Air Fryer Carrot Tots Recipe
Introduction
Air Fryer Carrot Tots are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic snack. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these little bites make a perfect appetizer or side dish. They’re quick to prepare and easy to customize with your favorite seasonings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- ⅓ cup finely shredded Mexican style cheese
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried minced onion
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Brush the air fryer rack with olive oil. Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Step 2: Squeeze excess juice from the grated carrots and place the carrots in a medium-sized bowl.
- Step 3: Add the cheese, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, dried minced onion, seasoned salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir until just combined. The mixture will be dry, which is the desired consistency.
- Step 4: Using a 1.5 tablespoon scoop, portion out the mixture and roll into balls. Arrange them on the air fryer rack.
- Step 5: Air fry at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, or until the outside is crispy and begins to brown. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Drain the grated carrots well to prevent soggy tots and help them crisp up in the air fryer.
- Try swapping the Mexican style cheese for mozzarella or cheddar for different flavors.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Serve with ranch, ketchup, or a spicy aioli for dipping.
Storage
Store leftover carrot tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep them from becoming soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these tots without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even crisping.
Can I freeze the carrot tots before or after cooking?
You can freeze the uncooked tots by arranging them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air frying time. Cooked tots can be frozen but may lose some crispness upon reheating.
PrintAir Fryer Carrot Tots Recipe
These Air Fryer Carrot Tots are a crispy, flavorful, and healthy snack made with grated carrots, cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs. Perfectly air-fried to a golden brown, they offer a delightful alternative to traditional potato tots with a cheesy and slightly seasoned bite. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re an easy, kid-friendly appetizer or side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 tots 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Carrot Tot Mixture
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- ⅓ cup finely shredded Mexican style cheese
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried minced onion
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- Olive oil (for brushing air fryer rack)
Instructions
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Brush the air fryer rack lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually to 375°F.
- Prepare Carrots: Squeeze out excess juice from the grated carrots to avoid sogginess. Place the drained carrots into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the shredded Mexican style cheese, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, dried minced onion, seasoned salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the grated carrots. Stir gently until just combined. The mixture will be somewhat dry, which is the desired consistency to hold the tots together.
- Form Tots: Use a 1.5 tablespoon scoop to portion out the mixture, then roll each portion into a small ball. Place each carrot tot onto the pre-oiled air fryer rack in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch for even cooking.
- Air Fry the Carrot Tots: Cook at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, or until the outsides are crispy and beginning to brown. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Notes
- Squeezing excess moisture from the grated carrots is essential to prevent soggy tots.
- You can substitute the Mexican style cheese with cheddar or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- Using panko breadcrumbs provides extra crispness; regular breadcrumbs can be used but may yield a softer texture.
- These tots are best eaten immediately to enjoy maximum crispiness.
- If your air fryer rack doesn’t allow oil brushing, lightly spray with cooking spray instead.
Keywords: air fryer carrot tots, carrot snacks, healthy tots, crispy carrot bites, vegetarian snack
