How to reheat Tater Tots: The Ultimate Guide
Tater Tots are a popular comfort food and a tasty snack that many people enjoy. But what do you do when you have leftover tater tots and want to enjoy them the next day? In this comprehensive guide, we look at the best ways to reheat Tater Tots to ensure they come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Say goodbye to soggy and disappointing reheated Tater Tots!
Reheating Tater Tots in the oven
Reheating Tater Tots in the oven is considered the best method as it allows for even heating and ensures that the tots retain their crunchy texture. Here’s how to reheat Tater Tots in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Lightly grease a baking tray and place the Tater Tots in a single layer with a little space between them.
- Cover the baking tray and the Tater Tots with aluminium foil to retain moisture.
- Place the tray in a preheated oven and bake for 15-25 minutes, checking occasionally to prevent burning.
- When the Tater Tots are hot and crispy, remove from the oven and serve while they’re still hot.
The advantage of using the oven to reheat Tater Tots is that you can reheat a large quantity at once, making them ideal for serving a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Reheating Tater Tots on the stovetop
If you’re looking for a quick and easy option, reheating Tater Tots on the stovetop is a great alternative. Follow these steps to reheat on the stovetop:
- Place a large frying pan on the stove over medium heat.
- Add a little oil to the pan to prevent the chips from sticking.
- Carefully place the Tater Tots in the pan and heat evenly on all sides, turning frequently.
- When the Tater Tots are cooked through, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve the Tater Tots while they’re still warm and enjoy!
Reheating Tater Tots on the stovetop is a quick method, but keep a close eye on them to avoid burning or absorbing too much oil.
Reheating Tater Tots in an air fryer
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat Tater Tots and achieve a crispy texture without adding extra oil. Here’s how:
- Preheat your fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Place the Tater Tots in the air fryer basket and reheat for about 5 minutes.
- Check the Tater Tots after 5 minutes and reheat for a further 2 minutes if necessary.
- When the Tater Tots are reheated to your liking, remove them from the fryer.
Reheating Tater Tots in an air fryer gives excellent results as the tots retain their crunchiness while remaining moist and soft on the inside.
Can Tater Tots be reheated in a deep fryer?
Yes, you can reheat Tater Tots in a deep fryer if you have one. Follow these steps to reheat in a deep fryer:
- Preheat the oil in the fryer to the appropriate temperature.
- Place the chips in the hot oil and fry for a few minutes, usually no more than two minutes.
- When the Tater Tots are hot and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil.
- Avoid overcrowding the fryer as this can affect the crispiness of the Tater Tots.
- Keep reheated Tater Tots warm in the oven on a low heat while you fry subsequent batches.
Reheating Tater Tots in a deep fryer can restore their original texture and flavour for a satisfyingly crispy result.
Why you should avoid reheating Tater Tots in the microwave
While the microwave may seem like a convenient option for reheating tater tots, it is not recommended. Microwaving tater tots can lead to a soggy and unappetising result, similar to reheating French fries in the microwave. The lack of dry heat in the microwave prevents the Tater Tots from crisping up properly, resulting in a loss of texture and flavour.
The best way to reheat Tater Tots
After researching different reheating methods, it is clear that the best way to reheat Tater Tots is in the oven. The dry heat of the oven makes the tots crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This method allows for even heating, making it ideal for reheating a large quantity of Tater Tots at once.
To reheat Tater Tots in the oven, preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking sheet and place the Tater Tots in a single layer with some space between them. Cover the tray and tots with aluminium foil to retain moisture. Place the tray in a preheated oven and bake for 15-25 minutes, checking occasionally to prevent burning. When the Tater Tots are heated through and crispy, remove from the oven and serve hot.
It’s important to note that reheating the chips on the hob or in an air fryer can also give satisfactory results. The stovetop method allows for quick reheating, but care must be taken to avoid burning or excessive oil absorption. The air fryer method gives a crispy texture without the need for extra oil.
In conclusion, reheating Tater Tots doesn’t have to be a disappointment. By using the right methods, such as reheating in the oven, on the stovetop or in an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, delicious Tater Tots the day after they were first cooked. So the next time you have leftover Tater Tots, don’t hesitate to heat them up using one of these methods and enjoy that irresistible taste all over again.
FAQS
Can I microwave Tater Tots?
We don’t recommend reheating Tater Tots in the microwave as they can become soggy. The lack of dry heat in the microwave prevents them from becoming crispy.
How long do I need to reheat Tater Tots in the oven?
Oven reheating time can vary, but is usually between 15 and 25 minutes at 175°C (350°F). Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Can I reheat Tater Tots in an air fryer?
Yes, you can reheat Tater Tots in an air fryer. Preheat the fryer to 380°F (193°C) and fry for about 5 minutes, adjusting the time as needed.
Can I reheat Tater Tots on the stove?
Absolutely! Reheating Tater Tots on the stovetop is a quick option. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and cook the tots until heated through and crispy.
Can I reheat Tater Tots in a deep fryer?
Yes, you can reheat Tater Tots in a deep fryer. Fry them for a few minutes until they are heated through and crispy, but be careful not to overfill the fryer.
How can I prevent reheated Tater Tots from becoming too greasy?
To minimise greasiness, dab the reheated Tater Tots with a paper towel to remove excess oil before serving. Also, avoid overheating or using too much oil when reheating.