Tater Tots are the quintessential comfort snack, offering the perfect balance of crispy texture on the outside and soft, fluffy potato goodness on the inside. This fall special snack recipe is ideal for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or as a side to your favorite meals. You can easily whip them up at home with simple ingredients, and they’re guaranteed to satisfy your craving for something warm and crunchy. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, these homemade Tater Tots will be a hit!
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen grated potatoes (you can use freshly grated potatoes if preferred)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to submerge the tots)
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture
Start by placing the grated potatoes in a large bowl. If using fresh potatoes, be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to prevent sogginess. Add the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the potatoes. Crack the egg into the bowl and mix everything together until you form a sticky, dough-like consistency. The flour and cornstarch will help bind the potatoes together, while the seasonings will enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Shape the Tater Tots
Take small portions of the potato mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them between your hands to form little cylinders or “tots.” The classic shape should be about 1-inch in length. Place the formed tots on a tray or plate lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a little space between each tot so they don’t stick together during frying.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a large frying pan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You need enough oil to submerge the tater tots completely. If using a frying pan, ensure the oil covers at least half the height of the tots. You can check if the oil is ready by dropping in a small piece of the potato mixture — if it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough.
Step 4: Fry the Tater Tots
Carefully drop the shaped tater tots into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches to avoid sticking. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the tater tots from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve
Once they’re fried to perfection, serve your crispy tater tots immediately while they’re still hot. These tater tots are delicious on their own, or you can serve them with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, ranch, or cheese sauce for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 240mg
Conclusion
These homemade Tater Tots are the perfect fall special snack recipe that brings the nostalgic taste of crispy golden goodness straight from your kitchen. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as an after-school snack, or pairing them with your favorite fall dinner, these tater tots will surely impress everyone who tries them. Their crispy exterior, soft interior, and versatility with dipping sauces make them the ultimate comfort snack. Enjoy them with a side of your favorite sauce, or simply as is for a delicious treat.