Tator Tots Recipe

Heat oil

Pour 1 cup vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or a deep-fryer. Heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or a small piece of bread sizzles and browns in ~30 seconds. If pan-frying in a skillet, use enough oil to come about 1/3 inch up the sides.

Season tots

While oil heats, place 1 lb frozen tater tots in a large bowl. Sprinkle 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper over them and toss lightly to distribute. Do not thaw.

Fry in batches

Carefully add a single layer of tater tots to the hot oil without overcrowding (about 10–15 tots depending on pan). Fry 3–4 minutes, turning with a slotted spoon or spider once, until deep golden brown and crispy all over. Maintain oil temperature near 325–350°F; reduce heat slightly if browning too fast.

Drain

Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked tots to a paper towel-lined baking sheet or plate to drain. Sprinkle a pinch more salt while hot, if desired. Repeat frying remaining tots in batches.

Oven finish (optional)

If you prefer a slightly less oily result or to keep multiple batches crisp, preheat oven to 200°F (95°C). After each batch, place drained tots on a baking sheet and keep in oven while finishing the rest. This keeps them warm and crisp without further browning.

Cheese & Bacon loaded tots

To make loaded tater tots: spread hot cooked tots on an oven-safe platter or sheet. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar evenly over the hot tots and scatter 4 chopped crispy bacon slices on top. Place under a broiler on high for 1–2 minutes just until cheese melts and bubbles. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Simple serving

For a simple serving, place tots in a bowl or on a platter and offer ketchup, ranch, sour cream, green onions, and hot sauce on the side for dipping and topping. Spoon 1/2 cup sour cream into a ramekin if serving individually and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped green onions.

Storage & Reheat

Store leftover cooked tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on a baking sheet in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until crisp. Reheating in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes also restores crispness.