Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots Recipe
Description
Crispy, savory, and absolutely delicious, these Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots are the perfect appetizer, snack, or party food! The crunchy tater tots combined with smoky, crispy bacon create a flavor-packed bite-sized treat. Best of all, they’re quick and easy to make in the air fryer with minimal ingredients and cook time.
Ingredients
- 16 frozen tater tots
- 8 slices of bacon (cut in half)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or parmesan) (optional)
- Toothpicks (to secure the bacon)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Wrap the Tater Tots
- Cut each bacon slice in half.
- Wrap each frozen tater tot with a half-slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick.
Step 3: Season the Wrapped Tots
- Sprinkle black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika over the wrapped tots for extra flavor.
Step 4: Air Fry the Tots
- Place the wrapped tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Let them cool for 2 minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, BBQ, or spicy mayo.
Recipe Notes
- Use thin-cut bacon for the best crispiness. Thick bacon may take longer to cook.
- For extra crispiness, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- If using flavored bacon, reduce seasoning accordingly.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge before air frying.
Tips for Success
✔️ Do not overcrowd the air fryer – cook in batches if needed.
✔️ For extra crisp bacon, pre-cook the bacon for 2 minutes before wrapping.
✔️ Want a sweet-savory combo? Drizzle with maple syrup or sprinkle brown sugar before air frying.
✔️ Cheesy twist: Sprinkle cheese on top during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Servings & Nutritional Info
- Servings: 4 (4 pieces per serving)
- Calories: ~180 kcal per serving
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
Health Benefits
- High in protein from bacon.
- Great for low-carb/keto diets (swap tater tots for cauliflower tots).
- Air frying uses less oil than deep frying, making it a healthier option.
Q&A Section
1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes! Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative, but it may cook faster, so check for doneness around 8-10 minutes.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Wrap the tater tots in bacon, cover, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying.
3. What dipping sauces pair well with these?
They go great with ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, sriracha mayo, or cheese sauce.
4. Can I cook these in the oven instead?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Can I make a large batch and freeze them?
Yes, freeze after wrapping and cook directly from frozen. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to air frying time.
This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a crispy, savory snack or appetizer. Perfect for game nights, parties, or just because! Enjoy! 😋