Description
Air Fryer Cheesy Tater Tots are crispy, golden bites made from shredded russet potatoes mixed with sharp cheddar cheese, flour, and seasonings, formed into tots and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. This homemade appetizer combines the comfort of cheesy potatoes with the convenience of air frying for a healthier twist on a classic snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes, washed
Cheese and Binding
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Place the washed russet potatoes into a pot of cold salted water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until a fork can pierce the potatoes but they remain firm.
- Cool and Grate Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and let them cool for about 15 minutes until they are cool to the touch. Grate the potatoes using a coarse grater and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and black pepper to the bowl with grated potatoes. Mix thoroughly to combine everything evenly.
- Form Tater Tots: Lay out a large sheet of parchment paper. Scoop 1 tablespoon of the potato mixture and shape it into a small cylindrical tater tot. Place it on the parchment and repeat until all mixture is used.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Tater Tots: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer size, cook in batches as needed. Spray the tots lightly with cooking spray or oil. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: After 10 minutes, carefully flip each tater tot to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the air-fried cheesy tater tots from the basket and serve hot as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for best texture and crispiness.
- Make sure the potatoes are cooled before grating to avoid clumping.
- For extra crispiness, pat the grated potatoes dry with a paper towel before mixing.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with your favorite melting cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- If you don't have parchment paper, lightly grease a flat surface to shape tots.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Leftover tots can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to maintain crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tots
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
