These air fryer veggie tots (also called veggie nuggets) are a quick, tasty snack you can make straight from frozen. I often toss a bag in the air fryer for a fast after-school or late-night bite — my teen was thrilled to have a warm snack in under 15 minutes.
If you enjoy tater tots, you’ll love these vegetable versions. They crisp up beautifully in the air fryer with almost no effort. Of course you can make veggie tots from scratch, but using frozen tots from the grocery freezer is an easy shortcut when time is short.
My son, who’s at college, now has an air fryer and keeps a supply in his freezer — he just checks my blog for ideas. You can use any brand of frozen veggie tots; I used McCain here, but Green Giant and other brands work just as well.
Other frozen air fryer snacks you might like: frozen fries, samosas, hash browns, tater tots, spring rolls, chicken patties, popcorn chicken, chicken fries and pizza rolls.
What are Veggie Tots?
Veggie tots are small, bite-sized bites made from mashed or finely chopped vegetables mixed with a binder and coated to crisp. Common varieties include broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, green beans, mixed vegetables or sweet potato. The exact mix depends on the brand or your homemade recipe.
In this post I used McCain Veggie Nuggets, but broccoli-and-cheese tots or other varieties will follow the same air fryer method. Keep a few different flavors in the freezer for quick options when hungry teens are around.
Ingredients
1 pack frozen veggie tots (about 20 pieces). I used McCain veggie tots.
No additional oil is required for air frying, though you can lightly spray if you prefer extra crispness.
Variations
Try cauliflower tots, broccoli tots, sweet potato tots or mixed veggie tots — the freezer aisle has plenty of options. Veggie tots are also marketed as veggie nuggets, so look for either label.
Serving suggestions
Snack: Serve with a dipping sauce such as ranch, spicy mayo or ketchup.
Side: Pair with your favorite protein—air-fried chicken, breaded fish, crispy tofu or tandoori paneer all work well.
Breakfast: Use them instead of hash browns as a side to eggs.
Topping: Add crunchy veggie tots to sandwiches, wraps or grain bowls for texture.
Soup or Stew: Use them instead of croutons or breadsticks for a crunchy garnish.
Tips
No need to thaw — place the tots directly from frozen into the air fryer basket.
Do not overcrowd the basket; arrange the tots in a single layer for even crisping.
Air frying time can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and capacity.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Do not refreeze heated tots.
Serve with ranch, spicy mayo or classic ketchup.
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (360°F) for 5 minutes.
2. Open the packet and place the frozen veggie tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to touch the hot basket.
3. Air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 10–12 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown on the outside and heated through. Shake or turn once halfway through if your basket is crowded.
4. Remove and serve immediately. Refer to the serving suggestions above for ideas.
Enjoy veggie tater tots from frozen in about 15 minutes.
Oven instructions: Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (360°F) for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown.
Recipe Card
Air fryer Veggie Tots
Rachna Parmar
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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1 Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pack Veggie tots about 20
Instructions
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Take one pack of frozen veggie tots.
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Preheat air fryer to 180°C (360°F) for 5 minutes.
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Place frozen veggie tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
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Air fry for 10–12 minutes at 180°C (360°F) until golden and cooked through, turning or shaking halfway if needed.
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Remove and serve immediately.
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Oven option: Bake at 180°C (360°F) for 15–18 minutes until golden.
Notes
2. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in a single layer.
3. Timing may vary by air fryer model.
4. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; do not refreeze warmed tots.
5. Serve with ranch, spicy mayo or ketchup.
Nutrition
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