice, pack in some herbs, or cater to dietary needs, these tots can handle it all with no fuss!

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne pepper to the potato mixture for a smoky, spicy twist that pairs perfectly with the melty cheddar cheese.
Herb Lover’s Delight: Fresh chopped chives or parsley stirred into the mix add a bright, fresh flavor that lifts these tots from snack to party-worthy appetizer.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free blend to keep these tots crispy and safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Extra Cheesy: For double the cheesy goodness, add a mix of mozzarella with your cheddar—this little tweak makes the tots even more gooey and irresistible.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a woman's hand holding a small, golden brown potato piece with a crispy outside and soft, light yellow inside. In the background, there are several more of these crispy potato pieces, all with a golden color and a slightly rough texture. The focus is on the one piece held by the woman's hand, showing the soft texture inside. The background is blurred but still shows the potato pieces scattered on a white marbled surface, enhancing the warm, inviting look of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Boil Your Potatoes Just Right

Start by placing your washed russet potatoes in a pot filled with cold salted water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let them simmer gently for about 15 minutes. You're aiming for potatoes that a fork can pierce easily but still feel firm inside, which is key for texture. Once done, drain and give them about 15 minutes to cool so they're safe to handle. This cooling step prevents a mushy mix when you grate them next.

Step 2: Grate and Mix Your Ingredients

Grab a box grater and grate the cooled potatoes into a large bowl. Add in the sharp cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together well until the cheese and spices are evenly blended with the potato shreds. This mixture is where all the flavor and binding magic happens—make sure every tot gets a good dose!

Step 3: Shape Your Tots on Parchment

Lay out a big sheet of parchment paper to work on. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the potato mixture and shape it into a classic cylindrical tater tot form. Place each shaped tot on the parchment to keep things tidy. This step might take a bit of time but trust me, shaping them by hand gives you that authentic crispy exterior every time.

Step 4: Preheat and Prep Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the tots from sticking. Proper preheating ensures your tots start crisping immediately, locking in that golden exterior we all crave.

Step 5: Cook Tater Tots to Crispy Perfection

Arrange your tater tots in a single layer in the basket—don’t overcrowd them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, work in batches. Give the tots a light spray with oil to help them get beautifully golden and crisp. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip each tot carefully, spray again with a bit of oil, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. The flipping step is crucial for an even crunch all around.

Step 6: Serve While Hot and Melty

Once your Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots come out of the air fryer, serve them immediately. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the melty cheddar inside is pure comfort on a plate. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them just as they are – either way, they vanish fast!

Top Tip

These tips will help you take your Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe from great to unforgettable—crispier edges, perfect seasoning, and flawless cooking every time!

Choose the Right Potato: Using russet potatoes is key. Their starchy nature helps get that ideal crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Cool Completely Before Grating: I learned that grating hot or warm potatoes makes the mixture mushy, so letting them cool for about 15 minutes really improves texture.
Don’t Skip the Light Oil Spray: Spraying the tots and air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray stops sticking and ensures each tot crisps up beautifully.
Cook in Batches: Overcrowding the air fryer basket leads to less crispiness, so working in single layers—even if it takes more batches—is worth the wait.

How to Serve Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe

The image shows a metal baking tray lined with white parchment paper, holding 30 small, golden-yellow round dough pieces arranged neatly in six rows and five columns. The dough pieces have a smooth texture with tiny orange specks visible throughout. On the bottom right corner of the tray, there is a silver cookie scoop filled with the same dough, resting on the parchment paper and partially on the tray. The tray is placed on a wooden surface with a warm brown tone. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For that added pop of color and flavor, sprinkle the tater tots with chopped fresh chives or parsley. A dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of spicy sriracha mayo also makes a fantastic upgrade! If you love a dip, classic ketchup or tangy ranch dressing pairs perfectly with these cheesy bites.

Side Dishes

Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots are versatile enough to complement a variety of meals. They make a tasty side to burgers, grilled chicken, or even a fresh green salad. For a cozy snack board, offer alongside sliced veggies and your favorite dips for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for quick snacks or reheated appetizers.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked shaped tater tots on a parchment-lined tray until firm, about 1 hour. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen by increasing air frying time slightly, making it easy to enjoy crispy cheesy tots whenever you crave them.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftover tater tots in your air fryer at 380°F for 5 minutes to bring back that crispy exterior and gooey cheese interior. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh russet potatoes?

Fresh russet potatoes are best for this recipe because they provide the ideal texture and crispiness. Frozen potatoes contain more moisture which could make the tots soggy and less crispy.

Why do I need to cool the potatoes before grating?

Cooling the boiled potatoes ensures the mixture holds together properly. Grating warm potatoes can cause the mixture to become mushy, making it harder to shape the tater tots.

Can I add other seasonings to the mixture?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne for some heat to customize your Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe.

How long can I store leftover tater tots?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked tots before air frying.

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in your air fryer from scratch turns simple ingredients into a delightful treat that’s perfect anytime you want a snack or appetizer full of comfort and flavor. With a little patience and these tips, you’ll have golden, melty bites that everyone will love. Happy cooking and even happier munching!