Name: Homemade Tater Tots Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds potatoes; ½ tablespoon flour; ½ teaspoon salt; Pinch of black pepper; 2 tablespoons finely chopped onions; Oil for frying (peanut oil recommended)

These Homemade Tater Tots are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with potato flavor. Forget the frozen aisle—this recipe shows you how easy it is to make your own tater tots from scratch, and they’re so much tastier! Perfect for a side dish, snack, or even a fun appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful: Made with real potatoes and simple seasonings, these tater tots have a delicious homemade taste that you won’t find in the frozen variety.
Versatile: You can fry them, bake them, or even air fry them for a healthier option.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love tater tots, and these homemade ones are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy and delicious tater tots:

Potatoes: Use russet potatoes for the best results, as they have a high starch content and will create fluffy tots.
Flour: Helps bind the tots and adds a bit of crispiness.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Finely chopped onions: Adds a subtle flavor and sweetness.
Oil for frying: Peanut oil is recommended for its high smoke point, but you can use other oils like vegetable or canola oil.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Homemade Tater Tots

Step 1: Parboil the Potatoes

Cut the potatoes into quarters and boil them in a pot of water until slightly tender. Drain and let them cool enough to handle.

Step 2: Grate and Season

Grate the parboiled potatoes using the large holes of a grater. Place the grated potatoes in a bowl and gently mix in the flour, salt, pepper, and finely chopped onions. Let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Shape and Fry

Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 355-360°F. Use about 1 ½ teaspoons of the potato mixture to shape each tot. Gently form the mixture into the classic tater tot shape. Fry the tots in batches in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Drain on absorbent paper.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t overcook the potatoes: Overcooked potatoes will be mushy and won’t hold their shape well. Parboil just until slightly tender.
Chill the tots before frying: Chilling the tots helps them hold their shape better during frying.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tots. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking.

How to Serve Homemade Tater Tots

Side Dish: These tater tots are a delicious side dish for burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats.
Snack: Enjoy them as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mustard, or ranch dressing.
Appetizer: Serve them as a fun and tasty appetizer for parties or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for 3-4 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven, air fryer, or toaster oven until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

Can I bake these tater tots instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes work well in this recipe. They will add a touch of sweetness to the tots.

Can I make these tater tots gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking mix. You may also want to add a little egg to help bind the mixture.

Can I air fry these tater tots?
Yes, you can air fry them at 400°F for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to chill the tots before air frying.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Homemade Tater Tots that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!