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Who doesn’t love crispy, golden tater tots? These Sonic Tater Tots In The Air Fryer are the ultimate side dish or snack, cooked straight from frozen for the perfect crunch. With no need for oil or preheating, this quick and easy recipe will have you enjoying perfectly crispy tater tots in no time!

Why You’ll Love Sonic Tater Tots In The Air Fryer

They’re incredibly crispy and golden on the outside, with a tender and soft center. The air fryer ensures every bite has the perfect texture!
No need for oil or messy frying, making this a healthier and cleaner way to enjoy your favorite snack.
Ready in just 14 minutes with minimal effort—no defrosting required!
Perfect for a quick snack, a side dish, or even a party appetizer that everyone will love.
The air fryer makes them consistently delicious every time, with no flipping or babysitting needed.

Ingredients For Sonic Tater Tots In The Air Fryer

Sonic frozen tater tots – These are the star of the show! Perfectly seasoned and ready to cook straight from the freezer.

For the exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Sonic Tater Tots In The Air Fryer

Air fryer – The key to achieving that perfect crispiness without oil.
Scissors – To open the package of frozen tater tots effortlessly.
Spatula – For shaking and removing the tater tots without damaging their crispy exterior.
Plate – To serve the perfectly cooked tater tots in style.

How To Make Sonic Tater Tots In The Air Fryer

Start by opening the package of frozen Sonic tater tots using scissors. No need to thaw them beforehand.
Place the frozen tater tots in the air fryer basket, arranging them in an even layer for best results.
Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the tater tots for 14 minutes.
Halfway through, take out the basket and give it a good shake or use a spatula to toss the tots for even cooking.
Once done, check to ensure they’re crispy and golden. If needed, cook for an additional minute or two.
Use a spatula to transfer the cooked tater tots to a plate, then serve and enjoy immediately!

Serving Suggestions

Pair these crispy Sonic tater tots with your favorite dipping sauces like cream cheese, ranch, or spicy mayo for an extra kick of flavor.
Serve them alongside burgers, hot dogs, or chicken tenders for a classic comfort food meal.
Top them with shredded cheese, bacon bits, and green onions to create loaded tater tots that are perfect for parties or game days.
Enjoy them as a snack on their own with a sprinkle of your favorite seasonings like garlic powder or paprika.
Add them as a crispy topping to casseroles or breakfast bowls for a fun twist on traditional dishes.

Tips For Success

Don’t overcrowd the basket: For the best crispiness, arrange the tater tots in a single layer. If cooking a large batch, work in smaller portions.
Shake the basket: Shaking or tossing the tater tots halfway through cooking ensures even browning and perfect crispiness on all sides.
Keep an eye on smaller batches: If you’re cooking less than a full package, reduce the cooking time to about 11-12 minutes and check for your preferred level of crunch.
Adjust for your air fryer: All air fryer models are slightly different. The temperature and time settings in this recipe are a guideline, so make small adjustments if needed based on your air fryer’s performance.
Serve immediately: Tater tots are at their crispiest and tastiest when served fresh out of the air fryer. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a low oven until ready to serve.

Variations And Substitutions

Spicy Tater Tots: Add a sprinkle of chili powder, cayenne, or your favorite spicy seasoning blend before cooking to give the tater tots a bold kick.
Cheesy Tots: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the tater tots during the last 2 minutes of cooking. The air fryer will melt the cheese perfectly.
Loaded Tots: After cooking, top the tater tots with sour cream, chopped bacon, green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese for a loaded-tater treat.
Garlic Parmesan Tots: Toss the hot tater tots with melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan for a flavorful twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Most Sonic tater tots are already gluten-free, but always double-check the packaging to ensure no cross-contamination if needed.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Place any leftover tater tots in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the tater tots in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Freezing: While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can freeze cooked tater tots in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook half a bag of Sonic tater tots in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook smaller portions of Sonic tater tots in the air fryer. Simply reduce the cooking time to 11-12 minutes and check for your desired level of crispiness.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

No preheating is necessary for this recipe. The tater tots cook perfectly straight from frozen without any additional steps.

What if my air fryer basket is small?

If your air fryer basket is smaller, you might need to cook the tater tots in batches. Ensure they’re in a single layer for even cooking and crispiness.

Can I use oil to make them crispier?

These tater tots come out crispy without additional oil, but if you prefer, you can lightly spray them with cooking spray before cooking.

How can I prevent the tater tots from sticking to the basket?

Most air fryer baskets are nonstick, but if yours tends to stick, lightly spray it with cooking spray before adding the tater tots.

What dipping sauces go well with these tater tots?

Classic choices like ketchup, ranch, or barbecue sauce are great, but you can also try spicy mayo, honey mustard, or even guacamole for a unique twist.

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Freshly air-fried Sonic tater tots in the basket, golden and crispy.

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