Loaded Tater Tots

Ingredients

• 5 rashersbacon
• 750 gmini hash browns
• 80 gcheddar cheese, grated
• 40 gmozzarella, grated or sliced
• 30 gBBQ sauce

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the bacon

   Place the 5 rashers of bacon in the air fryer and cook at 180°C for 5–7 minutes, until they are as crisp as you like.

2. 2

   Chop the bacon

   Take the bacon out, cut it into pieces and set it aside.

3. 3

   Crisp the hash browns

   Put the 750 g of mini hash browns in the air fryer and cook at 190°C for 13–15 minutes, until very crisp.

4. 4

   Prepare the dish

   Transfer the hash browns to an ovenproof dish. Preheat the oven to 180°C fan-assisted or 200°C without a fan.

5. 5

   Add the bacon

   Scatter the cooked, chopped bacon over the hash browns.

6. 6

   Add the cheese

   Scatter over the 80 g of cheddar and 40 g of mozzarella.

7. 7

   Drizzle the sauce

   Add the 30 g of BBQ sauce over the top.

8. 8

   Melt the cheese

   Bake for 5–10 minutes, until all the cheese has melted.

9. 9

   Use the alternative

   Alternatively, leave the tater tots in the air fryer, add the toppings and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese has melted.

What are loaded tater tots?

Tater tots are small, crisp potato bites associated with American cooking. This version uses mini hash browns as the potato base, then layers on bacon, two cheeses and BBQ sauce.

The appeal is the contrast between crunchy potatoes and a melted, savoury topping. Air-frying the potatoes before adding the toppings helps them stay crisp.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 374 calories, 5g protein, 3g carbs, 12g fat.

The mini hash browns provide most of the carbohydrate, while bacon and both cheeses contribute much of the fat and protein. Serve a portion with salad or vegetables for freshness and extra variety on the plate.

Why use mini hash browns?

Potato base: mini hash browns are convenient and give each serving plenty of crisp edges. Cook them until deeply crisp before transferring them to the dish.

Air-fryer space: arrange them in a single layer where possible. If they are piled up, cook in batches so they brown rather than steam.

Getting the bacon right

Crispness: the recipe gives a 5–7 minute cooking window at 180°C, so check the rashers and stop when they reach your preferred texture.

Topping: chop the cooked bacon into small pieces so it spreads across the potatoes and is easy to pick up with each portion.

Balancing the cheese and sauce

Cheese blend: cheddar brings a pronounced savoury flavour, while mozzarella melts into a softer, stretchy layer. Scatter both evenly for a mix of textures.

BBQ sauce: add the measured 30 g over the toppings rather than leaving it in one thick patch. This helps distribute its sweet, smoky flavour.

When are they ready?

Potatoes: look for a crisp exterior after 13–15 minutes at 190°C in the air fryer. The exact time can vary with the appliance and how full the basket is.

Cheese: finish in the oven for 5–10 minutes at the stated temperature, or use the alternative air-fryer finish for 2–3 minutes. Take the dish out once the cheese has melted.

Serving loaded tater tots

Serve them straight away while the potato edges are crisp and the cheese is still melted. They work as a sharing side alongside burgers or grilled food, or as a casual snack on their own.

For a more balanced plate, add a fresh salad or crunchy vegetables alongside the rich, cheesy potatoes.

Recipe notes & tips

• Check the bacon before the end of its cooking window, as air fryers can brown it at different rates.
• Give the hash browns room in the air fryer so hot air can circulate around them.
• Cut the bacon into small pieces for more even coverage.
• Use an ovenproof dish that gives the potatoes a fairly shallow layer.
• Serve soon after the cheese melts to enjoy the crispest texture.

Variations

• Add spring onions: scatter finely sliced spring onions over the melted cheese before serving.
• Bring the heat: add a little hot sauce alongside the BBQ sauce.
• Try smoked cheese: replace some of the cheddar with a smoked variety.
• Add jalapeños: scatter sliced jalapeños over the toppings before melting the cheese.
• Make it meat-free: leave out the bacon and add extra vegetables or a meat-free bacon alternative.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Crowding the air fryer: the hash browns may soften instead of crisping; cook them in batches if needed.
• Under-crisping the potatoes: they can lose texture under the toppings; cook until really crisp before assembling.
• Overcooking the bacon: it can become too hard; check it within the 5–7 minute window.
• Using too much sauce: excess sauce can make the potato layer soggy; stick to the measured 30 g.
• Leaving the dish in too long: the cheese can overcook; remove it as soon as it has melted.

How to store

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven until hot; the potatoes may be less crisp after storage.

Frequently asked questions