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Tater tots have long held a cherished place in the hearts of snack lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike. This quintessential American dish, often featured on cafeteria trays and in family kitchens, embodies the perfect blend of crispy exterior and fluffy interior, making it a favored side dish for burgers, hot dogs, and even as a standalone snack. The allure of tater tots lies not only in their delightful crunch but also in their versatility—whether enjoyed plain, loaded with toppings, or paired with dipping sauces, they offer an irresistible experience.

The Best Homemade Tater Tots – Crispy & Golden!

Discover the joy of making homemade tater tots with our easy, step-by-step guide. These crispy, golden delights are perfect as a standalone snack or loaded with your favorite toppings. Learn about selecting the right ingredients, perfecting the texture, and frying techniques to achieve that restaurant-quality crunch. Embrace the versatility of tater tots and have fun customizing them to suit your taste. Enjoy a comforting treat that’s sure to impress family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs russet potatoes

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 large egg, beaten

Vegetable oil (for frying)

Optional: Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish

Instructions
 

Prep the Potatoes: Start by peeling the russet potatoes. Cut them into quarters and place them in a large pot. Cover them with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

    Boil until Tender: Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Be careful not to overcook them; they should maintain their shape.

      Drain and Cool: Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. You want them to be warm but not steaming hot for the next steps.

        Mash Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, transfer the drained potatoes and mash them with a potato masher until smooth.

          Mix in Ingredients: Add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and the beaten egg to the mashed potatoes. Mix until everything is evenly blended.

            Shape Tater Tots: Using your hands, scoop out small amounts of the potato mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) and shape them into small tots. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

              Chill (Optional): For extra crispy tots, you can place the shaped tater tots in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This will help them hold their shape while frying.

                Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy.

                  Fry Tater Tots: Fry the tater tots in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.

                    Drain the Oil: Once fried, remove the tater tots with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

                      Serve Warm: Serve your crispy homemade tater tots hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup, ranch, or spicy mayo!

                        Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 4 servings