Crispy air fryer tater tots are ready within 20 minutes and are perfectly cooked every time! A quick and easy side dish even your kids can make!

tater tots after being cooked in the air fryer next to ketchup

Before I bought my air fryer, I really hated to cook fries and tater tots in the oven. The time that was suggested needs a warning label, because mine always came out soggy! So typically I would cook them for almost an HOUR!

When I think of tater tots for a side dish, I have one thing on my mind. That is quick and easy. The oven method just does not work for me! By the way, you can see how I make frozen french fries in the air fryer too!

Bet you didn’t know you can even make a tater tot casserole!

What is an Air Fryer and Which Air Fryer Do You Recommend?

So an air fryer is a small countertop appliance that cooks by convection. Many people purchase air fryer because they are known for making “fried” food without having to be submerged in oil. Obviously, this is a much healthier way of cooking!

Personally I have the Instant Pot Vortex air fryer and I absolutely love it! The basket is big enough for our family and is larger compared to some other models. Clean up is SO easy and I have never had any trouble with it!

The Instant Pot Vortex also has multiple settings for bake, reheat, and roast. I have only used the air fryer and reheat setting myself.

When we first got it, the instructions recommended that you go through a process to break it in. So for the first couple of times cooking with it, it sort of smelled like plastic? But apparently that was normal. That’s really the only bad experience that I have had since purchasing.

Are Air Fryer Tater Tots Weight Watcher Friendly?

As you may know, when you are on Weight Watchers it is a lifestyle change and foods are not to be so restricted when compared to other “diets”. So technically yes! For all plans (blue, purple, and green) air fryer tater tots are 5 points for 9 tots. Ore Ida also offers mini tots, in that case, they are 6 points for 19 pieces.

How Do I Reheat Tater Tots In the Air Fryer?

The reheat function on my Instant Pot Vortex is one of my favorite things because it brings your food back to life in only a couple of minutes.

Just place the tater tots back in the basket, turn to the reheat function at 350 degrees for about 5-8 minutes. Times may vary when it comes to different models.

Do I have to use oil?

I have listed the recipe to use just a little bit, but most people when cooking starches in the air fryer feel like there are enough natural oils in them. The oil helps with the salt to stick and just gives it a little extra crunch.

You can get an oil spritzer and fill it with your favorite kind, or use an aerosol oil such as this avocado oil.

Tips for Cooking Tater Tots in the Air Fryer

For even easy cleanup, I recommend these parchment paper liners. They already have slotted holes in them so you don’t have to worry about them affecting the cooking time. If you want to purchase these make sure you look to see the size and model so they will fit.

I did see that some people were having trouble with their air fryer getting really hot and cracking granite countertops. So if you are worried be sure to sit your air fryer on silicone mat or cutting board to get it off the counter.

For a little fasting cooking time, preheat your air fryer. If you use parchment liners, don’t put these in until after it preheats.

DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR BASKET. If your tater tots come out soggy or not crispy, either they need more cooking time and/or you overloaded the basket. The hot air (convection) has to have room to blow around in order to cook the food. So if the basket isn’t breathable your food will not come out as crisp.

If your oil spritzer seems clogged, add some water into the oil. It doesn’t affect the cooking and it makes it come out as a mist instead of a steady stream.

air fryer tater tots fresh out of the basket, close up

Tater Tot Variations

Want something more than regular tater tots? Try these spices and pairing to make a totally different dish!

Seasoning Salt – this has a little bit of cajun flavor to it
Chili and cheese
Cheese and Bacon

Here are 27 more ways to make tater tots!

More Air Fryer Recipes You Will Love: