Tater tots were created in America in the 1950s. Since then, this potato-based side dish has become a fan favorite among both children and adults.
Although professionally prepared items are generally accessible, making tater tots at home is quite straightforward.
A classic recipe begins with parboiling and shredding the potatoes. The flour and spices are then added. After that, the mixture is molded into tots or tiny cylinders and deep-fried till golden brown and crispy.
Of course, the deep-fried appetizer is best served hot, straight from the pan. So, how about the leftovers? Can you reheat tater tots to have them taste like they were just baked?
The crispy, golden brown texture of these crunchy bits is what you want to keep the most. You have three alternatives for reheating: oven, air fryer, or skillet.
Continue reading to learn all you need to know about how to properly reheat tater tots.
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Can You Reheat Tater Tots To Make Them Crispy Again?
When it comes to reheating meals, your microwave may be the ideal tool. So, can tater tots be cooked in the microwave?
Both yes and no. Some professionally prepared items, such as those from Ore-Ida, are microwaveable. Furthermore, the container includes silver crisping foil to crisp up the tots while they cook in the microwave.
Unfortunately, microwaving handmade and non-microwavable variants is not a good idea. The general guideline for reheating other deep-fried meals, such as French fries and onion rings, is the same.
Microwaving tater tots will cause them to become mushy and soggy, losing their crunchy crispness.
How to Keep Tater Tots Warm For A Party
If you only have 15 to 30 minutes before serving, lay the tots on a dish and cover with aluminum foil.
The foil functions as an insulator, trapping heat within and keeping the meal warm for a brief period of time. This is ideal for when you need to transport food outdoors for a party.
Alternatively, you may keep the tots warm in the oven. To begin, place the delectable balls on a cooling rack over a baking sheet. Then, preheat the oven to 200°F and leave them inside until ready to serve.
Next, let’s go through the definitive approach to warming leftover tater tots and restoring their crispy texture!
Option 1: Reheating Tater Tots In the Oven
Because little to no oil is used, rewarming in the oven is your best choice for restoring the crispiness without making the balls oily. It is also ideal for heating up huge volumes.
This approach requires a significant amount of time for preheating the oven and baking. Make sure you have plenty of time before supper.
Here is the detailed instruction.
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for crisping up tater tots and reheating them.
- 2. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. If you stack them and overcrowd the tray, the heat will not be distributed properly.
- 3. Wrap the tray with aluminum foil to keep the heat in and the tots from burning.
- 4. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, or until everything is well heated. Check them on a frequent basis to keep them from being overheated and burnt.
- 5. Remove them as soon as they are sufficiently cooked. When removing the foil, take care not to burn yourself.
- 6. Serve immediately.
Option 2: Reheating Tater Tots on a Stovetop
Reheating in the oven may be the greatest option in terms of ultimate product, but it takes time. If you have hungry mouths waiting eagerly, you’ll need a speedier technique. In such situation, warming in a skillet is your best bet.
Here is how to do it.
- 1. Heat enough vegetable oil in a skillet or frying pan to coat the bottom of the pan.
- 2. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. If you use too much heat, the oil will get too hot and will burn your potato bits. If the pan seems to be overheating or the oil is smoking, reduce the heat.
- 3. When the oil is heated, add the tater tots. It is preferable to start with a tiny quantity and work your way up. To reheat big amounts, operate in batches and avoid overflowing the pan.
- 4. Heat them up and turn them often so that all sides are evenly warmed. Keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn and adhere to the bottom of the pan.
- 5. Remove them from the pan after they are thoroughly roasted and crisped up.
- 6. Place them on a platter lined with paper towels. Allow them to stand for a few minutes to drain excess oil.
- 7. Serve immediately while theyre still warm!
Option 3: Reheating Tater Tots in an Air Fryer
You probably have an air fryer if you want a healthier alternative to deep frying. In that scenario, tater tots may also be reheated in this increasingly popular device.
Reheating with an air fryer is appropriate for little amounts due to the basket’s capacity. If you have a lot of leftovers to reheat up, work in batches.
Here is the proper way to do it.
- 1. Preheat your air fryer to 350 to 380 F.
- 2. Fill the basket with tater tots without overflowing it.
- 3. Reheat for about 5 minutes. Check to check whether they have been completely reheated. If not, return them to the oven and reheat for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- 4. When they’re done, take them from the basket and serve right away!
FAQs
Tater tots, like other cooked potatoes, generally keep their optimal freshness for 3 to 5 days if properly refrigerated in a tight container.
Without a doubt! You may make your own version and freeze it for later use. To freeze, prepare the tater tots as normal and cut into bite-sized pieces. Place them on a baking sheet coated with foil and flash freeze for 1 to 2 hours.
Once hardened, divide them into portions and place them in a sealed freezer bag. They may be frozen and reheated as required.
Take Away Message
Tater tots are a great side dish that goes with everything. The tasty balls also freeze well, making them an excellent freezer dinner.
Whether you have leftovers from yesterday night’s meal or store them in the freezer, you should know how to reheat them.
There are three simple ways to reheat tater tots and keep their soft inside and crispy, golden brown outside.
To begin, immediately warm them in the oven, frying pan, or air fryer. Except for professionally produced microwavable variants, you should avoid microwaving them to avoid soggy potato bits.
See more:
- How to reheat onion rings
*image by ColleenMichaels/depositphotos
