Name: Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots 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

There's something incredibly satisfying about biting into crispy, golden tater tots loaded with melty cheese. This Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe is my go-to for an easy, crowd-pleasing snack that's homemade but doesn't feel like a lot of work.

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 Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can't tell you how many times these have been the star of game day or a casual get-together. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, these tots hit all the right notes every single time.

Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples and fresh potatoes you can find everywhere.
Quick Air Fryer Method: Crisps up perfectly in just 15 minutes without deep-frying mess.
Customizable Flavor: Sharp cheddar cheese gives a rich, tangy kick that's hard to resist.
Perfect Snack or Appetizer: Makes a batch of 24, ideal for sharing or meal prepping.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure to grab some good-quality russet potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese—these two make all the difference. Oh, and don’t skip the flour; it’s key to getting the tots to hold their shape crisp and perfectly cheesy.

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: Starchy and ideal for that crispy outside and tender inside texture.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides that bold, melty flavor that makes these tots addictive.
All-purpose flour: Acts as a binder so your tots stay together while air frying.
Kosher salt: Enhances the overall taste without overpowering the potatoes.
Black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and depth.

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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

One of the best things about this Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you like things spicy, extra cheesy, or dairy-free, there’s plenty of room to make it truly your own.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for a smoky, spicy version that brings a little extra warmth to these tots.
Herby Freshness: Stirring in freshly chopped chives or parsley creates a fresh, bright flavor that complements the sharp cheddar beautifully.
Gluten-Free Option: For those avoiding gluten, swapping the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend works perfectly without sacrificing the texture.
Vegan Twist: Try using a vegan cheddar-style cheese and a flaxseed or chickpea flour to make these tots completely plant-based and delicious.
Cheese Variations: Sharp cheddar is classic, but mixing in some smoked gouda or pepper jack gives a new dimension of smoky or spicy flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots 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 Those Potatoes Just Right

Start by placing your washed russet potatoes into a pot of cold, salted water. Bring the water to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer for 15 minutes. You want them tender enough to pierce with a fork, but still firm inside — this ensures they’ll hold their shape once shredded. After draining, let the potatoes cool completely for about 15 minutes. This step is key: cooled potatoes won’t turn mushy when grated, leading to perfectly textured tots.

Step 2: Shred and Mix Your Ingredients

Once the potatoes are cool to the touch, grate them using the coarse side of your grater right into a large mixing bowl. Add in your sharp cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the cheese and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the shredded potatoes. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your crispy tots.

Step 3: Shape Your Tater Tots

Lay down a large sheet of parchment paper on your work surface. Using about one tablespoon of the potato mixture at a time, roll and shape it into a classic tot shape — small cylinders about two inches long. Place each shaped tot onto the parchment, spacing them out a bit so they don’t stick together. This is a fun step to get creative with, and shaping them evenly helps them cook consistently.

Step 4: Preheat and Prep Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to preheat at 380°F. While it heats up, lightly spray the basket with a nonstick cooking spray — this step prevents sticking and helps the tots crisp evenly. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket when you place the tots in, as good air circulation is the secret to that perfect crunch.

Step 5: Cook for Crispy, Golden Perfection

Arrange the tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray their tops with oil for that extra golden finish. Cook them for 10 minutes at 380°F, then carefully flip each tot and give them another thin spray of oil. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and crispy on the outside.

Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy Immediately

Once cooked, remove the tater tots quickly and serve them immediately while they’re hot and crispy. They’re perfect on their own, or paired with your favorite dipping sauce—think spicy ketchup, ranch, or a zesty aioli. Enjoy this homemade cheesy snack that’s bursting with flavor and texture!

Top Tip

Getting the perfect crispy and cheesy tater tots in your air fryer is easier than you think! These tips come straight from my kitchen experiments and will help you master this Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe every time.

Potato Cooling: Always let your boiled potatoes cool completely before grating — this step prevents the tots from turning mushy and helps them hold their shape beautifully.
Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Air fry in batches if necessary to ensure each tot crisps evenly. Overcrowding traps steam and makes them soggy.
Oil Spritz Magic: Lightly spray the tater tots with oil before and after flipping. This simple trick gives you that golden, crispy finish without excess grease.
Sharp Cheddar Is Key: Using sharp cheddar cheese amps up the flavor and melts perfectly inside the tots for that irresistible cheesy bite.

How to Serve Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots 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

These tater tots are a blank canvas for fun garnishes! Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. A dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of garlic aioli adds an extra touch of savory goodness. Don’t forget a little shredded cheddar on top while they’re hot if you want even cheesier bites!

Side Dishes

Pair your Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots with classic favorites like crispy chicken wings, sliders, or a fresh garden salad for balance. They also shine alongside creamy coleslaw or roasted veggies, making them a versatile appetizer or snack for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though rare!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining their cheesy goodness ready for a quick snack.

Freezing

You can freeze shaped but uncooked tater tots by placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flash freezing for a couple of hours. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for future quick snacks.

Reheating

Reheat leftover tater tots in your air fryer at 380°F for about 5 minutes to bring back their crispiness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that perfect crunch!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?

Fresh russet potatoes work best for this recipe because soaking and boiling fresh potatoes help you achieve the ideal texture. Frozen potatoes often contain added moisture, which can lead to soggier tater tots.

How do I prevent the tater tots from falling apart?

Make sure the potatoes are boiled until just tender but still firm, cooled completely before grating, and combined well with the cheese and flour. The flour acts as a binder, so don’t skip it!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The original recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free alternative, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend in the same quantity.

Can I make the tater tots in a convection oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes! Bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F, flipping halfway through, for about 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Cheesy Air Fryer Tater Tots recipe is such a rewarding kitchen adventure. Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside, these tots have quickly become my go-to snack for cozy nights or entertaining friends. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to whip up a batch and enjoy every delicious bite. Happy cooking and snacking!