Air Fryer Veggie Tots are a crunchy, healthier snack that makes a great appetizer, side, or quick family-friendly bite. While you can make veggie tots from scratch, using frozen veggie tots from the grocery store is fast and convenient and yields great results in an air fryer.
If you enjoy regular tater tots but want a change, veggie tots are an easy swap. They come in several varieties—broccoli and cheese, cauliflower, sweet potato, zucchini, and more—so you can choose the flavor your family prefers. Most grocery stores carry them in the frozen foods section.
Ingredients:
- Frozen veggie tots (brand of your choice; Green Giant is a common option)
How to Make Veggie Tots in the Air Fryer
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick oil spray such as olive oil or avocado oil.
2. Place the frozen veggie tots in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate and produce an even crisp.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown. Shake or toss the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
4. Carefully remove the tots from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
NOTE: This recipe was tested in a basket-style Cosori 5.8 qt air fryer. If you use a different brand or a larger-capacity unit, you may need to adjust the cook time slightly. If using parchment paper to keep the basket clean, preheat the air fryer before placing parchment in the basket so it does not lift and contact the heating element.
Optional tots: Try cauliflower tots, broccoli-cheese tots, sweet potato tots, or zucchini tots for variety.
Optional toppings and seasonings: Sprinkle cooked tots with grated Parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of salt and pepper to boost flavor.
Veggie tots are a versatile, kid-friendly way to add a vegetable component to a meal without a lot of fuss. Serve them alongside burgers, veggie burgers, sandwiches, or alongside a salad for a simple weeknight dinner. They also make a popular finger food at parties and game-day gatherings.
FAQs
What can I serve with veggie tots?
Veggie tots pair well with veggie burgers, black bean burgers, sandwiches, salads, or as a side to grilled or roasted mains. They also stand alone as a satisfying snack.
What dipping sauces can I use?
Popular choices include ranch dressing, ketchup, thousand island, barbecue sauce, or melted cheese and queso for dipping. Choose whatever your household prefers.
What can I make with leftover tots?
Leftover tots can be incorporated into casseroles, layered into a breakfast hash with eggs and vegetables, or used as a crunchy topping for baked dishes. They reheat well in the air fryer to restore crispness.
Making veggie tots is an easy, flexible way to add vegetables to meals and snacks. They’re quick to prepare, customizable, and convenient when you want something tasty without much prep.
Air Fryer Veggie Tots — Recipe Details
Servings: 4
Prep time: 1 min Cook time: 8–10 mins Total time: 9–11 mins
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
Ingredients
- 20 frozen veggie tots (or amount according to package directions)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F and lightly spray the basket with oil.
- Arrange frozen tots in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry 8–10 minutes, shaking or turning once halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Remove carefully and serve hot with desired dipping sauces or toppings.
Notes
- Cooking times vary by air fryer model and capacity; adjust as needed.
- If using parchment, preheat the air fryer first and use parchment designed for air fryers to avoid contact with the heating element.
- Change up flavors using different veggie-tot varieties and seasonings.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Final Tips
For the crispiest tots, avoid stacking them in the basket and cook in batches if needed. Toss with a small amount of oil or spray for extra golden color. Experiment with toppings and dips to create crowd-pleasing combinations. Enjoy!