Air Fryer Frozen Tater Tots

Temperature

400°F

200°C

Time

12 min

500g

Safe internal

-

No minimum

Tater tots are a bit of a weakness in this house. They go gorgeously crunchy outside and fluffy in the middle, and far quicker than the twenty-odd minutes the oven wants. No need to thaw or oil them either.

How to air fry frozen tater tots

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Add the frozen tater tots to the basket. A single layer works best.
  3. Cook for about 12 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through.

Pro tip

Don't stack them; give each tot room for maximum crunch.

How to tell when it's done

I'm after an even, deep-golden color all over, so I shake them halfway. If I've crowded the basket the ones in the middle always need an extra minute to catch up.

Converting from an oven recipe

If your recipe is written for a conventional oven, lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and reduce the time by roughly 20% to land near 400°F for 12 minutes. Need a different starting point? Use the conversion calculator.

Air fryer frozen tater tots: FAQ

How long does it take to air fry frozen tater tots?

Air fry frozen tater tots at 400°F (200°C) for about 12 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through. That's for 500g in a single layer; adjust slightly for a fuller basket or a different model.

What temperature do you air fry frozen tater tots at?

Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If you're converting an oven recipe, that's roughly 25°F (15°C) below the oven temperature, with the time cut by about 20%.

Can you cook tater tots from frozen in an air fryer?

Yes - there's no need to thaw. Cook straight from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 12 minutes.

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