Homemade Tater Tots

Let’s talk tater tots—those crispy, golden bites of potato goodness we can’t resist. But have you ever wondered if the homemade version could be even better? Spoiler alert: it absolutely is! Making tater tots from scratch is easier than you’d think, and the taste? Unbeatable. Perfect for snacking, party appetizers, or even as a side dish, these homemade tots will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

Homemade Tater Tots Ingredients

• Russet Potatoes :
  Russet potatoes are ideal for making this delicious snack because they have a high starch content and low moisture. This combination results in a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Their dry, mealy texture also helps the tots hold together during frying or baking.
• All-Purpose Flour:
  Flour acts as a binding agent, ensuring the grated potatoes stick together when shaped into tots. It helps create a slightly thicker texture without making the mixture too dense or sticky.
• Cornstarch:
  Cornstarch is key for extra crispiness. It absorbs excess moisture from the potatoes, reducing sogginess and enhancing the crispy outer layer when the tots are fried or baked.
• Salt :
  Salt enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes, making the tater tots savory and satisfying. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference, but don’t skip it—it’s essential for balancing the overall flavor.
• Black Pepper :
  Black pepper adds a mild spiciness and depth of flavor. It complements the potatoes without overpowering the dish. Freshly ground pepper works best for maximum flavor.
• Garlic Powder:
  While optional, garlic powder gives the tots a subtle savory kick. It adds a layer of flavor that pairs well with dips like ketchup, ranch, or even spicy mayo.
• Oil (for frying):
  Use a neutral oil like canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil for frying. These oils have high smoke points, ensuring the tots fry evenly and develop a golden, crispy crust without burning.
• By understanding how each ingredient works, you can create perfectly crispy, golden tater tots that taste even better than store-bought!

How to Make Homemade Tater Tots

Boil the Potatoes

Add a pinch of salt to the water for added flavor. Add washed potatoes, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 12-15 minutes or until they are fork-tender but still firm enough to grate. Be careful not to overcook them, as mushy potatoes won’t hold their shape well.

Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly until safe to handle.

Grate the Potatoes

Once the boiled potatoes are cool enough, use the large side of a box grater to grate them. Handle the potatoes gently to maintain their light and fluffy texture.

Avoid pressing too hard or mashing the potatoes, as this can make the mixture too dense. Properly grated potatoes help create a perfect tater tot texture with a crispy exterior and soft interior.

Mix the Ingredients

Transfer the grated potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add all-purpose flour & cornstarch. Season with salt and pepper. Add garlic powder and mixed herbs for extra flavor.

Gently mix the ingredients until they are evenly combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can make the mixture gummy. The mixture should hold its shape when pressed together.

Shape the Tater Tots

Take about one tablespoon of the potato mixture and roll it gently between your hands to form a small cylinder about 1 to 1.5 inches long.

Place the shaped tots on a parchment-lined tray. If the mixture sticks to your hands, lightly oil them to make the process easier. Continue shaping until all the potato mixture has been used.

This step is crucial for ensuring evenly shaped tater tots that cook uniformly.

Heat the Oil

Pour enough oil into a deep-frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot to create a two-three inch-deep frying layer. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (180-190°C).

You can test if the oil is ready by dropping in a small piece of the potato mixture—it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface. If it sinks or doesn’t sizzle, wait a little longer for the oil to heat up. Proper oil temperature is key to achieving crispy, golden-brown tater tots.

Fry the Tater Tots

Carefully lower the shaped tater tots into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or frying spider. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause uneven cooking.

Turn the tots occasionally to ensure even browning. Fry them for about three to four minutes per batch or until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Once done, transfer the fried tots to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serve Hot

Serve the tater tots immediately while they are hot and crispy. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or cheese sauce for an extra-special treat.

Baked and Air Fryer Tater Tots:

Enjoy crispy and delicious tater tots using healthier cooking methods like baking or air frying.

Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, arrange tater tots in a single layer, and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They turn out golden brown and crispy with minimal oil.

Baking Method: Preheat the oven to 425°F, spread tater tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This hands-off method creates perfectly crispy tots without deep frying.

Enjoy the satisfying crunch and savory flavor of these homemade tater tots that are way better than store-bought!

Tips for Perfect Tater Tots

• Don’t overboil the potatoes; they need to be firm enough to grate.
• If the mixture feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but don’t overdo it.
• Use a cookie scoop to portion the mixture evenly for uniform tots.
• For a healthier version, air fry or bake the tots at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

To store and reheat leftover tater tots:

Let the tater tots cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container or resealable bag. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Tip: Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes until crispy.0°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes until crispy.

FAQs

How do I make tater tots crispy?
Bake or air fry them at a high temperature, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

Can I freeze homemade tater tots?
Yes, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.

How long do tater tots take to cook?
Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or air fry for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

What are good dipping sauces for tater tots?
Ketchup, ranch, cheese sauce, or spicy mayo work well.

Can I make tater tots without frying?
Yes, bake or air fry for a healthier option.

What potatoes are best for tater tots?
Use starchy potatoes like Russets for the best texture.

How do I prevent tater tots from sticking to the baking sheet?
Use parchment paper or lightly oil the baking sheet.

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