Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots (From Frozen)

When you are looking for a fun (and discreet) way to add vegetables to your family's diet, look no further than frozen cauliflower tots. Cauliflower is a low-carb alternative to potato but is equally as delicious. These vegetable tater tots are made from riced cauliflower, but you would never know it.

Cooking frozen tots is quick and easy! The best cauliflower tots are made in the air fryer. Not only are these tots ready in minutes, but there is no reason to turn on the oven and heat up the house. A bonus perk is that there is only one dish required (the air fryer basket). The finished tots are perfectly crispy on the outside with a tender inside. Serve as an appetizer or alongside your favorite dish.

Some of my other favorite air fryer frozen vegetables include  Easy Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli,  Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Parmesan, and  Easy Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower. 

Where to Buy Frozen Veggie Tots

Frozen veggie tots are found in the freezer aisle (by the vegetables) of most grocery stores. Common brands that I have seen include Green Giant (as pictured and used in this recipe), Birds Eye, and Good & Gather (Target's brand).

How good are products that replace potatoes with cauliflower? While this depends on personal preference, I can say with confidence that cauliflower tots are equally as delicious as the classic ones. Like their potato-filled tater tot cousins, they have a crispy exterior and tender interior. They are especially yummy when dipped into ketchup or ranch dressing.

For this recipe, I used Green Giant brand. It is important to note that their cauliflower tots do contain wheat, egg, milk, and soy. You will need one 14oz package. Cooking spray is not necessary or needed.

How to Cook Frozen Cauliflower Tots in an Air Fryer

PREHEAT - Preheat the air fryer to 400° F.

COOK - Add the frozen cauliflower tots in one single layer into the basket of the air fryer. *Do not overcrowd the basket. If needed, cook the tots in two batches.

Cook for 5 minutes and then turn the tots over. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until desired crispiness is achieved. Keep a close eye on the tots towards the end of cooking.

Should I spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray? Spraying the basket with cooking spray is not necessary for cooking frozen veggie tots, however, spray the basket before adding the tots if desired.

Equipment

Air-Fryer: This COSORI Air Fryer Max XL has a large basket perfect for making a variety of dishes, (including this one).

Keys for Success

• Preheat - Much like the oven, preheating the air fryer means even cooking thanks to a consistent temperature throughout the entire cooking process. It is important to note, also, that this recipe is based on a preheated air fryer.
• All Brands Are Different - Frozen veggie tots come in all sorts of shapes and sizes depending on the brand. This means cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the frozen tots.
• All Air Fryers Are Different - All air fryers cook different, some hotter than others. For this reason, cooking times may vary. Keep a close eye on the tots towards the end of cooking.

Variations

• Personalize frozen tater tots with additional ingredients like garlic powder and grated parmesan cheese.

What to Serve with Veggie Tots

Serve veggie tots with your favorite dipping sauces. They are delicious with ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard dressing, and aioli. Enjoy these tots as an appetizer or snack on their own or enjoy as a side to a sandwich or meal. We love them alongside Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken and Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas.

Storing and Reheating

• STORE - Transfer cooled cauliflower tots to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• REHEAT - For best results, reheat tots in the air fryer.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350° F.
• Cook the tots for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQ

How long do you cook frozen veggie tots in an air fryer? Cook frozen veggie tots for 8-12 minutes {at 400 degrees F} in an air fryer. Time varies based on the type of air fryer, size of the veggie tots, and desired level of crispiness. My Green Giant veggie tots took a total of 12 minutes to cook.

Are cauliflower tots healthy? Thanks to the cauliflower center, cauliflower tots are lower in carbohydrates than regular tater tots. Cauliflower is a good source of fiber, vitamins (vitamin C and B-6), and potassium.

Can you cook a whole bag of tater tots in an air fryer? The answer to this question ultimately depends on the size of your air fryer. In a large enough air fryer, yes you can cook a whole 14oz. bag of frozen tots.

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