Tater Tots is the trademarked name for Ore-Ida's potato puffs. Ore-Ida produces several different forms of Tater Tots, including kid-friendly letter shapes as well as some with onion added for flavor. All of the varieties contain diced potatoes and proprietary seasonings. You should keep Ore-Ida Tater Tots in your freezer until you are ready to cook them. Select oven baking or deep frying, depending on how crispy you prefer the outer shell of the potato puff. When cooked properly, Tater Tots offer a crispy, bite-sized addition to many meals.
Oven Preparation
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare a non-stick baking sheet with a single layer of Tater Tots.
Bake the Tater Tots for 17 to 19 minutes for half a package or 19 to 22 minutes for a full package. Tater Tots cool quickly and should be ready to serve right away when you remove them from the oven.
Deep Fry
Preheat canola oil in your deep fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat the Tater Tots dry with a paper towel to eliminate any ice crystals or water drops.
Fill the fryer basket half-full or less with Tater Tots. Do not fill the basket more than half-full.
Submerge the Tater Tots for 3 to 5 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked to the desired crispness. Drain the Tater Tots on paper towels, coffee filters or a brown paper bag to absorb the excess oil.
Tips
Season the Tater Tots to your favorite flavor after cooking. Sprinkle them with garlic powder, salt substitute, salt-free seasoning or ranch powder to add flavor.
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