The Snack You’ll Never Get Enough Of

Some recipes are so good they disappear before they even make it to the table—and these Garlic Parmesan Air-Fried Tots are one of them. 🧄🧀🥔 Golden, crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and coated with buttery garlic and Parmesan—these little bites are seriously addictive. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a party appetizer, or a fun side dish, everyone will be reaching for “just one more.”

I made these for the first time on a lazy weekend, just testing out my air fryer—and let’s just say the batch didn’t last ten minutes. They’re everything you love about tater tots but upgraded with real flavor. No deep frying, no mess, and way less oil—but all the crunch you crave!

Nutritional Benefits

Believe it or not, these air-fried tots are a lighter alternative to the classic fried version. Air frying uses up to 80% less oil, which means fewer calories without sacrificing texture. Potatoes provide potassium and vitamin C, while garlic supports heart health and immunity. And let’s not forget Parmesan—it adds calcium and protein while giving that unbeatable cheesy bite. It’s comfort food with a little less guilt (and a lot of flavor!).

Adaptable Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a kick.
• Herb Lovers’ Edition: Mix in chopped parsley, oregano, or rosemary with the Parmesan for extra depth.
• Cheesy Twist: Toss the hot tots with shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a meltier finish.
• Vegan Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and a little olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free, savory version.
• Loaded Style: Top with crispy bacon bits and a drizzle of ranch for an indulgent game-day snack!

Garlic Parmesan Air-Fried Tots Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb frozen tater tots (or homemade if you prefer)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Place the tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even crisping.
3. Air fry for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tots are golden brown and crispy.
4. Meanwhile, melt butter in a small pan and stir in minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn.
5. Once the tots are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter over them, then add Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Toss gently until every tot is evenly coated with that cheesy, garlicky goodness.
7. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot. Trust me—they’ll be gone before you sit down!

Helpful Tips

• Don’t thaw frozen tots: They crisp up much better when cooked straight from frozen.
• Shake halfway: Gently shake or stir your tots halfway through cooking to make sure all sides get evenly crispy.
• Use real Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds a richer flavor than powdered versions.
• For extra crunch: Air fry for 2 extra minutes or until they reach your perfect crispiness.
• Dip it up: Serve with garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or ranch for irresistible dipping fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake these instead of air frying? Absolutely! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
2. Can I use homemade tots? Yes! If you have leftover mashed potatoes or grated potatoes, you can shape them into tots and air fry using the same method.
3. Can I reheat leftovers? Sure—just pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes to bring back the crunch.
4. Can I use other cheeses? Definitely. Asiago, Romano, or even a sprinkle of cheddar will all taste amazing here.

Let’s Stay Connected

If you make these Garlic Parmesan Air-Fried Tots (and I know you will!), share your crispy creation on Pinterest or tag me with your twist. 🧄💛 Whether you added extra garlic, used fresh herbs, or turned them into loaded tots, I’d love to see how you made this addictively crunchy recipe your own!