Tater Tots
Crispy, golden-brown cylinders of grated potato, fried to perfection. These homemade tater tots are fluffy on the inside and irresistibly crunchy on the outside, a classic American comfort food side dish.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Par-Boil and Cool Potatoes
- b.Place whole, unpeeled potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a generous pinch of salt.
- c.Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes until a fork can pierce the outside but the center is still firm. Do not overcook.
- d.Drain the potatoes immediately and let them cool completely. To speed this up, you can spread them on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Grate and Dry the Potatoes
- b.Once the potatoes are fully cool to the touch, peel off the skins.
- c.Using the large holes of a box grater, grate the potatoes into a large bowl.
- d.Transfer the grated potato to the center of a clean cheesecloth or a sturdy kitchen towel. Gather the corners and twist tightly, squeezing out as much liquid as possible over a sink. This step is critical for achieving crispy tots.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Season and Shape the Tots
- b.Return the dry potato shreds to the bowl. Add the all-purpose flour, onion powder, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.
- c.Gently mix with your hands until all ingredients are just combined. Do not overmix.
- d.Take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and shape it into a small, compact cylinder (tater tot shape), about 1 to 1.5 inches long.
- e.Place the shaped tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Freeze for Firmness
- b.Place the baking sheet with the tots into the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. This step is essential to help them hold their shape and not fall apart during frying.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Fry to Golden Perfection
- b.In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- c.Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add the frozen tots to the hot oil.
- d.Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are a deep golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- e.Use a slotted spoon to remove the tots and transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Season and Serve
- b.Immediately after removing the tots from the oil, sprinkle them with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- c.Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or cheese sauce.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho for the fluffiest interior and crispiest exterior.
- 2The most crucial step for crispy tots is squeezing out all excess moisture from the grated potatoes.
- 3Do not skip the freezing step. It solidifies the tots, preventing them from disintegrating in the hot oil.
- 4Maintain the oil temperature. Frying in small batches prevents the oil from cooling down, which can lead to greasy tots.
- 5Season the tots immediately after they come out of the fryer so the salt adheres properly.
- 6For easier grating, you can use the shredding disc of a food processor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Baked Tater Tots
For a healthier version, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the frozen tots on a baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Cheesy Tater TotsCheesy Tater Tots
Mix 1/4 cup of finely shredded sharp cheddar or parmesan cheese into the potato mixture before shaping.
Spicy Tater TotsSpicy Tater Tots
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the potato mixture for a spicy kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Energy
Potatoes are a rich source of complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary fuel source, providing sustained energy.
Source of Potassium
Potatoes are a good source of potassium, an essential mineral and electrolyte that is vital for heart, nerve, and muscle function.
Contains Vitamin C
Potatoes contain Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system and helps protect cells from damage.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of about 15 homemade tater tots contains approximately 300-350 calories, primarily from the potatoes and the oil absorbed during frying.