There's something undeniably satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy potato tot. With their crunchy golden exterior and soft, fluffy interior, these little bites are the ultimate comfort food. Whether served alongside burgers, dipped into your favorite sauce, or enjoyed on their own as a snack, potato tots are irresistible. The best part? They're much easier to make at home than you might think—and they taste even better when you do!
If you're ready to elevate your tot game, this recipe will guide you step by step to create potato tots that are crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive. Let's get rolling!
Ingredients
To make about 4 servings of crispy potato tots, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or your preferred frying oil) for shallow frying
- Optional for seasoning: a sprinkle of paprika or grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Dips and Pairings
- Ketchup, ranch dressing, sour cream, or spicy aioli for dipping
- Serve as a side dish with burgers, sliders, or a grilled cheese sandwich
- Add to a breakfast platter with eggs and sausage
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Peel and Boil
Peel the potatoes and cut them into large chunks. Place the chunks in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 10–12 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly firm. (Don't overcook—you don’t want mashed potatoes!)Cool and Grate
Drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes. Once cool enough to handle, use a box grater to grate the potatoes. Be gentle to avoid turning them into mush.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- Place the grated potatoes in a mixing bowl and add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Use your hands or a spatula to combine the ingredients until evenly mixed. The mixture should hold together when pressed but not feel overly sticky.
Step 3: Shape the Tots
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the potato mixture and use your hands to shape it into a small cylindrical tot (classic tot shape). Repeat until all the mixture is shaped into tots. Lay them on a tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should reach about 350°F (if you don't have a thermometer, test with a tiny piece of potato—it should sizzle immediately when dropped in).
- Carefully place the tots in the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Turn the tots occasionally with a slotted spoon, frying for about 2–3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy all over.
- Remove the cooked tots and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Season and Serve!
While still warm, sprinkle the tots with extra salt, paprika, or Parmesan cheese for a flavor boost. Serve immediately with your favorite dips or as a side to your favorite comfort food meal.
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Tots
- Use Russet Potatoes: Their high starch content ensures a fluffy inside and crispy outside.
- Don’t Skip Cooling: Properly cooling the boiled potatoes makes them easier to grate and avoids overly sticky results.
- Oil Temperature is Key: Too hot, and they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through; too cool, and they’ll absorb oil and turn greasy.
- Freeze Before Frying (Optional): For extra crispiness, place the shaped tots on a tray and freeze for about 15 minutes before frying.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy potato tots aren’t just a snack—they can be the star of any meal! Pair them with grilled chicken or salmon for a balanced dinner, or get creative by topping them with cheese, bacon bits, and green onions for a loaded-tots dish. They’re also fantastic as a brunch side with scrambled eggs and avocado.
Final Note: Once you make these homemade crispy potato tots, you’ll never look at the store-bought version the same way again. Every bite delivers that magical contrast of crunch and fluff, and the satisfaction of knowing you made them from scratch makes them even tastier.
Happy cooking and even happier snacking!
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