Mashed Potato Tots

Looking for a delightful treat that will have both kids and adults craving for more? Look no further than these crispy and savory Mashed Potato Tots. With a yield of 18 to 24 tots, these golden bites are the perfect snack or side dish to satisfy any craving. What’s even better? They come together in a breeze with a prep time of just 20 minutes, followed by a quick 10 to 12 minutes of cooking time per batch. In under an hour, you’ll have a plateful of these delicious tots that everyone will love.

Kid Pleaser: There’s something magical about the combination of potatoes and a crunchy exterior that makes everyone’s taste buds dance. To make the best Mashed Potato Tots, a little preparation goes a long way. When whipping up a batch of mashed potatoes, set aside a cup of the mixture before adding any liquids like milk, butter, or sour cream. Refrigerate this reserved cup overnight, and you’ll have the perfect base for creating these crispy tots the next day. Using leftover mashed potatoes not only makes the process quicker but also ensures a delightful texture that kids will adore.

Yield: 18–24 tots

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch 

Total Time: 40–44 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 medium potato or 1 cup cooked mashed potatoes
• 1 tablespoon real bacon bits
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (tops only)
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried chopped chives
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 egg white, beaten
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• Oil for misting or cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prep the Potatoes: If starting from scratch, peel the potato and cut it into ½-inch cubes for quicker cooking. Place the cubes in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Slightly lower the heat and cook until tender (about 10 minutes). Drain and cool the potatoes by placing them in ice-cold water, then drain again and mash.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F to ensure it’s nice and hot for cooking the tots to crispy perfection.
3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, real bacon bits, chopped green onions, onion powder, dried chives, and a pinch of salt. Add the flour and beaten egg white, and mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Coat with Crumbs: Spread the panko breadcrumbs on a sheet of wax paper. To shape each tot, drop about 2 teaspoons of the potato mixture onto the breadcrumbs. Gently roll the tot in the crumbs, coating it evenly on all sides. Pro tip: Instead of handling the potatoes directly, use the breadcrumbs as a barrier to shape the tots.
5. Prep for Cooking: Mist the coated tots with oil or cooking spray to help them achieve that lovely golden crunch in the air fryer. Arrange the tots in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re crowded but not stacked.
6. Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the tots at 390°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until they’re beautifully browned and crispy on the outside.
7. Repeat and Serve: If you have more tots to cook, repeat the process with the remaining batches. Once all the tots are cooked to perfection, arrange them on a plate and get ready to enjoy this delectable treat.

NOTE:

• To double the recipe, double all the ingredients. When using a whole egg instead of egg whites, adjust accordingly.

TIP:

• Shaping the tots is a breeze when you use the breadcrumbs to guide the process. Instead of getting your hands sticky with potato mixture, let the breadcrumbs do the work, ensuring the tots hold their shape and stay irresistibly crispy.

With this straightforward recipe, you’ll have a plate of Mashed Potato Tots that are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a testament to your culinary prowess. Enjoy these delightful bites on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable snack or side dish.