Easy Homemade Crispy Tater Tots

I’m super excited to share my recipe for Homemade Crispy Tater Tots. If you’re anything like me, you love those crispy, golden nuggets of potato goodness. Making them at home is surprisingly easy, and they taste way better than store-bought ones.

First, you get to choose the potatoes yourself, ensuring they’re fresh and of high quality. I like to add a bit of seasoning to give them that extra kick. Plus, you can make a big batch and freeze some for later, so you always have a tasty snack ready.

The best part is, you know exactly what’s going into your tater tots—no weird ingredients or preservatives. It’s just potatoes, a bit of seasoning, and a whole lot of love. These tater tots are perfect as a snack, side dish, or even as a fun addition to your breakfast or dinner.

How To Choose The Best Potatoes

Choosing the best potatoes for your homemade crispy tater tots is crucial for achieving that perfect texture and flavor. Start by selecting firm potatoes with smooth skin, free of any green spots or sprouts, as these can affect the taste and quality. Russet potatoes are a great choice because they have a high starch content, which helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and fluffy.

When shopping, avoid potatoes with any signs of decay or soft spots. Opt for medium to large-sized potatoes, which are easier to grate and work with. By picking fresh, high-quality potatoes, you’ll ensure your tater tots turn out crispy, delicious, and packed with natural potato flavor.

So, let’s get started on making these delicious Homemade Crispy Tater Tots. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll never go back to the frozen ones!

Chef’s Notes – Homemade Crispy Tater Tots

• Parboiling Precision: Ensure the potatoes are parboiled just enough to soften slightly but not fully cooked. Overcooking can make them too mushy to grate.
• Squeeze Thoroughly: Removing as much moisture as possible from the shredded potatoes is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Use a clean dish towel or cheese cloth to wring out the excess water.
• Season Generously: Taste the potato mixture before shaping to ensure it’s well-seasoned. Potatoes need a good amount of seasoning to bring out their flavor.
• Shaping Consistency: Shape the tots evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Using a tablespoon measure can help maintain consistent sizes.
• Frying Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature. Too hot and the tots will burn; too cool and they will absorb too much oil. Maintaining 360°F is key.
• Double Frying for Crispiness: For even crispier tots, try double frying. Fry them first at 325°F until lightly golden, then fry again at 360°F until crispy.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or spicy mayo for added flavor.
• Freezing Instructions: These tater tots freeze well. After shaping, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.

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Homemade Crispy Tater Tots

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Course: Side Dish, SnackCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Total time

45

minutes

Say goodbye to frozen tater tots and hello to this easy, homemade version! These crispy, golden tater tots are freezer-friendly and taste way better than store-bought. Perfect for any meal or snack, they’re seasoned to perfection and ready in under an hour. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious, crowd-pleasing recipe!

Ingredients

• russet potatoes

• 1 tablespoon plain flour

• 1 teaspoon garlic granules

• 1/2 teaspoon onion granules

• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

• 1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 3 cups vegetable oil for frying

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Sweet potatoes can replace russet potatoes for a different flavor.

• Gluten-free flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.

• Fresh garlic and onion can replace garlic and onion powder for a more intense flavor.

Directions

• Parboiling Potatoes – Place the potato chunks in a Dutch oven and cover them with cold salted water by about an inch. Bring to a boil; then reduce the heat and simmer until parboiled, approximately 6-7 minutes. Drain well and let cool.
• Shredding Potatoes – Once cooled, finely shred the potatoes using a box grater. Use a clean dish towel or cheese cloth to squeeze out as much water as possible from the shredded potatoes.
• Mixing Ingredients – Transfer the shredded potatoes to a large bowl. Add the flour, garlic granules, onion granules, oregano leaves, and dill weed. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix until the mixture is workable but dry.
• Forming Tots – Shape the potato mixture into small tot shapes using your hands.
• Frying Tots – Heat the vegetable oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 360°F on a deep-fry thermometer. Fry the tots in batches until they are evenly golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
• Serving Tots – Transfer the fried tots to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with a garnish of chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Equipment

• Dutch Oven
• box grater
• deep-fry thermometer
• Large Bowl
• paper towel-lined plate

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 250kcal
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Potassium: 450mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Vitamin A: 2IU
• Vitamin C: 15mg
• Calcium: 2mg
• Iron: 6mg

FAQ – Homemade Crispy Tater Tots