Introduction

Crispy Golden Tater Tots are a delightful snack or side dish that boasts a perfectly crunchy exterior and a soft, tender inside. Made from fresh russet potatoes and seasoned just right, these homemade tots are a satisfying treat that’s easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.

A collection of small, rectangular golden-brown tater tots with a crispy outside showing little bits of green herbs mixed in, arranged close together on a white marbled surface. The tater tots have a rough, crunchy texture with uneven browning on top, and some are topped with tiny fresh green parsley leaves. To the side, there is a small white bowl filled with smooth, shiny, deep red ketchup that contrasts with the tots. The overall look is warm and inviting, highlighting the crispy finish and fresh herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ lb russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 tbsp cornstarch

¾ tsp fine sea salt
½ tsp onion powder

Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
⅓ cup (28g) finely grated cheddar cheese (optional)

2 tbsp finely minced fresh parsley (optional)
2 tbsp light-flavored oil (avocado or vegetable), divided

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), using convection if available. Line a baking sheet with foil, a silicone mat, or parchment paper. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil over the lined sheet.

Step 2: Peel and cut potatoes into 1-inch chunks, then submerge them in a large bowl of cold water. Agitate gently for 15 seconds and drain in a colander for 1 minute.
Step 3: Transfer the drained potatoes into a food processor and pulse until broken into small bits, being careful not to overprocess. Remove any large chunks and chop them finely with a knife.
Step 4: Wrap the potato bits in a clean dishcloth and squeeze firmly to expel as much liquid as possible. Discard the liquid.

Step 5: Place the potato bits in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then microwave an additional 30 seconds. Stir again and let cool for 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 6: Add the salt, onion powder, cornstarch, parsley, cheddar cheese (if using), and freshly ground black pepper to the potatoes. Stir gently to combine the sticky mixture.
Step 7: With damp fingers, form the mixture into cylinders approximately ¾-inch wide and 1-inch long. Arrange the tots on the prepared baking sheet. Keep your hands slightly wet to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over the tots. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown.
Step 9: Carefully flip each tot using two forks, loosening any that stick. Bake for another 12 to 15 minutes until the second side is deep golden and crisp.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, use a convection oven if available to help circulate heat evenly.

Adding finely grated cheddar cheese and parsley gives a delicious flavor boost, but you can omit them for a simple classic taste.
Keep your fingers damp when shaping the tots to avoid the mixture sticking to your hands.
Try seasoning with garlic powder or smoked paprika for a different twist.

Storage

Store leftover tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

This image shows a close-up of golden-brown tater tots made from grated potatoes mixed with green herbs, giving a speckled look of green and yellow inside the crispy outer layer. The tots are piled on a white marbled surface with small pieces of green parsley scattered on top and around them. On the left side, a clear glass bowl holds thick red ketchup with a shiny, smooth texture. The overall look is warm and crispy with a fresh touch from the herbs and parsley photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for tater tots?

Russet potatoes are best because of their high starch content, which creates a fluffy interior and crispy exterior. Waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes tend to be too moist and may not crisp up as well.

Can these tater tots be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze shaped tater tots before baking. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.