How to Make the Perfect Crispy Oven Baked Tater Tots
American · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
These crispy oven baked tater tots are a kid friendly side dish or snack that pairs perfectly with any meal and disappears fast. Parents love that they bake up perfectly golden and crunchy in the oven without any deep frying needed.
Why this recipe works
This Crispy Oven Baked Tater Tots recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 220 calories with 3g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup ketchup for dipping
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place it in the oven while it preheats. A hot baking sheet is the secret to ultra crispy tater tots.
Step 2: Season the Tots
In a large bowl toss the frozen tater tots with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until every tot is lightly coated. Do not thaw the tater tots before seasoning.
Step 3: Spread and Bake
Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and quickly spread the seasoned tater tots in a single layer without any overlapping. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes flipping halfway through until deeply golden and crispy.
Step 4: Serve Hot
Remove from the oven and let cool for just 2 minutes before serving. Tater tots are best served immediately while still hot and crispy. Serve with ketchup, ranch, or cheese dipping sauce.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- olive oil → avocado oil spray for an even lighter coating that still gets crispy
- garlic powder → seasoned salt for a classic simple flavor that kids always love
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Placing tots on a cold baking sheet results in a soggy bottom instead of a crispy one
- Stacking or overlapping the tots causes them to steam each other and never get truly crispy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 220 calories, 3g protein, 32g carbs, 9g fat, 3g fiber.
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