Name: Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium russet potatoes, washed; 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Nothing beats the satisfying crunch and melty cheese of these Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe straight from your own kitchen. If you’re craving a snack that’s crispy on the outside, cheesy and tender inside, you’re in the right place!

A pile of golden brown tater tots with a crispy surface, some showing small browned spots, spread on a brown parchment paper on a wooden table. Light green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the tots and around them. Below the pile, there are two small round wooden bowls filled with sauces: one is red ketchup and the other is a light orange creamy sauce. The overall scene is warm and rustic. 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 Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these cheesy air fryer potato tots more times than I can count, and honestly, they never disappoint. They’re the perfect mix of crunchy and gooey, and cooking them in the air fryer makes it so quick and fuss-free.

Super crispy texture: Thanks to using shredded russet potatoes and air frying, these tots get golden and crunchy every time.
Simple ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples—potatoes, sharp cheddar, flour, and seasonings.
Perfect snack or appetizer: Great for game day, casual dinners, or anytime you want a tasty bite.
Quick and easy to make: The air fryer speeds up cooking and cuts down on oil compared to traditional frying.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to making crispy, cheesy tater tots, the right ingredients make all the difference. Here’s a little insight on what you’ll need before we jump into the cooking.

Flat lay of fresh whole russet potatoes with rough brown skins, a small mound of finely grated sharp cheddar cheese in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, placed 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: These are your go-to for crispy tots because of their starchy texture—it helps them bind well and crisp up nicely.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds that rich, tangy cheesiness that melts perfectly inside each tot.
All-purpose flour: This gives structure and helps hold the tots together without getting gummy.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of the cheese.
Black pepper: A simple seasoning to add a little warmth and depth.

📝

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

One of the best things about this Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Feel free to tweak the flavors and ingredients to suit your taste buds or dietary needs — the base recipe is wonderfully versatile!

Cheese Combo: I love mixing sharp cheddar with mozzarella for a gooey, melty texture that’s irresistible. It adds a lovely stretchiness that kids and adults both adore.
Herb Boost: Adding fresh chopped chives or parsley into the mix gives a fresh, vibrant kick that brightens up each bite beautifully.
Spicy Twist: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper with the black pepper. It adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the cheesy goodness.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch to keep it gluten-free without messing with the crispiness.
Veggie Upgrade: For a sneaky veggie boost, finely grate a small carrot or zucchini along with the potatoes (make sure to squeeze out excess moisture first).

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

A close-up image of a woman's hand holding a small, golden-brown tater tot with a bite taken out, showing its soft, light yellow inside texture. The background is filled with more similar golden, crispy tater tots scattered on a white marbled surface, slightly blurred to keep focus on the held tot. The lighting highlights the crispiness and warm color tones of the tater tots. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes Until Just Tender

Start by placing your washed russet potatoes into a pot filled with cold, salted water. Bringing the water up to a boil and then lowering the heat to simmer is key — you want the potatoes soft enough that a fork pierces through with ease but still firm to hold their shape. This usually takes about 15 minutes. Once done, drain and allow them to cool completely, about 15 minutes, so they’re easier to handle for grating.

Step 2: Grate the Potatoes into a Bowl

Once cooled, pick up your box grater or food processor and grate the potatoes. The goal here is a shredded texture that forms the base of your tots — not mashed. Transfer the grated potatoes to a large mixing bowl, ready to be combined with the cheese and seasonings.

Step 3: Mix in Cheese, Flour, and Seasonings

Add the sharp cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and black pepper right into the bowl with your grated potatoes. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly incorporated into a consistent mixture. This blend is what helps your tots stick together and develop that cheesy crispy crust.

Step 4: Shape Your Tater Tots

Lay out a large sheet of parchment paper on your workspace to keep things tidy. Then, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time, forming each into a small cylindrical tot shape with your hands. Place each shaped tot onto the parchment as you go. This part is fun and lets you feel the mixture coming together perfectly.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare Your Air Fryer

Preheating is key for that crispy exterior! Set your air fryer to 380°F and spray the basket lightly with nonstick cooking spray. This helps keep the tots from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 6: Cook the Tots to Golden Perfection

Arrange your tots in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space around each for air circulation — this ensures even crisping on all sides. Spray the tops lightly with oil again. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip each tot carefully and cook for another 5 minutes until golden brown and irresistibly crispy.

Step 7: Serve Immediately and Enjoy!

Once they’re cooked to perfection, remove your crispy cheesy tater tots from the air fryer and serve them right away. They’re perfect on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauces for an appetizer that’s sure to impress.

Top Tip

These tips come from my own kitchen adventures making the Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe, and they’ll help you get that perfect golden crunch every time.

Cooling the Potatoes: Letting the potatoes cool completely before grating makes all the difference. It keeps your hands comfortable and prevents your mixture from becoming too mushy.
Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Cooking the tots in a single layer ensures hot air circulates properly, giving you evenly crispy tots instead of soggy blobs.
Flipping for Even Crispness: Flipping the tots halfway through cooking guarantees both sides get equally golden and crunchy—skip this and you might end up with uneven texture.
Mixing Ingredients Well: Make sure your cheese, flour, salt, and pepper are thoroughly combined with the potatoes. It helps the tots hold their shape and bursts with cheesy flavor in every bite.

How to Serve Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe

The image shows a baking tray lined with white parchment paper, filled with five neat rows of small, rectangular dough pieces with visible orange flecks throughout, suggesting cheese mixed inside. Each dough piece is evenly spaced and has a slightly rough texture on the surface. To the right of the tray lies a metal scoop filled with the same dough. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or green onions on top for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. A dusting of smoked paprika or a pinch of garlic powder adds an extra layer of deliciousness. Don’t forget a side of your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, spicy ketchup, or a creamy sriracha mayo to elevate every bite.

Side Dishes

These tater tots make a fantastic appetizer or side. Pair them with juicy sliders, crispy chicken wings, or a fresh mixed green salad to balance out the richness. They also work well alongside burgers or a bowl of chili for a cozy comfort food feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick snack later.

Freezing

Freeze uncooked tater tots on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, cook them straight from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover tots in the air fryer at 380°F for about 5 minutes to bring back that crispy outer crust. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the crunch and gooey cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

While you can experiment, russet potatoes are ideal because their starchy texture helps create that perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior in the tater tots.

How do I prevent the tater tots from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spraying the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray before adding the tots does the trick. Also, giving the tops a quick spray before cooking helps with even crisping and prevents sticking.

Can I make these tots ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape the tots and store them on parchment paper covered in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. Just be sure to cook them fresh for the best crunch.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover tater tots?

Reheating in the air fryer at 380°F for about 5 minutes will restore their crispy texture much better than the microwave.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve enjoyed discovering how to make this Crispy Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe from scratch—it’s one of those simple homemade pleasures that feels comforting and special all at once. Whether it’s a snack for movie night, a game-day crowd pleaser, or a tasty appetizer to share, these tots bring cheesy, crispy joy to any occasion. Happy cooking, and even happier munching!