Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Tater Tots

To cook store-bought frozen tater tots in your air fryer, preheat to 400°F (204°C). Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they're not overcrowded. Air fry for 12-15 minutes total, but here's the crucial tip: pause your air fryer halfway through cooking (around 6-7 minutes) to shake the basket or toss the tots. This ensures even browning and maximum crispiness on all sides. Unlike our homemade recipe above, store-bought frozen tater tots only need a higher temperature but shorter cooking time. There's no need to spray them with oil as they already contain enough oil to crisp up perfectly. The tots are done when they're golden brown and crispy on the outside!

Pro Tip: If cooking multiple batches of frozen tater tots in your air fryer, the second and third batches might cook slightly faster since the air fryer is already hot. Keep an eye on them and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Note: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the amount of tots you're cooking. It's better to check them early than risk overcooking!

For perfectly crispy tater tots in the air fryer, timing depends on whether you're making homemade or using frozen tots. Homemade tater tots take about 15 minutes total at 375°F to achieve that golden-brown crunch, with a flip at the 10-minute mark. For maximum crispiness, here's what affects your cooking time:

• Starting temperature (frozen tots need 12-15 minutes at 400°F)
• Size of your tots (larger ones need extra time)
• Air fryer model and basket size
• Quantity being cooked (overcrowding increases time)

The key to achieving that perfect crispy exterior isn't just about time – it's about technique. You'll know your tots are reaching peak crispiness when they turn a deep golden brown color and feel firm when gently pressed with tongs. Remember, our cornstarch coating for homemade tots helps achieve extra crispiness, while store-bought frozen tots are pre-coated for crunch.

Pro Tip: If your tots aren't crispy enough after the recommended time, add 2-minute intervals until you reach your desired crunchiness. Just watch closely to prevent burning!

Air fryer tater tots are definitely superior to oven-baked ones! Here's why the air fryer method wins:

Cooking Time:

• Air Fryer: Only 15 minutes total
• Oven: 25-30 minutes minimum

Crispiness Comparison:

• Air Fryer: Consistently crispy on all sides thanks to rapid air circulation
• Oven: Often soggy on the bottom, less evenly crisp

Oil Usage:

• Air Fryer: Needs just a little oil
• Oven: Requires more oil for comparable crispiness

Whether you're making our homemade tater tots or cooking frozen ones, the air fryer produces superior results in less time. The high-speed air circulation creates the perfect crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior - something that's harder to achieve in a conventional oven. Plus, you'll save time and energy while using less oil!

Pro Tip: If you're cooking for a large group, though the oven can handle larger batches, we recommend cooking multiple smaller batches in the air fryer for the best results. The extra few minutes are worth the superior crispiness!