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Crispy Golden Tater Tots Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 100 reviews

These Crispy Golden Tater Tots are a delicious homemade snack made from freshly peeled russet potatoes, seasoned with onion powder and sea salt, then baked to a perfect golden crisp. Optional cheddar cheese and fresh parsley add a tasty twist, while the baking method ensures a healthier alternative to frying without sacrificing crunch and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

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

Seasonings & Extras

  • 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)

Oil

  • 2 tbsp light-flavored oil (avocado or vegetable), divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Set the oven to 400°F (204°C), preferably using convection if your oven has it. Line a baking sheet with foil, a silicone mat, or parchment paper, and drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil evenly over the surface.
  2. Soak potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Submerge them in a large bowl of cold water, agitate gently for about 15 seconds to remove excess starch, then drain thoroughly in a colander for 1 minute.
  3. Process potatoes: Transfer drained potatoes into a food processor and pulse carefully until broken into small bits without pureeing. Remove any large chunks and chop them finely by hand to ensure an even texture.
  4. Remove excess moisture: Place the potato bits into a clean dishcloth. Wrap and squeeze firmly to expel as much liquid as possible. Discard the extracted liquid.
  5. Par-cook potatoes: Place the drained potato bits in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Stir to redistribute heat, then microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Stir again and let cool for 3 to 4 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  6. Season and combine: Add salt, onion powder, cornstarch, finely minced parsley, grated cheddar cheese (if using), and freshly ground black pepper to the cooled potato mixture. Stir gently to combine into a sticky, cohesive mixture.
  7. Shape tater tots: With slightly damp fingers, form the potato mixture into small cylinders about ¾-inch wide and 1-inch long. Arrange them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Keep hands moist to prevent sticking while shaping.
  8. Bake first side: Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over the arranged tots. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp.
  9. Flip and finish baking: Using two forks, carefully flip each tot to the other side, loosening any that are sticking to the sheet. Bake for another 12 to 15 minutes until the second side is deeply golden and crispy. Remove from oven and serve warm.

Notes

  • Using convection setting helps achieve extra crispiness by circulating hot air around the tots.
  • Keep your hands damp when shaping the tots to prevent the potato mixture from sticking.
  • Microwaving the potatoes before baking helps remove excess moisture and speeds up cooking.
  • Optional cheddar cheese and fresh parsley add both flavor and color but can be omitted for a dairy-free or simpler version.
  • To make these gluten-free, ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

Keywords: Crispy tater tots, homemade tater tots, baked tater tots, potato snack, gluten free snack

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/crispy-golden-tater-tots-recipe/