If you have ever dreamed of biting into perfectly crispy, golden little cylinders of potato goodness at home, this Homemade Tater Tots Recipe is going to be your new best friend. These tater tots offer that delightful crunch on the outside with a tender, fluffy interior that simply cannot be beat by frozen options. There’s something truly special about making them from scratch—the fresh potatoes, the perfect seasoning, and the satisfaction of shaping them yourself. Whether you fry or bake them, these tater tots are guaranteed to bring smiles to your family or guests every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by this list! The ingredients are straightforward and each one plays an important role in building the perfect texture and flavor for your tots. Together, they transform simple potatoes into a crispy, delicious treat that feels truly indulgent. Let’s break down what you’ll need:
- 4 medium russet potatoes: These potatoes are ideal for tots because of their high starch content, which helps achieve that fluffy inside and crispy outside.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a slight richness and helps the tots brown beautifully during cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the flavors, making sure your tots aren’t bland.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle kick without overpowering the potatoes.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses savory depth, perfect for that subtle garlicky note.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Another layer of warmth and flavor that complements the garlic.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps to bind the mixture while keeping the tots tender.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: A secret weapon for crispiness, this ensures the outside gets wonderfully crunchy.
- 1 egg (optional): If you want a bit more stability when shaping your tots, this acts as a natural binder.
- Vegetable oil (for frying) or olive oil spray (for baking): Choice of cooking fat, necessary for crisp final results.
How to Make Homemade Tater Tots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling your russet potatoes and grating them finely using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, immediately submerge them in a bowl of cold water to stop any browning. This soak for about 5 minutes also helps wash away excess starch, making your tots crispier after cooking.
Step 2: Dry the Potatoes
Drain the potatoes, then use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This drying step is crucial – the drier the grate, the better the crispiness. Don’t rush this part; a good squeeze ensures your tots get that coveted crunch that keeps you coming back for more.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, toss the shredded potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mixing everything well allows the flavors to embed evenly, creating a perfect balance of seasoning that will shine through in every bite.
Step 4: Add the Flour and Cornstarch
Next, stir in the flour and cornstarch to the potato mixture. These not only help hold the tots together but also contribute to their texture. If you want a firmer tot that’s easier to shape, add the optional egg here, but many find that the flour and cornstarch alone do the trick beautifully.
Step 5: Shape the Tater Tots
Grab small spoonfuls and roll them into little cylinders roughly an inch long. This is hands-on, fun work and allows you to make tots just the right size for snacking. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat for the next phase.
Step 6: Cook the Tater Tots
Choose your method: frying or baking. For frying, carefully heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry the tots in small batches until golden and crisp—around 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels. For a lighter option, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), lightly spray the tots with olive oil spray, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your homemade tater tots hot and fresh right after cooking. They pair amazingly with classic dips like ketchup, ranch, or gooey cheese sauce—perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself!
How to Serve Homemade Tater Tots Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives on your homemade tater tots adds a pop of color and a fresh, vibrant note that brightens each bite. For a little extra indulgence, try dusting them with grated Parmesan or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance their flavor.
Side Dishes
These tots make an amazing side for almost anything! Think alongside juicy burgers, crispy chicken tenders, or even a hearty salad. They’re also fantastic paired with breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs and bacon, turning any meal into a comforting feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve your homemade tater tots stacked in mini towers drizzled with cheese sauce, or toss them with chili and sour cream for a fun twist on loaded tots. For parties, offer a variety of dipping sauces in small bowls to create a colorful and interactive snack station everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover homemade tater tots, don’t worry—they keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to re-crisp them before serving, as they’ll soften when stored.
Freezing
To freeze, place your shaped but uncooked tots on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can fry or bake them straight from frozen whenever a tater tot craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover tots in an oven or air fryer at 400°F (205°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes to restore that crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy and limp.
FAQs
Can I make these tater tots without the egg?
Absolutely! The egg is optional and mainly helps bind the ingredients better, but the flour and cornstarch alone provide enough hold to shape and cook the tots nicely.
What’s the best potato for these tots?
Russet potatoes are the top choice because their high starch content delivers that fluffy interior and crisp outside that define classic tater tots.
Is frying better than baking for homemade tater tots?
Both methods create delicious tots. Frying gives an ultra-crispy finish and golden color fastest, while baking is lighter and easier, especially with olive oil spray to help crisp things up.
Can I season these tater tots differently?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, or even fresh herbs to personalize your tots to your taste preferences.
How do I prevent the potatoes from turning brown after grating?
Sinking the grated potatoes in cold water right away slows oxidation and prevents browning. This simple step keeps your tots looking fresh and appetizing.
Final Thoughts
Making your own little crispy nuggets of joy is easier and more rewarding than you might think. This Homemade Tater Tots Recipe invites you to slow down, enjoy the process, and savor each golden bite straight from your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding the family a comforting side or impressing friends with your snack game, these tots are a total crowd-pleaser. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!
Print
Homemade Tater Tots Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy and golden homemade tater tots made from grated russet potatoes, seasoned with garlic and onion powder, and cooked by frying or baking for a deliciously satisfying snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Binding Agents
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg (optional, for binding)
Cooking Oils
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Olive oil spray (for baking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and grate the potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Place grated potatoes in cold water for 5 minutes to prevent browning, then drain and rinse thoroughly.
- Dry the Potatoes: Wrap the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to ensure crispiness.
- Season the Potatoes: In a large bowl, combine grated potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, mixing well to coat evenly.
- Add Flour and Cornstarch: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cornstarch until fully incorporated. Optionally, add an egg to help bind the mixture for firmer tots.
- Shape the Tater Tots: Form small cylinders approximately 1 inch long by taking spoonfuls of the potato mixture. Place shaped tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cook the Tater Tots: For frying, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry tots in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy; drain on paper towels. For baking, preheat oven to 425°F (220°C), lightly spray tots with olive oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Serve: Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or cheese sauce for a perfect snack or side dish.
Notes
- Removing excess moisture from grated potatoes is essential for crispy tater tots.
- The egg is optional but helps achieve a firmer texture and better binding.
- You can choose to fry or bake based on your preference for a healthier or traditional preparation.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the correct oil temperature for frying to avoid greasy tots.
- Flip the tots halfway through baking to ensure even crisping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
