Print

Homemade Crispy Tater Tots Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 55 reviews

Homemade Tater Tots are crispy, golden-brown potato bites made from boiled and shredded russet potatoes, seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and herbs, then fried to perfection. This recipe offers a delicious homemade alternative to store-bought tots, with options to freeze before or after frying for convenient snacking or side dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Mixture

  • 4 pounds russet potatoes (peeled)
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

For Frying and Garnish

  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Boil the potatoes: Place peeled potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water by about 1-2 inches. Bring to a boil and cook for 6-7 minutes until parboiled but not fully tender.
  2. Drain and cool: Drain potatoes well and spread them in a single layer on a cutting board. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up.
  3. Grate the potatoes: Using a box grater, finely shred the cooled potatoes. Press them in a clean dish towel to remove as much moisture as possible for crispy tots.
  4. Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine shredded potatoes with flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and dried parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Add a little extra flour if needed to make the mixture workable but dry.
  5. Prepare for shaping: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Shape the tots: Form the potato mixture into small tot shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to set.
  7. Heat the oil: In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until hot enough for frying.
  8. Fry the tots: Fry the tots in batches, about six at a time, for 3-4 minutes each until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper-towel-lined plate.
  9. Serve: Serve the tater tots hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
  10. Freeze before frying (optional): After shaping the tots on the baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to Ziploc bags. Fry from frozen without thawing when ready to serve.
  11. Freeze after frying (optional): Let cooked tots cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer up to 1 month. Reheat by baking at 400°F (204°C) for 15-17 minutes.

Notes

  • For best texture, remove as much moisture as possible from shredded potatoes before mixing.
  • Do not fully cook potatoes when boiling; they should be just parboiled to retain structure.
  • Refrigerating the grated potato mixture helps the tots hold their shape when frying.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for even frying.
  • Tots can be frozen both before and after frying, offering flexible prep options.
  • Adjust seasoning according to personal taste.

Keywords: Tater Tots, Homemade Tater Tots, Crispy Potato Bites, Fried Potatoes, Side Dish, Snack

Find it online: https://famdishes.com/homemade-crispy-tater-tots-recipe/