If you have a craving for that perfect crispy, golden brown treat that brings back all the nostalgia of childhood snacks, then this Homemade Tater Tots Recipe is exactly what you need. These little cylinders of crunchy goodness are made from scratch, which means you get that unbeatable fresh potato flavor and texture that store-bought just can’t match. Whether fried, baked, or air fried, this recipe is your go-to for making irresistibly tasty tots that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward the most delicious Homemade Tater Tots Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, from texture to flavor, ensuring your tots come out crispy on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside.
- Russet potatoes (2 pounds, peeled): The starchy potato variety that crisps up beautifully when cooked.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick to balance the mildness of the potatoes.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses a gentle, savory depth without overpowering the tots.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Binds the mixture so your tots hold their shape during cooking.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve that irresistible crispy exterior every bite needs.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for frying or spraying when baking or air frying to get a perfect crunch.
How to Make Homemade Tater Tots Recipe
Step 1: Parboil and Cool Potatoes
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your peeled russet potatoes. Parboil them just until they’re slightly tender but not fully cooked, about 6 to 7 minutes. This step softens them enough for grating, but keeps them firm enough so the tots hold together. Drain the potatoes and let them cool completely before proceeding.
Step 2: Grate and Remove Excess Moisture
Once the potatoes are cool, grate them using a box grater or food processor. This step gives you those classic tots’ texture. Next, transfer the grated potatoes to a clean kitchen towel and press firmly to squeeze out all the extra moisture. Removing water is essential to achieving that perfect crispy crunch when cooking.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
Transfer the dried grated potatoes to a bowl and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle in the flour and cornstarch, then gently mix everything until it’s just combined—overmixing can make your tots dense, so handle with care for the fluffiest texture.
Step 4: Shape the Tater Tots
Now for the fun part: scoop about one tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into small cylinders or nuggets. Place these shaped tots evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze them at this stage for quick cooking later.
Step 5: Choose Your Cooking Method
For frying: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 375°F (190°C). Cook the tots in batches for 3 to 4 minutes each until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and crisp up beautifully, then drain on paper towels.
For baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray the tots with cooking spray so they crisp nicely, then bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
For air frying: Heat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the tots with a little oil, arrange them in a single layer, and air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for optimal crunch.
How to Serve Homemade Tater Tots Recipe
Garnishes
Transform your homemade tater tots from basic to brilliant with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or chives. A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of your favorite spicy aioli can also elevate the flavor profile, making each bite feel gourmet while keeping that comforting charm alive.
Side Dishes
These tots pair beautifully with a variety of meals. Serve alongside a juicy burger, crispy chicken tenders, or a fresh green salad for a balanced plate. They’re also a hit dipped into classic favorites like ketchup, ranch dressing, or even a smoky chipotle mayo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn your Homemade Tater Tots Recipe into loaded tots by topping them with melted cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and green onions—perfect for parties or game days. You can also turn them into a crispy base for mini poutine with gravy and cheese curds or sandwich them inside sliders for added crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover tots (rare, I know!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Recrisp them in the oven or air fryer to bring back their original charm.
Freezing
Homemade tater tots freeze wonderfully before cooking. Arrange the shaped tots on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months and make the perfect quick snack or side dish whenever you need it.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover or frozen tots by baking or air frying. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that crispy exterior—warming in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes or air frying for 5 to 8 minutes brings them back to life perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this Homemade Tater Tots Recipe?
Russet potatoes are best due to their high starch content, which helps create crispy tots. Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold can work but may result in a softer, less crispy texture.
Is it necessary to squeeze out the excess moisture from the potatoes?
Absolutely! Removing moisture prevents sogginess and allows the tots to crisp up nicely during cooking. Skipping this step may leave you with mushy tots rather than crispy bites.
Can I bake these tots instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a fantastic alternative if you want to avoid frying. Just be sure to spray them with oil and flip halfway through cooking to achieve even crispness.
How long can I freeze the shaped tots?
You can keep them frozen for up to two months. Beyond that, they might start to lose their flavor and texture, but they’ll still be safe to eat if stored properly.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients to the mixture?
Definitely! Try mixing in finely chopped onions, shredded cheese, or fresh herbs for a flavor boost. Just keep the additions finely chopped so they hold together well when cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like making your own crunchy, satisfying snacks from scratch, and this Homemade Tater Tots Recipe is a shining example of that. With its simple ingredients and versatile cooking options, it’s sure to become a family favorite perfect for any occasion. So go ahead—grab those potatoes and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food upgrade!
Print
Homemade Tater Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden homemade tater tots made from fresh russet potatoes. These delicious bites can be fried, baked, or air fried to perfection and customized with additional herbs, cheese, or onion for extra flavor. Perfect as a snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled)
Seasoning & Binders
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Cooking Fat
- Vegetable oil for frying or air frying
Instructions
- Parboil Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add peeled potatoes and parboil for about 6–7 minutes—just until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain and let cool completely.
- Grate Potatoes: Once cool, grate the potatoes using a box grater or food processor.
- Remove Excess Moisture: Place grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
- Mix Ingredients: Transfer grated potatoes to a bowl and mix in salt, pepper, garlic powder, flour, and cornstarch until just combined.
- Shape Tots: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into small cylinders or nuggets. Place shaped tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Frying: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 375°F (190°C). Fry tots in batches for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels before serving.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray tots lightly with cooking spray and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispness.
- Air Frying: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray tots with oil and arrange in a single layer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Notes
- Add finely chopped herbs, cheese, or onion to the potato mixture for extra flavor.
- Freeze shaped tots before cooking for a quick make-ahead snack or side dish.
