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Loaded Tater Tots Appetizers
30min
Total Time
6 people
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget
Cost
340 kcal
Calories
Video
Note: This video is from YouTube and does not belong to us. All rights go to its original creator. Watch on YouTube
Ingredients
6
- 1 lb frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp ranch dressing
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
1
Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes
2
Spray air fryer basket or pan with cooking spray
3
Arrange frozen tater tots in single layer in basket
4
Cook at 400°F for 15 minutes shaking basket halfway through
5
While tots cook mix sour cream and ranch in small bowl
6
After 15 minutes remove basket and top tots with shredded cheddar cheese
7
Sprinkle crumbled bacon over cheese
8
Return to air fryer and cook additional 3-5 minutes until cheese melts
9
Remove from air fryer carefully
10
Top with green onions and jalapeño slices
11
Drizzle with sour cream ranch mixture
12
Season with garlic powder paprika salt and pepper
13
Serve immediately while hot and cheese is melted
Troubleshooting
Tots not crispy increase time by 3-5 minutes
Cheese burning add during last 3 minutes only
Soggy tots don't overcrowd basket
Sticking spray basket well with oil
Uneven cooking shake basket every 5 minutes
Toppings sliding off use smaller tot pieces as base
Recipe Variations
Breakfast style add scrambled eggs
Buffalo use buffalo sauce and blue cheese
Pizza add pepperoni and marinara
Nacho style add salsa and guacamole
BBQ use BBQ sauce and pulled chicken
Veggie add bell peppers and mushrooms
Serving Suggestions
Serve with extra ranch sour cream or buffalo sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
340
Calories
14g
Protein
28g
Carbs
20g
Fat
2g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
720mg
Sodium
45mg
Cholesterol
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding prevents crisping. Adding toppings too early makes tots soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade tater tots?
Yes but frozen work best for consistent results and crispy texture.
Do I need to thaw tater tots?
No cook from frozen for best crispy texture.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes turkey bacon works great as healthier alternative.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic but pepper jack mozzarella or Mexican blend all work.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes omit bacon and add extra cheese or veggie bacon.
Reviews
"Sacha J.
Jun 15, 2026
These are my new game day obsession! So easy and everyone goes crazy for them!",
"Mike P.
Jul 12, 2026
I made these for the Super Bowl. They were gone before halftime. Success!",
"Jennifer K.
Jun 20, 2026
Really good! I added extra bacon because why not? No complaints here.",
"Carlos M.
Jun 26, 2026
My kids ate vegetables at dinner because I bribed them with these. Worth it!",
"Amanda T.
Jul 9, 2026
The crispy tots with melted cheese is pure heaven. So addictive!",
"Tyler W.
Jul 8, 2026
Delicious! Just make sure you add the cheese at the end or it burns.",
"Rachel H.
Jun 29, 2026
I've made these 5 times in 2 weeks. Send help. Or more cheese.",
"Kevin L.
Jun 28, 2026
Better than any sports bar loaded tots I've had. And I can eat them on my couch!",
"Nicole R.
Jul 9, 2026
Amazing! I used pepper jack for extra kick. Highly recommend!",
"Brandon S.
Jun 24, 2026
These disappeared so fast at my party I barely got any. Making double next time!",
"Melissa D.
Jun 16, 2026
The sour cream ranch drizzle takes these over the top. So good!",
"Jason B.
Jul 7, 2026
Really crispy! The air fryer makes them way better than oven.",
"Christina W.
Jul 9, 2026
My husband said these are better than the ones at our favorite restaurant. Victory!",
"Eric N.
Jun 30, 2026
Crispy cheesy bacon-y perfection. What more could you want?",
"Lucas L.
Jun 14, 2026
Delicious! I added some jalapeños for heat. Absolutely perfect!"
