Description
Homemade Tater Tots are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, making them the perfect snack or side dish for any meal. Made with fresh potatoes, these tots are seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic for that perfect homemade flavor. Whether you fry them or bake them, these tater tots are a fun, crispy treat that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
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4 medium russet potatoes, peeled
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup cornstarch
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1 egg (optional, for binding)
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Vegetable oil (for frying) or olive oil spray (for baking)
Instructions
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Prepare the Potatoes:
Peel the potatoes and grate them using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, place the potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. Let them soak for about 5 minutes, then drain and rinse the potatoes well. -
Dry the Potatoes:
Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This is an important step to make sure your tater tots are crispy! -
Season the Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, add the grated potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to evenly coat the potatoes with the seasoning. -
Add the Flour and Cornstarch:
Stir in the flour and cornstarch until fully incorporated. If you’d like a firmer texture, you can add an egg to help bind the mixture, though it’s optional. -
Shape the Tater Tots:
Take small spoonfuls of the potato mixture and roll them into small cylinders, about 1 inch in length. Place the formed tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. -
Cook the Tater Tots:
Frying Method:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry the tater tots in small batches for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.Baking Method:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray the tater tots with olive oil spray and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden and crispy. -
Serve:
Serve your homemade tater tots hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch, or cheese sauce.
Notes
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For an extra cheesy flavor, you can add 1/4 cup of grated cheese (cheddar or Parmesan) to the potato mixture.
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If you prefer, you can freeze the shaped tater tots for later use. Simply place them on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store them for up to 3 months. Fry or bake directly from frozen when ready to cook.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: Frying: 3-4 minutes per batch Baking: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5-6 tater tots
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0g