Turkey Sandwich

on
0

Tater Tots

on

 Tater Tots Recipe: How to Make Crispy, Golden Tater Tots at Home


Tater tots are bite-sized, crispy, golden nuggets of potato goodness that are beloved as a snack, side dish, or even a breakfast treat. While they’re often found in the frozen section of the grocery store, making homemade tater tots from scratch is easier than you think—and the results are even tastier!

This recipe shows you how to make perfectly crispy tater tots that are golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large russet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for flavor and color)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for sprinkling
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling the russet potatoes. Russet potatoes are ideal for tater tots because of their starchy texture, which helps hold the tots together and creates a crispy exterior.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the peeled potatoes. Parboil the potatoes for about 5-6 minutes. You want them to be slightly cooked but still firm—just enough to make grating easier. After parboiling, drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes.

Step 2: Grate the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, use a box grater to grate them into fine shreds. Place the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Removing the moisture is key to achieving crispy tater tots.

Step 3: Season and Mix

In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes with flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. The flour acts as a binder, while the seasonings give the tots their signature flavor. Mix everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Step 4: Shape the Tater Tots

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the potato mixture and shape it into small cylinders, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. You can use your hands or a spoon to help form the tots. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly uniform—homemade tots have a rustic charm!

Place the shaped tater tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper as you form them.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, pour vegetable oil to a depth of about 1-2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of potato into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go.

Step 6: Fry the Tater Tots

Carefully add the tater tots to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the tots for about 3-5 minutes per batch, turning them occasionally with a slotted spoon, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Once fried, transfer the tater tots to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with a little extra salt while they’re hot to enhance the flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the homemade tater tots while they’re still warm and crispy. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or spicy aioli. Tater tots are a fantastic side for burgers, hot dogs, or even a breakfast hash.

Tips for Perfect Tater Tots:

  • Squeeze out moisture: After grating the potatoes, be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Too much water can make the tots soggy instead of crispy.
  • Don’t skip the flour: The flour helps bind the shredded potatoes together, ensuring they hold their shape during frying.
  • Fry in small batches: Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and cause the tots to cook unevenly. Fry in batches for the best results.
  • Keep them warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the finished tater tots warm in a 200°F oven while you finish frying the rest.

Baked Tater Tots Option:

If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the tater tots instead of frying them. Here’s how:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Place the shaped tater tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
  3. Spray or lightly brush the tots with oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Variations:

  • Cheesy Tater Tots: Mix in shredded cheese (like cheddar or parmesan) with the potato mixture for extra flavor and gooey goodness.
  • Spicy Tater Tots: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
  • Sweet Potato Tots: Swap out the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter, slightly healthier version of tater tots.

Conclusion:

Homemade tater tots are a delightful treat that take the humble potato to new heights of deliciousness. Whether you serve them as a snack, side dish, or breakfast accompaniment, these crispy golden tots are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Plus, with the option to fry or bake, you can enjoy them however you like!

Comments

Post a Comment