Easy Homemade Tater Tots

Easy Tater Tots Recipe Crispy Homemade KidFriendly

By Kendra ThompsonSeptember 28, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Craving Some Comfort?

Ever get that hankering for something super comforting? Something nostalgic? You know? Well, easy tater tots are exactly that. This recipe brings those crispy, golden spuds from childhood right into your kitchen, but with a homemade twist that's just.

.. better. Honestly, ditch the freezer aisle, you won't regret it.

A Little Tot History

Tater tots, in their original frozen form, are American as apple pie (almost). They were invented to use up potato scraps clever, right? This homemade version skips the processing and lets you create perfectly crispy tater tots using real ingredients.

This tater tot recipe is simple and satisfying. It yields about 4 servings, perfect as a side or a snack.

Why You'll Love These

Honestly, the biggest benefit here is the taste! You'll get that satisfying crunch, the fluffy potato inside, and you control the flavour.

These homemade tater tots are also great because you know exactly what's going into them. Serve them as kid friendly tater tots or enjoy them yourself anytime.

Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need:

2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes, peeled
1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3-4 cups, enough to submerge the tots)

Crispy Tater Tots Await!

Making these easy tater tots is simpler than you might think! Get those potatoes peeled, and let’s get cooking! Don't be afraid to experiment with tater tot variations .

Try adding cheese or spices! And don't forget the tater tot dipping sauces !

Right, let's talk tots. Forget the frozen aisle, we're doing easy tater tots from scratch! Honestly, it's easier than you think. Plus, you get bragging rights. Win-win!

Ingredients & Equipment

This is where the magic starts. Let's gather our bits and pieces.

Main Ingredients

Okay, for this tater tot recipe , you'll need:

2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes, peeled. Go for the big fellas. Firm and unblemished, you know?
1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting. Just regular plain flour will do the trick.
1 tsp garlic powder. Don't skip this. It adds a kick .
1/2 tsp onion powder. For that extra savory depth.
1/2 tsp paprika. Adds a lovely color, and subtle flavor.
1/4 tsp salt. Season to taste, you know how it is.
1/4 tsp black pepper. Freshly ground if you're feeling fancy.
Vegetable oil, enough for deep frying, about 3-4 cups .

Pro tip: Russets are key. They’re starchy, which means crispy tater tots . Other potatoes just don’t cut it. Trust me, I've tried.

Seasoning Notes

Seasoning is where you can make these truly your own . I love adding a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat.

Essential spice combinations: Garlic and onion powder are a must. Paprika for colour and a hint of smokiness.
Flavor enhancers and aromatics: A pinch of dried thyme can work wonders. Fresh herbs finely chopped, after frying, are amazing too.
Quick substitution options: No onion powder? Use a finely grated onion, squeezing out excess moisture.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, yeah?

Large pot. For boiling the potatoes, obviously.
Potato ricer. Makes a huge difference for that smooth texture. If you don’t have one, mash them super well.
Baking sheet. To chill the shaped homemade tater tots on.
Parchment paper. Stops them from sticking.
Slotted spoon. For fishing out those golden nuggets.
Candy thermometer (optional). For getting the oil temperature just right 350° F ( 175° C) .
Large bowl. For mixing all the good stuff together.

Common household alternatives: Got no ricer? Get mashing those potatoes! No thermometer? Just keep a close eye, and test with a small tot.

Now, I remember the first time I made oven baked tater tots , I forgot to chill the mixture! Disaster! They fell apart in the oil. Learn from my mistakes!

Honestly, getting this part right is half the battle. Then you’re on your way to kid friendly tater tots that everyone will love.

We can even think about tater tot dipping sauces later! But first, let's get cooking!

Right, let's dive into making some proper easy tater tots ! Honestly, who needs the frozen stuff when you can whip up a batch of homemade tater tots that'll blow your socks off? This tater tot recipe is surprisingly straightforward, and the end result? Crispy tater tots that put the shop bought ones to shame.

Potato Prep: The First Hurdle

Essential Mise en Place

Before we even think about frying, let's get organised. Peel those 2 lbs (900g) of russet potatoes and have your flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper ready.

It is much easier to learn how to make tater tots when you've organised all ingredients and prepped them.

Time Saving Organization Tips

Get the water boiling while you prep the potatoes. It shaves off valuable time. Remember, a watched pot never boils, so multi task. You know?

Tater Tot Transformation: step-by-step

Boil 'em: Get those spuds into boiling, salted water. Cook until fork tender. Should take around 15- 20 minutes.
Mash Time: Drain the potatoes and mash them like you've never mashed before! Seriously, no lumps. A potato ricer makes this easier.
Spice It Up: Add 1/4 cup (30g) flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the mash and mix.
Chill Out: Pop the mix into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial.
Shape Up: Roll small portions into tot shapes. Don't worry if they look a bit rustic!

Turning up the Heat for Easy Tater Tots

Heat the Oil: Get your vegetable oil up to 350° F ( 175° C). A thermometer helps, trust me.
Fry Time: Carefully drop the tots in, in batches, for about 3- 4 minutes until golden brown.

Pro Tips for Tater Tot Triumph

Expert Techniques

Don't overcrowd the pan! It lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy tots. No one wants soggy tots. For air fryer tater tots , spray them with a little oil and cook them at 400° F ( 200° C) for about 15 minutes , flipping halfway.

Common Mistakes

Not chilling the dough enough is a classic mistake. The tots will fall apart. Oven baked tater tots take longer to cook. Make sure you flip them regularly

Dip It Good

These kid friendly tater tots are not complete without a good dip! Try ketchup, mayo or bbq sauce. Tater tot dipping sauces are key.

make-ahead Magic

You can shape the tots ahead of time and freeze them on a baking sheet. Then, just fry them straight from frozen.

Seriously, it's a lifesaver. And there you have it, tater tot variations for days. Enjoy!

Alright, let's dive into those all-important Recipe Notes for our easy tater tots ! Honestly, these are the bits that can make or break your homemade tater tots adventure. So pay attention!

Tot-ally Awesome Serving Ideas

Okay, so you've got a batch of crispy tater tots . Now what? Well, presentation is key, my friend! I like to pile 'em high in a cute little bowl, maybe with a sprig of parsley if I'm feeling fancy.

Think rustic chic, yeah?

For tater tot dipping sauces , ketchup is classic, but don't be afraid to get creative! A spicy mayo (mayo mixed with sriracha trust me) or even a homemade ranch dressing will take things to the next level.

They are super kid friendly tater tots !

As for sides, easy tater tots are amazing with burgers. Or serve them alongside some grilled chicken. A simple salad balances out the fried goodness.

And a cold beer? Well, that's just good sense, innit?.

Storage Sorted!

Right, so you’ve made a huge batch of easy tater tots and can’t eat them all at once understandable! Pop those cooked tots in an airtight container and they'll be grand in the fridge for about 3 days.

Freezing homemade tater tots is totally doable. Just let them cool completely, then spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze them solid.

Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating? Oven is best for keeping them crispy tater tots . About 350° F ( 175° C) for 10- 15 minutes should do it.

You can also use an air fryer tater tots , which works a treat!

Tater Tot Transformations

Fancy switching things up? You can do a tater tot variations ! For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. Works like a charm.

If you're feeling adventurous, chuck in some grated cheddar cheese into the potato mixture before shaping. Cheesy tots are always a winner.

And for a seasonal twist, try using sweet potatoes instead of regular ones in the tater tot recipe . Gives them a lovely sweet flavour.

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, I'm no nutritionist. But easy tater tots are basically potatoes, right? So they've got some potassium and fibre.

Of course, they're fried. So they are not the healthiest thing in the world. But everything in moderation, eh? Homemade is always better than shop bought, as you know exactly what's going in them.

So, there you have it! All you need to make incredible oven baked tater tots . Don't be scared to experiment and make them your own.

And most importantly, have fun! You got this! Let's get cooking and nail the how to make tater tots !

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my homemade tater tots falling apart in the oil?

That's a right bother, isn't it? This usually happens because the potato mixture isn't firm enough. Make sure you chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) it needs to be properly cold.

Also, don't overcrowd the pan when frying; too many tots will lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy, falling apart results.

Can I bake these easy tater tots instead of frying them?

Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option, old bean. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), toss the tots with a little oil, and bake them on a parchment lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

They won't be quite as crispy as fried tots, but still jolly good!

How can I make sure my easy tater tots are extra crispy?

Crispy tots are the holy grail, aren't they? Firstly, use russet potatoes - their high starch content helps achieve that desirable crunch. Secondly, ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F/175°C) before frying, and don't add too many tots at once, which lowers the oil temp and results in soggy tots.

Patting the shaped tots dry with paper towels before frying can also remove excess moisture and promote crispness.

What's the best way to store leftover homemade tater tots?

Leftover tater tots? Blimey, you've got more willpower than I do! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

You can also use an air fryer for even better results.

Can I freeze these easy tater tots for later?

You certainly can! Lay the shaped, uncooked tots on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. When ready to cook, fry or bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Freezing uncooked tots is better than freezing cooked ones, as they maintain their texture better.

Are there any healthy variations I can make to these easy tater tots?

Of course! For a healthier spin, you can try using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for added nutrients and a touch of sweetness. Baking them instead of frying significantly reduces the fat content.

You can also add some grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots to the potato mixture for extra vitamins and fiber. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated veggies before adding them to the mix.