Air Fryer Carrot Tots with Cheesy Garlic and Onion Seasoning Recipe
Introduction
These easy Air Fryer Carrot Tots are a fantastic way to encourage kids to enjoy their vegetables! Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, they’re a healthier alternative to store-bought tater tots. Perfect as a main dish, side, or snack, they work well for lunch, dinner, or anytime in between.
Ingredients
- Carrots, shredded
- Mexican style shredded cheese
- Panko bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- Garlic powder
- Dried minced onion
- Seasoned salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Shred the carrots finely and squeeze out excess moisture using a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel. Set aside the carrot juice if desired.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded carrots, shredded Mexican style cheese, panko bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, dried minced onion, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
- Step 3: Shape the mixture into larger, rounder tots or classic tot shapes according to your preference.
- Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the carrot tots evenly in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each tot.
- Step 5: Air fry the tots for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden, crispy, and cooked through.
- Step 6: Remove the tots and let them cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better taste and melting.
- Squeeze out moisture from the carrots with a cheesecloth to keep tots firm; enjoy the fresh carrot juice left over.
- Use regular carrots instead of baby carrots for more flavor and better texture.
- Substitute onion powder for minced onion or use regular bread crumbs instead of panko to suit your pantry.
- Try different shredded cheeses or seasoning blends to customize the flavor.
- If you prefer baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake tots on a parchment-lined sheet for 18-22 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Storage
Store leftover carrot tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through and crispy again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these carrot tots without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crispy.
What can I serve with carrot tots?
Carrot tots go well with a variety of dipping sauces such as ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard. They also make a great side for burgers, sandwiches, or salads.
PrintAir Fryer Carrot Tots with Cheesy Garlic and Onion Seasoning Recipe
These easy Air Fryer Carrot Tots are a delicious and healthy snack or side dish, perfect for encouraging kids and adults alike to enjoy more vegetables. Made with simple ingredients like shredded carrots, Mexican-style cheese, and panko bread crumbs, they are flavorful with a mild hint of garlic and onion seasoning. Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, they are a wholesome alternative to traditional tater tots, quick to prepare and perfect for air frying or baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 20 carrot tots 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Carrot Tots
- 2 cups shredded carrots (regular carrots, not baby carrots)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican style cheese
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: Start by shredding regular carrots using a grater or food processor. Use a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel to squeeze out excess moisture from the shredded carrots for better binding and crispiness.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded carrots, shredded Mexican style cheese, panko bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, dried minced onion, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Tots: Using your hands, shape the mixture into larger, rounder tot shapes or traditional small tots, depending on your preference. Place the shaped tots onto a tray as you go to keep them organized.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for a few minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
- Air Fry: Arrange the carrot tots in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for even cooking. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness. Cook until the tots are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove the carrot tots from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a snack, side dish, or a fun addition to any meal, with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
- Alternative Baking Method: If you prefer to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. Place the tots evenly spaced on the baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave.
- Different air fryer brands may cook differently; adjust cooking time as needed.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better and enhances flavor.
- Squeeze out carrot juice using cheesecloth; it’s delicious and nutritious to drink.
- Use regular carrots for better flavor and texture instead of baby carrots.
- Onion powder can be substituted for dried minced onion.
- Regular bread crumbs can replace panko if preferred.
- Customize seasoning with your favorite blends instead of the suggested salt, pepper, onion, and garlic powder.
Keywords: Carrot tots, Air fryer carrot tots, Healthy snack, Kids vegetable recipe, Cheesy carrot tots, Easy side dish, Air fryer recipes
