Name: Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
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

If you’re craving a snack that’s irresistibly golden, cheesy, and downright addictive, then you’ve got to try this Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe. These DIY tots turn humble potatoes into crunchy bites with melting cheddar—all crispy perfection thanks to the magic of the air fryer.

A pile of golden brown tater tots with a crispy surface, some showing small browned spots, spread on a brown parchment paper on a wooden table. Light green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the tots and around them. Below the pile, there are two small round wooden bowls filled with sauces: one is red ketchup and the other is a light orange creamy sauce. The overall scene is warm and rustic. 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 Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore making these crispy cheesy tater tots from scratch because they’re comfort food at its best—rich, flavorful, and way better than store-bought. Plus, whipping them up in the air fryer means less oil but all the crunch.

Perfectly Crispy Every Time: The air fryer seals in all that cheesy goodness while giving you that ideal crunchy outside.
Simple Ingredients: Just potatoes, sharp cheddar, flour, and seasonings—easy to find and easy to mix!
Fun to Make: Shredding potatoes and forming tots feels like a mini kitchen project you’ll actually enjoy.
Healthier Snack Option: Air frying cuts down on grease without sacrificing taste or texture.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For the best crispy cheesy air fryer tater tots, you want to pick the right potatoes and cheese, plus a couple key pantry staples that bring it all together. Here’s the rundown so you can shop smart and prep confidently.

Flat lay of fresh whole russet potatoes with rough brown skins, a small mound of finely grated sharp cheddar cheese in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, placed 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: These are your go-to because their starchy texture makes for crispy, fluffy tots when air fried.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds that melty, tangy bite that makes these tots absolutely addictive.
All-Purpose Flour: Acts as the binding agent helping your tots hold their shape with a tender, chewy interior.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering, keeping everything balanced.
Black Pepper: A little kick that brings warmth and depth to the cheesy potatoes.

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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

The great thing about this Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to add a little extra flavor, swap ingredients to suit your diet, or just experiment with new textures, these tots are a fantastic blank canvas.

Herb-Infused Tots: Try mixing in fresh herbs like chopped chives, parsley, or rosemary into the potato mixture before shaping. I absolutely loved the burst of freshness that chives brought to my batch—it made every bite brighter!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a little heat. It’s perfect if you want your cheesy tots to have a bit of a bold personality.
Cheese Swaps: Don’t limit yourself to sharp cheddar. Mozzarella adds gooey stretchiness, Monterey Jack offers a milder melt, and pepper jack introduces a spicy note. I’ve found mixing cheddar and mozzarella gives a nice balance of flavor and meltiness.
Make It Gluten-Free: Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to keep the tots gluten-free without compromising their structure or crispness.
Seasonal Veggie Boost: Finely grate in some cooked sweet potato or carrot for a little natural sweetness and extra nutrition. It also adds a colorful twist!

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

A close-up image of a woman's hand holding a small, golden-brown tater tot with a bite taken out, showing its soft, light yellow inside texture. The background is filled with more similar golden, crispy tater tots scattered on a white marbled surface, slightly blurred to keep focus on the held tot. The lighting highlights the crispiness and warm color tones of the tater tots. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes Just Right

First, I place the washed russet potatoes in a pot filled with cold salted water. Bringing them up to a gentle boil ensures even cooking. I simmer the potatoes for about 15 minutes—enough time for a fork to pierce them while still keeping the center firm. This step is crucial because you don’t want your tots to fall apart later. Once done, draining and letting them cool for around 15 minutes makes grating easier and prevents clumping.

Step 2: Grate, Mix, and Season

After the potatoes have cooled to the touch, I grab a coarse grater and shred them carefully into a large bowl. The texture at this point is key—coarse shreds give you that perfect crispy outside and tender inside. Then I add 1½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mixing everything thoroughly ensures every tot has that melty, cheesy goodness and balanced seasoning.

Step 3: Shape Your Tots

Next, I prepare a large sheet of parchment paper—which helps prevent sticking while shaping. I scoop out about one tablespoon of the potato mixture and shape it carefully into a small cylinder. Making sure the tots are compact but not overly compressed helps them hold together while cooking but stay fluffy inside. This batch yields about 24 tots, which is perfect for sharing or enjoying as a hearty snack.

Step 4: Heat Up the Air Fryer and Get Cooking

I preheat my air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticking issues. Then I arrange the tots neatly in a single layer—crowding isn’t allowed! If your basket is small, cooking in batches is a must to ensure even crispiness. A quick spritz of cooking spray on top helps them brown beautifully.

Step 5: Flip and Finish Crisping

After cooking for 10 minutes, I carefully flip each tot with tongs or a fork. This step is what guarantees that irresistible golden crust on every side. Cooking them for an additional 5 minutes finishes the process, delivering crunchy, cheesy bites every time.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Immediately

I always serve these tater tots hot from the air fryer, as they taste best fresh and crispy. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli. Trust me, they disappear fast!

Top Tip

These tips will help you master the art of making perfectly crispy, cheesy tater tots every time—and make the whole process easier and more enjoyable!

Cooling the Potatoes: Letting the boiled potatoes cool completely before grating prevents the mixture from becoming gummy and helps achieve that coveted crispy texture.
Pat Dry for Crispiness: >I always pat the grated potatoes dry with paper towels before mixing in the cheese and flour; it really cuts down on excess moisture, which can make tots soggy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: >Cooking the tots in a single layer ensures that hot air circulates evenly, giving you that perfect golden crunch on all sides.
Flip for Even Browning: >Flipping the tots halfway through the cooking process is a small step that makes a big difference in crispiness and color.

How to Serve Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe

The image shows a baking tray lined with white parchment paper, filled with five neat rows of small, rectangular dough pieces with visible orange flecks throughout, suggesting cheese mixed inside. Each dough piece is evenly spaced and has a slightly rough texture on the surface. To the right of the tray lies a metal scoop filled with the same dough. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle your tots with fresh chopped chives, parsley, or green onions to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of sriracha mayo can also elevate the taste and presentation.

Side Dishes

These crispy cheesy tots make a perfect companion to burgers, fried chicken, or sloppy joes. For a lighter pairing, serve alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted veggies. They also work wonderfully as a fun appetizer at game day parties paired with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy ketchup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed within this time frame to keep that delightful crispness.

Freezing

To freeze, lay the shaped tots in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen tots will keep well for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat leftover or frozen tots in your air fryer at 380°F for 5-7 minutes until they’re hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

While russet potatoes are recommended for their starchy texture and crispiness, you can experiment with Yukon Gold potatoes, but the tots may turn out a bit less crispy.

Do I have to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating to 380°F ensures the tots start cooking immediately, leading to a crispier exterior. It’s a step worth not skipping!

Can I make these tots vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap the sharp cheddar for your favorite vegan cheese alternative. The texture might vary slightly but should still taste delicious.

What dipping sauces work best with these tots?

Classic choices like ranch, ketchup, or spicy mayo are fantastic. For a gourmet twist, try garlic aioli or a tangy sriracha sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully comforting about homemade tater tots, especially when they’re crispy, cheesy, and air-fried to perfection. This Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe combines the nostalgic joy of a classic snack with a fresh, healthier twist. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to make this recipe again and again, sharing the love — one golden tot at a time.