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Air Fryer Veggie Tots

Kids and adults alike will love these air fryer veggie tots made with potato, riced vegetables, spinach and spices and cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer.

a plate of air fryer veggie tots with honey mustard and ketchup dipping sauces.

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These air fryer veggie tots are a fun and easy way to sneak in some extra veggies. These veggie tots are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside.

While these veggie tots take a little bit of time to make and shape, they are fun, fairly easy and are made from simple ingredients. Homemade tots mean you don’t have to worry about all the extra ingredients in store bought tots.

The best part about these air fryer veggie tots is they are very customizable. You can switch up the riced vegetables, spices and dipping sauces to create fun and unique flavors your whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

air fryer veggie tot ingredients.

Potato: I used a russet potato, which held together perfectly and created the ideal texture.
Riced vegetables: use a variety of whatever frozen riced vegetables. Alternatively, you can rice raw broccoli or cauliflower yourself. More details on how to do this below.
Spinach: finely chopped fresh spinach is added to the potato and veggie mixture for an extra serving of greens.
Egg: the egg helps bind the veggie tots so they hold their shape when formed and stay together when air fried.
Breadcrumbs: like the egg, the breadcrumbs act as a binding agent. Feel free to use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs.
Spices: I kept it simple with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika. Please see below for other spice variations.

a veggie tot with a bite taken out to show the inside texture.

Equipment

Air Fryer (this is the one I love and highly recommend, affordable too)
Sauce pan
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Potato masher

Instructions

Peel and cut the potato into chunks. Place the potato in a sauce pan and cover with water.

Bring water to a boil over high heat. Boil potatoes until they are fork tender, about 10-12 minutes.

Drain the water and allow the potatoes to cool for five minutes. Transfer potatoes to a mixing bowl and mash with a potato masher.

the ingredients for air fryer veggie tots in a mixing bowl before mixing together.

To the potatoes, add spinach, riced vegetables, whisked egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika. Mix well so everything is evenly combined.

the veggie tot mixture.

Line and grease your air fryer basket with aluminum foil. Take two tablespoons of the potato veggie mixture and gently roll between your hands to form a log, then flatten out the top and bottom to create a ‘tot’ shape.

shaping a veggie tot with my hands.

Place veggie tot on air fryer basket and repeat until all of the mixture is used. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to cook the veggie tots in two batches.

shaped veggie tots before being air fried.

Spray veggie tots with avocado oil spray and air fry at 450°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Veggie Tots

Air fryer veggie tots make the perfect dish to go along side:

  • Meat, such as grilled chicken, pork chops or steak; hot dogs, hamburgers, or sausages.
  • Vegetables, including but not limited to asparagus, broccoli, carrots or corn on the cob.
  • Dipping sauces, such as ketchup, aioli, honey mustard or Ranch.
  • For the kids: chicken nuggets/fingers, or fish sticks, hot dogs

dipping a veggie tot into honey mustard.

Tips

  • Chop up the spinach finely so you don’t get big chunks in your tots. This will also help ensure the tots stay together.
  • To rice your own broccoli or cauliflower: remove all stems and cut very close to the florets. Break larger pieces up and run your knife through everything a few times to ensure you have ‘rice’ sized pieces.
  • Spray your hands with oil and use light pressure when rolling between your hands and shaping the tots.

FAQ

Where do I buy riced vegetables?

Riced vegetables, such as cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potatoes and carrots can be found in the frozen section with the vegetables. Many brands make riced vegetables, as well as store brands.

Can I freeze veggie tots?

Yes, these veggie tots can be frozen before or after air frying.

To freeze before air frying, place tots on a plate in a single layer and freeze for one hour. This will allow them to harden up slightly and prevent them from sticking together.

Next, place them in an air tight sealable freezer bag and freeze for up to three months.

To freeze after air frying, allow the tots to cool completely, then store in an air tight sealable freezer bag for up to three months.

How to reheat air fryer veggie tots?

Place veggie tots on the air fryer basket, spray with oil and air fry at 350°F until warmed through, about five minutes.

an overhead shot of air fryer veggie tots with ketchup and honey mustard.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten free: use an equal amount of gluten free breadcrumbs or rice crumbs to keep this recipe gluten free.
Riced veggies: try all one kind or a mix. I used frozen riced cauliflower and sweet potato and fresh broccoli that I chopped myself.
Spinach: kale would be a good substitute for the spinach.
Spices: feel free to switch up the spices based on your preferences. You could try Italian seasoning, cumin or some Ranch seasoning for alternative flavor options.

More Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love

If you make these Air Fryer Veggie Tots, be sure to leave a comment below and rate this recipe! If you snap a pic, be sure to tag me on Instagram @thechowdown! I love seeing your creations!

Air Fryer Veggie Tots

Kids and adults alike will love these air fryer veggie tots made with potato, riced vegetables, spinach and spices and cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fried veggie tots, air fryer tater tots, air fryer veggie tator tots, veggie tots air fryer
Servings: 24 tots

Ingredients

  • 1 russet potato about 10-12 ounces
  • 1 cup riced vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli and/or sweet potato; defrosted if frozen
  • 1/2 cup fresh spinach finely chopped
  • 1 egg whisked
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Peel and cut the potato into chunks. Place the potato in a sauce pan and cover with water. Bring water to a boil over high heat. Boil potatoes until they are fork tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the water and allow the potatoes to cool for five minutes. Transfer potatoes to a mixing bowl and mash with a potato masher.
  • To the potatoes, add spinach, riced vegetables, whisked egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika. Mix well so everything is evenly combined.
  • Line and grease your air fryer basket with aluminum foil. Take two tablespoons of the potato veggie mixture and gently roll between your hands to form a log, then flatten out the top and bottom to create a 'tot' shape.
  • Place veggie tot on air fryer basket and repeat until all of the mixture is used. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to cook the veggie tots in two batches. Spray veggie tots with avocado oil spray and air fry at 450°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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