Name: Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium russet potatoes, washed; 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

If you’re craving a snack that’s golden, crispy, and oozing with cheesy goodness, let me introduce you to my favorite Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe. These homemade air fryer tots bring together sharp cheddar and tender potatoes for a party-perfect appetizer that’s seriously addictive.

A white marbled surface holds a piece of brown parchment paper topped with many golden-brown tater tots, each showing a crispy and uneven texture with small green herb bits sprinkled on top. Two small round wooden bowls near the bottom left corner hold thick red ketchup and creamy light orange dipping sauce. The tater tots are arranged in a loose pile, with some scattered around the edges, showing their crunchy, browned edges and soft centers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of these crispy, cheesy little bites — they’re like the upgraded version of your favorite frozen tots but with fresh ingredients and way more flavor. Plus, the air fryer makes them crispy without drowning them in oil.

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh potatoes you can easily grab at the store.
Crispy & Cheesy: Sharp cheddar melts inside, giving a gooey surprise with every bite.
Quick & Easy: Ready in about an hour, perfect for last-minute appetizers or snacks.
Healthy Twist: Air frying means less oil and mess than traditional frying methods.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive into making these crispy, cheesy tots, let’s chat about the key ingredients that make this recipe shine and what to look for when picking them up.

Flat lay of four whole russet potatoes with natural skin texture, a small mound of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with plain all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse kosher salt crystals, and a small white ceramic bowl with ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Russet potatoes: The best choice for fluffy interiors and crisp outsides thanks to their high starch content.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Brings bold flavor and melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy center.
All-purpose flour: Holds the tots together without adding heaviness.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural potato flavor perfectly.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the sharpness of cheddar.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to add your own spin to really make it your own. Whether you want to kick up the flavor or cater to dietary preferences, small tweaks can lead to big delicious results!

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a smoky, spicy twist that wakes up the palate. It’s perfect when you're craving a little heat with your cheesy tots.
Herb Infusion: Fresh chopped chives or rosemary mixed in give a lovely aromatic note that pairs beautifully with the cheddar. Plus, it makes your tots smell incredible while they cook!
Cheese Swap: While sharp cheddar is classic, I’ve had great results using Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder, gooey center. Feel free to experiment depending on your mood.
Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or even a bit of cornstarch to keep the tots crispy and friendly for gluten-sensitive guests.
Veggie Boost: Grated cooked carrots or a small amount of finely chopped green onions folded into the mix add a bit of sweetness and extra color to your tots.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a woman's hand holding a small, golden brown potato piece with a crispy outside and soft, light yellow inside. In the background, there are several more of these crispy potato pieces, all with a golden color and a slightly rough texture. The focus is on the one piece held by the woman's hand, showing the soft texture inside. The background is blurred but still shows the potato pieces scattered on a white marbled surface, enhancing the warm, inviting look of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Boil Your Potatoes Just Right

Start by placing 4 medium washed russet potatoes in a pot of cold salted water. Bring it to a boil and then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. The goal is to cook the potatoes enough that a fork can pierce through them easily but they still hold their shape — about 15 minutes. This ensures your tots have tender centers without falling apart. Once done, drain and let the potatoes cool for about 15 minutes until they’re safe to handle.

Step 2: Grate and Mix Ingredients to Perfection

When your potatoes have cooled, grate them using a coarse grater — this texture gives your tots that ideal bite. Toss the grated potatoes into a large mixing bowl and add 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly until every shred is coated and evenly mixed. If the mixture feels too wet to shape, sprinkle in a little more flour to firm it up.

Step 3: Shape the Tots with Care

Line a large sheet with parchment paper for easy handling. Using about 1 tablespoon of the mixture, roll and mold it into a small cylindrical tot. Place each tot on the parchment, spacing them evenly. This shaping step is where patience pays - keep your hands slightly damp to prevent sticking and maintain the cylindrical shape for that authentic tot look.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. A hot basket ensures your tots start crisping immediately. Lightly spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and to help the tots achieve that beautiful golden crust.

Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Place the tater tots in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without crowding, which helps them crisp evenly. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size. Lightly spray the tops of the tots with oil spray to enhance browning. Air fry them at 380°F for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking

After 10 minutes, carefully flip each tater tot over with tongs or a spatula to ensure both sides become equally crispy. Spray with a little more oil, then continue air frying for an additional 5 minutes until the tots turn a gorgeous golden color and develop that coveted crispy exterior.

Step 7: Serve Immediately and Enjoy

Remove your golden, crispy cheesy tater tots from the air fryer and serve them right away while they're hot and melty on the inside. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces—ketchup, ranch, or something spicy—for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that everyone will love.

Top Tip

Getting those Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe just right can transform your snack game! These tips come from plenty of hands-on experience and are here to ensure your tots always come out crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious.

Choosing the Right Potato: Using russet potatoes is key—they’re starchy and dry, perfect for that crisp exterior without sogginess inside.
Cool Before Grating: Let the boiled potatoes cool fully before grating. I learned this the hard way—hot potatoes turn mushy and make shaping tough.
Don’t Skip the Flour: If your mix feels too wet and hard to shape, adding a little more flour makes all the difference and keeps the tots in shape during air frying.
Watch Your Air Fryer: Since every air fryer heats a bit differently, keep an eye on your tots around the 10-minute mark to prevent overcooking.

How to Serve Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe

The image shows a metal baking tray lined with white parchment paper, holding 30 small, golden-yellow round dough pieces arranged neatly in six rows and five columns. The dough pieces have a smooth texture with tiny orange specks visible throughout. On the bottom right corner of the tray, there is a silver cookie scoop filled with the same dough, resting on the parchment paper and partially on the tray. The tray is placed on a wooden surface with a warm brown tone. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Bring your cheesy tots to life with fresh garnishes: sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley for a bright color and a touch of freshness. Add a dusting of smoked paprika or cayenne for a smoky kick. If you love extra cheesy goodness, a light dust of grated Parmesan cheese on top right after cooking melts beautifully over the hot tots.

Side Dishes

These Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots make a perfect finger food star but pair wonderfully with classic dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo. For a fuller meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad, grilled chicken skewers, or even a bowl of hearty chili to scoop up with the tots. They’re also a hit at parties next to sliders or wings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep their texture, avoid stacking them too tightly. They’re just as yummy when reheated properly.

Freezing

To freeze, place the formed but uncooked tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for a couple hours until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. When ready, you can air fry them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover tots in the air fryer at 380°F for 5–7 minutes to restore their crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that golden crunch, as it tends to make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cheese instead of sharp cheddar?

Absolutely! You can substitute sharp cheddar with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist. Just make sure the cheese is firm enough to hold the shape.

What if my air fryer basket is small?

No worries! Cook your tater tots in batches so they have enough room to crisp up and don’t overcrowd the basket. Overcrowding can cause them to steam and lose crispness.

Why are my tater tots falling apart?

If your tots aren’t holding their shape, the potato mixture might be too wet or lacking enough binding flour. Try adding a little extra flour and make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.

Can I make these ahead of time for parties?

Yes! Form the tots ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer until ready. Air fry just before serving for fresh, crispy results.

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Cheesy Tater Tots in Air Fryer Recipe from scratch is such a rewarding experience—the blend of tender potatoes and melty cheese wrapped in a crunchy shell is pure comfort food magic. Whether for a quick snack or a party crowd-pleaser, these tots bring warmth and smiles around the table. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to make this recipe your own and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!