Description
Air Fryer Cheesy Tater Tots are crispy, golden-brown shredded potato bites mixed with sharp cheddar cheese and seasoned with salt and pepper. Made from scratch using russet potatoes and cooked in the air fryer, they make a delicious cheesy appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the washed potatoes in a pot of cold salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes until a fork can pierce the potatoes but they remain firm. Drain and let cool for 15 minutes until cool enough to handle.
- Grate the Potatoes: Grate the cooled potatoes using a box grater and transfer them 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 the grated potatoes. Mix well until the cheese and seasonings are evenly incorporated.
- Form Tater Tots: Lay out a large sheet of parchment paper. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of the potato mixture and shape it into a cylindrical tater tot. Place it on the parchment paper. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry Tots - First Side: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on basket size, cook in batches. Spray the tots lightly with oil and cook for 10 minutes.
- Flip and Cook the Other Side: Carefully flip each tater tot and spray again with a little oil. 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 and crispiness.
- Make sure to cool the potatoes thoroughly before grating to avoid a mushy mixture.
- Nonstick spray or a light brushing of oil helps achieve a crispy exterior without sticking.
- You can customize the recipe by adding spices like paprika or garlic powder to the mixture.
- Work in batches if your air fryer basket is small to keep the tots from overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 tater tots
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
