Tater tots are a beloved snack and side dish that have captured the hearts and taste buds of many. These crispy, golden nuggets of potato goodness are a favorite for their versatility and convenience. With the rise of air fryers, cooking Ore Ida Extra Crispy Tater Tots has become even easier and healthier. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about cooking these delicious tots in an air fryer.
Origins and Interesting Facts
Tater tots were invented in 1953 by the Ore-Ida founders, F. Nephi Grigg and Golden Grigg, who wanted to utilize leftover potato slivers from their french fry production. They seasoned the slivers, shaped them into small cylinders, and deep-fried them to create what we now know as tater tots. Over the years, tater tots have become a staple in American cuisine, celebrated for their crispy exterior and soft interior.
Ingredients
To make the perfect batch of Ore Ida Extra Crispy Tater Tots in an air fryer, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ore Ida Extra Crispy Tater Tots: 1 bag (about 32 ounces)
- Cooking Spray: Optional, for extra crispiness
- Salt: To taste
- Dipping Sauces: Ketchup, ranch, or your favorite sauce
Instructions
Cooking Ore Ida Extra Crispy Tater Tots in an air fryer is incredibly simple and yields amazing results. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set the Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that the tater tots cook evenly and become crispy.
- Preheat Time: Allow the air fryer to preheat for about 3-5 minutes, depending on your model.
Step 2: Prepare the Tater Tots
- Arrange the Tots: Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Optional: Lightly spray the tater tots with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Step 3: Cook the Tater Tots
- Cooking Time: Cook the tater tots for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
- Monitor: Check the tots frequently during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid burning.
- Ninja Air Fryer Users: If using a Ninja air fryer, the cooking time may vary slightly. Start checking for doneness at the 12-minute mark.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Season: Once cooked, season the tater tots with salt to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces.
Tips and Variations
To enhance your tater tot experience, consider these additional tips and variations:
Tips
- Crispier Tots: For extra crispy tater tots, increase the cooking time by a few minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Even Cooking: Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Batch Cooking: If cooking in multiple batches, reduce the cooking time slightly for subsequent batches as the air fryer will already be hot.
Variations
- Loaded Tater Tots: Top cooked tater tots with shredded cheese, bacon bits, and green onions. Return to the air fryer for a minute or two until the cheese melts.
- Spicy Tater Tots: Toss the tater tots in a mixture of paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder before air frying for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Parmesan Tots: After cooking, toss the tots with minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley for a flavorful twist.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the basic nutritional information per serving of Ore Ida Extra Crispy Tater Tots:
- Serving Size: 3 ounces (about 12 tots)
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 430mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: <1g
- Protein: 2g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the number of tater tots and any additional toppings or sauces used.
Cooking Ore Ida Extra Crispy Tater Tots in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic favorite with a healthier twist. The air fryer ensures that the tots are perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or base for loaded tots, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.