These Homemade Potato Tots are crispy, golden nuggets of deliciousness. Perfect for a midday snack or as a side dish for your favorite meal. Everyone loves Tater Tots, and making them from scratch is easier than you might think! These homemade potato tots have just 5 ingredients and are super simple to make. Plus, you can make these in advance and freeze them.
Peel the potatoes, cut them in half, and cook for 5 minutes.2.2 lb/ 998g potatoes
Drain the potatoes, leave them in the colander to cool slightly (just until you can comfortably hold one)
Use a box grater to shred your potatoes. (see note 3)
Squeeze the excess moisture from your shredded potato.
Mix the flour, salt, onion powder, and paprika in a large bowl until well combined.1 tablespoon AP flour1 teaspoon table salt½ teaspoon onion powder¼ teaspoon paprika
Add the potatoes to the flour mix and stir until well combined.
Generously flour a chopping board, then take a large handful of the mixture and gently roll it into a sausage shape. Cut the sausage into small tot-sized pieces and set aside while you finish the remaining tots. extra flour for dusting
First cook of the tots.
Pre-heat the oven to 400ºF/200ºC
Heat the oil in a large saucepan/heavy-bottomed skillet.1 cup/ 250ml oil
Once hot, fry the potato tots for 2-3 minutes until crispy. Work in batches, allowing each batch to drain on kitchen paper as you cook the next.
At this point, you can freeze your tots. (see note 4)
Finish the cooking
Place the tots in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Plate in the oven and bake until hot and crispy, turning once. Cooking time varies but around 15 minutes if the tots are still hot from the oil and 25 minutes if frozen.
Notes
Russet potatoes are the best choice for making tots as they have a high starch content, which helps them hold their shape and stay crispy when fried. You could also use Sebago or King Edward potatoes; the main thing is you want a non-waxy potato.
Use vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil.
I prefer the box grater because the food processor grater turns everything gluey!
Freezing: Once formed, place the tots on a lined baking sheet with a bit of space around them. Put the tray flat in the freezer for two hours to harden and set. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag or suitable container.