How To Make Frozen Tater Tots

Crunchy, crispy and with a golden tasty edge and soft potato center. Isn’t that how you LOVE your tater tots? Me too! Today we will cover all the ways for how to cook frozen tater tots for perfect results!

 

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

• It uses only a little oil
• Adds the perfect seasoning to the tater tots
• Puts a perfect crunch on the edge of the tots!

HERE’S HOW IT’S DONE…

STEP 1.

Place a few tablespoons of oil on a baking sheet.

Spread the amount of tater tots you want to cook onto the baking sheet.

STEP 2

Add the oil to the pan. 

STEP 3.  

Add Seasonings to the pan.

STEP 4. 

Using your hands toss the vegetable oil and seasonings well. 

 

STEP 5. 

Spread the tater tots out as much as possible so that air can circulate in the oven and cook them well. 

MANY WAYS TO COOK FROZEN TATER TOTS

I fully recommend cooking tater tots…

• In the oven
• Using a frying pan on the stove top
• In an air fryer
• You can cook tater tots in a deep fryer.

But I DO NOT recommend trying to cook frozen tots in the microwave.  

They turn out mushy every single time (unless you have the ones that come in a special package and are specifically formulated for cooking in the microwave.

TO COOK FROZEN TATER TOTS IN A SKILLET

• First heat oil at a depth of ¼ inch in the bottom of your skillet over medium high heat.
• When the oil is glistening hot and when a drop of water spatters loudly
• Add a large handful of frozen tater tots to the oil
• Cook until the amount of crispness that you prefer – turning frequently.
• Dip from the oil with a slotted spoon or spatula and drain on a paper towel
• Apply salt and pepper while draining.

If you prefer less oil, you may wish to follow the instructions in the recipe card below.

TO COOK FROZEN TATER TOTS IN AN AIR FRYER

• Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray
• Put the amount of tater tots in the basket that your fryer will allow (handful)
• Cook at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes.
• Shake well during cooking at least once.

TO COOK TATER TOTS IN A HOME DEEP FRYER.

• Preheat the oil.
• Raise the basket out of the oil and place the amount of tater tots you want to prepare into the basket.
• Lower the basket into the hot oil.
• Cook until browned and starting to float.
• Deep fry for about 5 minutes.
• Pull the basket from the hot oil, pour the tater tots out onto a paper towel set upon a plate to drain.
• Serve hot.

HOW TO COOK TATER TOTS IN A CONVECTION OVEN.

If you have a convection oven, it is likely that you are able to turn the convection function off to start.

• For this recipe, leave the convection setting off, follow the directions in the recipe card below.
• Turn the convection function ON for the last 5 minutes of baking. This will brown your tater tots nicely. Check them every 2 minutes to make sure they don’t over brown.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s)

CAN I COOK MY TATER TOTS ON ALUMINUM FOIL?

Yes, I recommend lining your baking sheet with aluminum foil (shiny side up) to help with browning and for easy clean up!

CAN I COOK MY TATER TOTS WITHOUT ANY OIL AT ALL?

• Yes, actually you CAN cook your TATER TOTS without any oil at all, however, the crunchy exterior will not be as pleasing to your taste buds.
• You can give your TOTS a burst of flavor by spraying them with cooking spray.
• If oil is not your thing, you might try an airfryer!

DO I NEED TO DEFROST THE TATER TOTS FIRST?

Nope!  Just put the frozen tots right on the pan in the recipe stated below (in the recipe box).

DO FROZEN TATER TOTS EXPIRE?

Yes, they do. Check the label on your package to find the expiration date for your tater tots.

HOW LONG ARE MY TOTS GOOD FOR?

Once you cook a frozen tot, it will be good for about 5 days if you cover and put in the fridge. That said, it will only taste good for a few hours. Follow the steps for reheating.

HOW TO REHEAT TOTS.

To reheat your TOTS,

• use 2 Tbs vegetable oil.
• Toss the TOTS to coat in oil.
• Bake in the oven at 400 for about 5-8 minutes till heated through.

SEASONING FOR TATER TOTS

Seasoning is the way to REALLY capture the essence of tater tots!

Start by just following the instructions in the recipe card below! That recipe makes delicious and tasty tater tots!

Then try…

• Altering the amount of salt and pepper.
• Substitute garlic or onion powder for the season all salt.
• Try parmesan cheese!
• Brewers Yeast for a cheesy flavor anyone?
• A sprinkle of truffle oil and parmesan cheese is a yummy taste!

HOW TO MAKE CHEESY TATER TOTS.

For delicious cheesy tater tots,

• Melt 4 oz of velveeta cheese with ¼ cup of milk on the stove top or in the microwave. Drizzle over your tater tots.
• Secondly, you can sprinkle the hot tater tots with shredded cheddar cheese.
• Finally, for a little zip, mix a can of Rotel tomatoes and chilis with 8 oz of velveeta cheese and gently melt on the stove top or in the microwave, use this as a dip or to top off your tater tots! YUM!

TIPS & TRICKS for PERFECT TATER TOTS…

• Make certain to refer to your own package of frozen tater tots for time and temperature settings, this will differ with brands.
• If you like your tater tots more crispy, allow to cook a little longer, if you prefer less crispy, take them out sooner.
• It is important to mix the tots with the oil by hand as this helps coat everything evenly. Be ready to wash your hands immediately afterward.
• PRO TIP:  For slightly different flavor, exchange the season all salt for garlic powder, onion powder or parmesan cheese!

MAKE THESE FROZEN TATER TOTS AS…

• A side dish for Easy Crab Cakes, Meatballs or Artichoke Chicken! 
• As a fun dish for movie night! Serve with chips and Corn Dip! 

OTHER FROZEN FOOD THAT MAKE YOU LOOK LIKE THE STAR!

Frozen Fries

Frozen Onion Rings

How To Cook Frozen Lobster

Frozen Shrimp!

How To Cook Frozen Onion Rings

OR TRY ANY OF OUR Delicious Side Dishes!

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