My method for cooking perfect, crispy air fryer tater tots is fast and easy. After making these for years, I have the time and temperature that will get you the best tasting tots.

The best air fryer tater tots

I am a huge fan of air frying! It’s a great way to cook frozen food fast and delicious.

My kids request that I make these frozen tater tots at least once a week. Sometimes we do switch it up and have frozen french fries or frozen onion rings but these tater tots are definitely a family favorite. They are a great, guaranteed side dish that everyone will eat.

A few reasons I choose to make them in the air fryer instead of the oven include time and crispiness. Cooking them in the air fryer takes about the same time as preheating the oven and the air fryer cooks them to crispy perfection.

What are tater tots?

Similar to french fries, tater tots are made with potatoes. They are made from grated potatoes that are shaped like a cylinder and deep fried.

How to make air fryer tater tots

Scroll down for printable recipe and ingredients. 

My recipe is a great way to get your tater tots crispy on the outside but nice and fluffy on the inside. You can use your favorite brand for this recipe.

1. Cook: Pour your favorite frozen tater tots in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
2. Shake: Take the basket out and give it a little shake to move the tater tots around. This will help them cook evenly.
3. Cook again: Cook for another 5-6 minutes at 400 degrees F. If you like them even crispier, add 1-2 minutes of cook time.

Heather’s recipe tips

• Make sure to cook the tater tots in a single layer. You want the hot air to be able to circulate around each of them so that they crisp up.
• Don’t skip shaking the basket or flipping them over half way through cooking.
• If you are making the whole bag, you will probably need to cook them in 2-3 batches.
• If you want to add seasoning, do it immediately after they cook.
• Like them super crispy? Add another 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
• Try using these cooked tater tots as a base for totchos.

How to season air fryer tater tots

My kids prefer their tater tots plain but if you would like to spice things up, here are a few great ways to season them. Sprinkle any seasoning on right after they finish cooking when they are still hot.

• Seasoning salt
• French fry seasoning
• Old bay seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Zaxby’s fry seasoning

How to store

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 3-4 minutes.

What to serve with tater tots

These make a wonderful side for many meals.

• Air fryer tater tots pair well with burgers, sandwiches, and wraps.
• You can serve them with tacos, breakfast burritos, and quesadillas.
• They are great with any kid of chicken like wings, tenders, and BBQ chicken.

Dipping sauces for air fryer tater tots

While these are great on their own, they are also delicious served with a dipping sauce. A few favorites include:

• Sweet potato fry dipping sauce
• Bloomin onion sauce
• Red ranch
• Zesty sauce
• Ranch sauce

Common questions

Cooking frozen tater tots in the oven VS the air fryer

You may wonder which cooking method is best. I would say the only reason I would choose to use the oven is if I needed to cook the whole bag at one time.

• The tater tots can be cooked in the air fryer in the time it takes the oven to preheat.
• After testing, I find the tots get crispier in the air fryer.
• You can cook a large quantity in the oven at one time.
• They are both easy to clean.

More delicious air fryer recipes

• Air fryer waffle fries
• Air fryer sweet potato fries
• Air fryer crispy crowns
• Air fryer curly fries
• Steak fries in the air fryer
• Air fryer hash browns