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
Scale
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.
