She Strengthens

The Irresistible Allure of Crispy Potato Tots

Who can resist the tantalizing taste of crispy potato tots? It’s a culinary delight that’s hard to ignore. Whether you’re a fan of classic french fries, hash browns, or potato chips, there’s something about the combination of fluffy interior and crunchy exterior that makes potato tots impossible to resist.

The Secret to Making Perfect Potato Tots

So, what’s the secret to making these addictive treats at home? It all starts with selecting the right potatoes. For this recipe, you’ll need about 2 medium-sized russet potatoes, which will yield around 45 tots.

Preparation is Key

Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). While the oven is warming up, scrub the potatoes clean and bake them for about 35-40 minutes, or until they’re easily pierced with a knife but still firm in the center. If you’re using smaller potatoes, adjust the cooking time to around 25-30 minutes.

Shredding and Seasoning

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel away the skin and shred them using a box grater. Transfer the shredded potatoes to a large bowl and sprinkle in some all-purpose flour and fine salt. Mix everything together until well combined.

Forming the Tots

Measure out about 1 teaspoon of the potato mixture and roll it into a short cylinder, about 1 1/2 inches long and 3/4 inch wide. Place the tot on a baking sheet and repeat with the remaining potato mixture.

Frying the Tots

Heat about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of canola oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches about 1/4 inch up the sides. To test if the oil is hot, submerge the handle of a wooden spoon or chopstick until it touches the bottom of the pan – the oil should bubble vigorously. Fry the tots in batches of 8-10 pieces, turning once, until they’re medium golden brown on both sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes per batch.

Seasoning and Serving

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried tots to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet and season with salt. Serve immediately with your desired dipping sauce.

Freezing and Reheating

To freeze the tots, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or zip-top bag. Arrange them in a single layer and store them in the freezer. To reheat, simply heat your oven to 400°F (200°C), spread the tots out in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake for about 15 minutes, or until hot and crispy.