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Garlic Parmesan Air-Fried Tots Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Air-Fried Tots Recipe

Okay, so let me just be real with you—these tots? LIFE. CHANGING.

You know those days when you want something crispy, cheesy, garlicky, and kind of snacky, but you’re too tired to do anything remotely complicated? Yeah. Same. That’s how these Garlic Parmesan Air-Fried Tots ended up becoming a staple in my kitchen.

They're golden. They're crunchy. They’re bite-sized love bombs. I didn’t mean to get obsessed, but here we are.

Why I Love This Recipe

They’re homemade, which feels weirdly impressive—even though they’re dead simple.
They’ve got that garlic-parm combo that just never misses.
And they cook in the air fryer. Which is my way of pretending I’m being healthy.
Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and cheesy enough to make your eyes roll back. Plus, you can totally eat them straight from the tray. (I always do.)

What You Need (and Why)

  • Frozen Shredded Hash Browns (16 oz):
    These are the base. Skip the peeling, boiling, and mashing. They’re already prepped—just toss ‘em in the food processor to break 'em down a bit.
  • Olive Oil (2 tbsp):
    Helps everything stick together and gets you that golden brown crunch. Also makes you feel a little Mediterranean and fancy.
  • All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp):
    This binds the tots so they don’t fall apart mid-bite. Nobody wants a crumbly tot.
  • Fresh Garlic (3 cloves, minced):
    Real garlic, not the powdered stuff. Because we’re not messing around with flavor here.
  • Dried Italian Seasoning (1 tsp):
    A lil' flavor booster. Adds a herby, earthy vibe without overcomplicating anything.
  • Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, freshly grated):
    Let’s be honest—this is the whole reason we’re here. Don’t use that shelf-stable stuff in the green can. Get the good parm and grate it fresh.
  • Kosher Salt (½ tsp):
    Finishes the tots. Hits your tongue just right after the cheese.

Do the Tots Need to Be Thawed First?

Nope. No thawing needed.
Actually, please don’t thaw them. Keep 'em frozen. It helps them hold shape better when pulsing and mixing. If you thaw them, you’ll just end up with a weird soggy situation that nobody wants. Straight-from-the-freezer is the way.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Air-Fried Tots

Let’s break it down nice and easy:

Step 1: Pulse Those Potatoes

Toss your frozen shredded hash browns into a food processor. Pulse a few times until they’re chopped small—but not a mash. You want texture. Like coarse breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Mix the Good Stuff

In a big ol’ bowl, add the chopped hash browns, olive oil, flour, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
Give it a gentle mix. Like, fold it together. Don’t mash it into a paste—you want to keep some fluff.

Step 3: Shape Your Tots

Grab a tablespoon or small spoon. Scoop some of that mix into your hands and shape it into 1-inch little tots. Compact them gently so they don’t fall apart but don’t over-squish either.

Step 4: Air Fry Time

Place the tots in your air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t all piled on top of each other—single layer only, okay?
Spray them with a bit of olive oil spray, then air fry at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.
Shake the basket halfway through so everything crisps up evenly.

Step 5: Cheese + Salt = Love

The second those tots come out of the air fryer, hit them with that fresh grated Parmesan and kosher salt.
The cheese will melt slightly and stick. It’s pure magic.

Tips for Crispy, Cheesy Tots

  • Don’t overcrowd. Give them space. Air needs to flow around to make 'em crispy.
  • Shake it, baby. Halfway through cooking, shake the basket like it owes you money.
  • Mix in cheese (if you’re wild). Wanna level up? Add half the parmesan into the tot mix before frying for an even cheesier bite.
  • Taste one first. Honestly, that first tester tot is sacred. It’s how you know if you need more salt or garlic.
  • Glove up for garlic. If you’re chopping a bunch, use gloves unless you’re okay smelling like garlic for the next 24 hours.
  • Cook in batches. Got a small air fryer? No biggie. Just work in rounds. The patience pays off.

When Should the Parmesan and Garlic Be Added—Before or After?

Garlic? In the mix before air frying. It cooks with the tots and gets all roasty and mellow.
Parmesan? After. Always after. Right when they come out. The cheese melts just slightly and clings like a hug.

You could mix a little into the tot mixture, but keep most for that final glorious dusting. Trust me on this.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 18 mins
Total Time 38 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 7
Estimated Cost: 3
Calories: 139
Best Season: Winter, Fall
Description

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these Garlic Parmesan Air-Fried Tots are a snack lover’s dream. They’re homemade, super simple, and absolutely loaded with fresh garlic and cheesy Parmesan flavor. No deep frying, no thawing required—just straight-up goodness from your freezer to your air fryer. Perfect for game day, lazy weekends, or honestly, anytime you want to munch on something savory, crunchy, and full of flavor.

ingredients
  • 16 oz frozen shredded hash browns – the crispy base of the tots.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil – helps bind and crisp the tots.
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour – holds everything together.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced – gives them that strong, real garlic flavor.
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning – adds herby depth.
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – salty, cheesy goodness.
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt – enhances every bite.
  • Olive oil spray – for air frying.
Instructions
  1. 1
    Pulse the frozen shredded hash browns in a food processor a few times until finely chopped (but not mashed).
  2. 2
    Transfer chopped hash browns into a large bowl.
  3. 3
    Add olive oil, flour, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently, don’t press too hard—you want light, fluffy texture.
  4. 4
    Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form into small 1-inch tots. Press gently but firmly so they hold together.
  5. 5
    Place tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
  6. 6
    Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray.
  7. 7
    Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through.
  8. 8
    Once golden brown, remove and immediately sprinkle with fresh Parmesan cheese and a pinch of kosher salt while they’re still warm.
  9. 9
    Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, spicy mayo, or ketchup work great!).

Nutrition Facts

Servings 7

Amount Per Serving
Calories 139kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7g11%
Cholesterol 11mg4%
Sodium 377mg16%
Potassium 194mg6%
Total Carbohydrate 14g5%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 0.04g
Protein 9g18%
Iron 1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note
  • Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed. Crowding = soggy tots.
  • Shake the basket: Keeps the tots evenly golden and crispy.
  • Want cheesier tots? Mix half the Parmesan into the mixture before air frying.
  • Use gloves for garlic: Avoid lingering garlicky fingers.
  • Make ahead: You can form the tots and freeze them for future snacking!
Keywords: garlic parmesan tots, air fryer tater tots, homemade potato snack, crispy hash brown bites, easy air fryer recipe
Read it online: https://simplemomrecipes.com/recipe/garlic-parmesan-air-fried-tots-recipe/
Kelsey Perez
Food and Lifestyle Blogger

I’m a London-based food writer, recipe developer, and home cook who has been passionate about cooking for over 15 years. What started as a way to recreate my mother’s traditional dishes turned into a lifelong love for experimenting with flavors, writing about food, and helping others feel more confident in the kitchen.