Tater Tots in Air Fryer

Tater tots, a beloved American snack and side dish, have an interesting history that dates back to the mid-20th century.

Tater tots were invented by F. Nephi Grigg and Golden Grigg, founders of the Ore-Ida company, which is known for its frozen potato products. The idea for tater tots originated from a desire to reduce food waste. In the early 1950s, the Grigg brothers were looking for a way to utilize the leftover scraps from cutting and processing potatoes into French fries. They came up with the idea of creating bite-sized cylinders from the potato shreds and formed them into tots.

The name “tater tots” is a combination of “tater,” a colloquial term for potato, and “tot,” suggesting a small, bite-sized portion. The Grigg brothers’ creation became a hit, as tater tots offered a convenient and tasty way to enjoy potato-based snacks without letting any part of the potato go to waste.

Tater tots quickly gained popularity and became a staple in American school cafeterias, diners, and homes. They were particularly embraced by children for their crispy exterior and soft interior. Over the years, tater tots have become a nostalgic comfort food for many people.

The versatility of tater tots has led to various creative uses, from being enjoyed as a snack or side dish to being incorporated into casseroles, breakfast dishes, and even as toppings for burgers.

In recent times, the popularity of air fryers has brought renewed attention to tater tots. Air frying offers a healthier and more convenient way to achieve the crispy texture of traditional frying with less oil.

Overall, the history and origin of tater tots showcase their humble beginnings as a solution to food waste, which led to a beloved and enduring snack that continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Tater Tots Air Fryer

Course: SidesCuisine: American

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

680

kcal

Air frying frozen tater tots is a convenient and efficient way to achieve crispy and golden-brown tots without the need for excessive oil. The high heat of the air fryer helps to evenly cook and crisp the tots, resulting in a delicious and satisfying snack or side dish. It’s a quick and hassle-free method to enjoy the classic comfort of tater tots.

Ingredients

• frozen tater tots

Directions

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  
• Place the frozen tater tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; leave space for the hot air to circulate.
  
• Cook the tater tots in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the tots halfway through the cooking time for even crisping.
  
• Check the tater tots for desired crispness. If you prefer them crispier, continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  
• Once cooked to your liking, remove the tater tots from the air fryer and serve immediately.
  

Notes

• Please note that cooking times may vary depending on the specific brand and thickness of the frozen tater tots. It’s recommended to refer to the package instructions and adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve the desired level of crispness and doneness.
• The calorie content of 4 servings of air-fried frozen tater tots can vary based on factors such as the size of the servings, the specific brand of tater tots used, and any additional ingredients or seasonings.
• On average, a serving of frozen tater tots (about 3 ounces or 85 grams) contains approximately 140-170 calories. Therefore, for 4 servings, the total calorie count would be around 560-680 calories.
• Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brand and ingredients used in your recipe. To obtain the most accurate calorie count, it is recommended to refer to the nutritional information provided on the packaging of the tater tots or consult a reliable nutrition database.
• Additionally, keep in mind that the calorie content may change if you use a larger or smaller portion size, or if you add any additional toppings, sauces, or seasonings to the tater tots. It’s always a good idea to calculate the calorie content based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you are using in your recipe to get the most accurate estimate.