Homemade Tater Tots

Forget the frozen variety, from scratch tater tots are a favorite and taste so much better. Make a double or triple batch of these little nuggets and freeze some for another day!

Our Fave Tater Tots

We love to make our own homemade tater tots!

Uses real ingredients (things you likely have on hand and can pronounce).
Easy to make, these come together in about 45 minutes.
Can be baked in the oven or cooked in the air fryer (or even deep fried if you like)
Can be made ahead of time, they freeze and reheat well.

Serve in place of french fries with juicy turkey burgers or homemade chicken nuggets for a fun meal.

Ingredients and Variations

POTATOES We use russets in this recipe because they are extra starchy and produce a fluffy interior. The potatoes are cooked and then grated (a little bit is mashed, this helps hold them together).

SEASONINGS Just a few seasonings like garlic powder and salt and pepper are mixed with potatoes, onions, and parmesan cheese, along with a parsley garnish make unforgettably savory tots!

ADDITIONS Add bacon bits, shredded cheddar, even our famous taco seasoning recipe can be added for a Tex-Mex tot.

Got Frozen Tots?

The recipe below is for homemade tater tots but if you’ve got frozen on hand, they can be cooked in the air fryer too.

Cook frozen tater tots in the air fryer at 400°F for 11-14 minutes shaking them after 6 minutes. Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer or the tots won’t crisp up.

How to Make Tater Tots

Homemade tater tots are super easy to make.

Boil quartered potatoes until they are tender, drain & cool.
Mash half of one potato (two of the quarters) and shred the rest with a box grater.
Combine mashed & shredded potatoes with remaining ingredients per recipe below & shape them into tater tots using a measuring spoon. Gently roll them in your hands to shape them.
Place tots in the oven or preheated air fryer basket, cook according to the recipe until they’re browned.

Top Tips

Spray with a little bit of oil or cooking spray before baking/air frying.
Place tots evenly spaced in the air fryer so the air can circulate around them and crisp them properly.
Keep cooked batches of tater tots warm in an oven at 250°F. Make them extra crunchy by putting them under the broiler for about 4 minutes.
Save leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days and reheat in the microwave, toaster oven, or under the broiler.
Freeze cooked tater tots in zippered bags with the date labeled on the outside for up to 1 month.

Delish Dips

Yum Yum Sauce – quick to make
BBQ Sauce Recipe – sweet, savory, & spicy
Easy Cheese Dip – ready in 5 minutes
Homemade Ranch Dressing – just chill & serve
Easy Queso Dip – ready in 30 minutes

Did your family love these Homemade Tater Tots? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!