If you love crispy, golden, bite-sized potato perfection, Homemade Tater Tots will quickly become your go-to comfort snack. These tots have that perfect crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior—just like the ones you remember from your childhood, but freshly made in your kitchen. Plus, making them yourself means you can control the seasoning and enjoy them hot out of the fryer or oven!

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Trust me, once you take a bite, you won’t want to go back to store-bought. They’re so much better when made at home, and you can customize them however you like!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Tater Tots

Crispy & Golden: These tots come out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying soft and fluffy on the inside.

Easy to Make: They’re surprisingly simple to put together with just a few ingredients you probably already have.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.

Customizable: You can add different spices or cheese for a fun twist on the classic.

Fun to Make: Getting your hands involved in shaping the tots is surprisingly satisfying—and the kids love helping!

Ingredients in Homemade Tater Tots

Here’s what you need to make crispy, delicious tater tots from scratch:

Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for that fluffy interior and crispy exterior.

Flour: A little bit of flour helps bind everything together.

Cornstarch: This makes the outside crispy!

Cheese: (Optional) Add a bit of shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.

Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the potato flavor.

Garlic Powder: A subtle hint of garlic gives the tots a savory kick.

Chives or Parsley: For a little pop of color and freshness.

Egg: To bind everything together.

Vegetable Oil: For frying, or you can bake them if you prefer a healthier option.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s make these crispy little bites of heaven!

Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and grate the potatoes into fine shreds. To prevent them from turning brown, soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes. Then, drain and dry them thoroughly using paper towels.

Make the Potato Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chopped chives or parsley. Add the egg and mix until everything is well combined.

Shape the Tater Tots

Take a small amount of the mixture and shape it into small cylinders. You want them to be about the size of a traditional tater tot, so just roll them between your hands until you have the perfect shape.

Fry the Tater Tots

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium-high heat. Carefully drop the tater tots into the hot oil in small batches. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Or Bake for a Healthier Option

If you prefer to bake them, preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the tater tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness.

Serve and Enjoy

Once they’re perfectly crispy, serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, like ketchup, ranch, or cheese sauce.

How to Serve Homemade Tater Tots

These tater tots are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to level up your experience:

Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces, like sriracha mayo, buffalo sauce, or even a tangy BBQ sauce.
Tater Tot Casserole: Make a fun casserole by layering these tots with cooked ground beef, cheese, and a creamy sauce for a family-friendly dinner.
Loaded Tater Tots: Top with bacon bits, sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions for a loaded snack or side dish.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: You can prepare the tots ahead of time, shape them, and freeze them before frying or baking. When you’re ready to cook, just fry or bake them directly from the freezer.

Use a Food Processor: If you have a food processor, it can make grating the potatoes even easier.

Avoid Overcrowding: When frying, avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure the tots cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.

Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like paprika, onion powder, or chili powder for a fun twist.

FAQ Section

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the tater tots, freeze them, and then fry or bake them later for a quick snack or meal.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking is a great, healthier option. Just follow the baking instructions above for crispy tots.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for that crispy texture.

Can I freeze the tater tots?

Yes, freeze the raw tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Fry or bake them directly from frozen.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Russet potatoes work best, but you can experiment with other types like Yukon Gold for a different texture.

What’s the best way to reheat them?

Reheat in the oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes to restore the crispiness.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes, you can skip the egg and use a flax egg or a different egg substitute for a vegan-friendly version.

Can I add cheese to the tater tots?

Absolutely! You can mix in shredded cheese into the mixture for cheesy tater tots or sprinkle it on top after baking.

What can I serve with these tater tots?

They pair well with burgers, sandwiches, or even as an appetizer with a variety of sauces.

Can I make these spicy?

Yes, add a bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mixture for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

These Homemade Tater Tots are crispy, golden, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or main course, they’re sure to impress. The best part? You get to enjoy them hot, fresh, and right out of your kitchen!

Homemade Tater Tots

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Skip the frozen aisle and make your own Homemade Tater Tots! These crispy, golden bites are easy to make with simple ingredients and pack big flavor. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer!

Ingredients

3-4 medium russet potatoes, peeled
3-4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (+ more for topping and processing potatoes)
Vegetable oil, for frying

1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Parboil the Potatoes:
- Place peeled potatoes in a large stockpot or Dutch oven and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 6-7 minutes, until parboiled but still firm.
- Allow to cool completely.
Shred & Remove Moisture:
- Use a box grater to shred the potatoes.
- Place in a cheesecloth-lined sieve or colander over a bowl.
- Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes, pressing down halfway through and at the end to remove excess moisture.
- Transfer shredded potatoes to a clean mixing bowl, discarding the water.
Form the Tots:
- Add flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the potatoes.
- Mix well using your hands or a wooden spoon.
- Shape the mixture into small tubes (4–6 inches long), then cut into 1 ½-inch tater tot shapes.
Fry to Crispy Perfection:
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a stockpot or Dutch oven to 370-375°F.
- Fry in batches of 7-8 for about 5 minutes, moving them frequently to prevent sticking.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and immediately sprinkle with salt.

Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with chopped parsley (optional).
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces!

Notes

Crispier Tots: After shredding, make sure to remove as much moisture as possible.
Make Ahead: Freeze uncooked tater tots on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for storage. Fry directly from frozen.

Baking Option: Bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.

Nutrition

Serving Size: ⅙ of recipe
Calories: 101
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg