Yes, you can absolutely cook tater tots in a frying pan. Tater tots are small cylinders made of deep-fried, grated potatoes. They are a popular side dish and finger food. While tater tots are often baked in the oven, they can also be pan-fried on the stovetop for a quick and easy meal.
Benefits of Cooking Tater Tots in a Frying Pan
Here are some of the benefits of cooking tater tots in a frying pan instead of baking them in the oven:
- Faster cooking time – Tater tots cook much quicker in a hot frying pan than in the oven. They can be ready in just a few minutes on the stovetop.
- Crispier exterior – The high heat of the frying pan gives the tater tots a crispy, golden brown exterior.
- Use less oil – You only need a thin layer of oil to fry the tater tots instead of greasing a whole baking sheet.
- Exact portion control – It’s easier to cook a precise number of tater tots in a pan than arranging them on a baking sheet.
How to Cook Tater Tots in a Frying Pan
Follow these simple steps for perfect pan-fried tater tots:
- Heat oil: Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil to a frying pan on medium-high heat. Vegetable, canola, peanut, or coconut oil all work well.
- Add tater tots: Carefully add the desired amount of tater tots to the hot pan. Make sure not to overcrowd.
- Fry: Cook the tater tots for 2-3 minutes, occasionally flipping them over, until browned and crispy on both sides.
- Drain on paper towel: Transfer the cooked tater tots to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Season: Season with salt, pepper, or any other desired seasonings while the tater tots are still hot.
The exact frying time may vary depending on the amount of tater tots and intensity of heat. Adjust as needed until the tater tots are browned and cooked through.
Tips for the Best Pan-Fried Tater Tots
- Use a heavy-based frying pan like cast iron or stainless steel for even heating.
- Make sure the oil is hot before adding the tater tots so they get crispy.
- Cook the tater tots in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Flip the tater tots gently with a spatula to prevent breaking them.
- Season with spices while hot for maximum flavor. Try cajun seasoning, onion/garlic powder, chili powder, etc.
Common Questions
What type of oil is best for frying tater tots?
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, peanut, sunflower, or light olive oil work very well for frying tater tots. Avoid using butter or extra virgin olive oil as they have low smoke points and can burn.
How long does it take to cook tater tots in a pan?
It usually takes 2-4 minutes per batch to fry tater tots in a pan over medium-high heat. Cooking time depends on how many you add and how hot the oil is.
Should you flip tater tots while frying?
Yes, flipping the tater tots occasionally while frying helps them brown evenly on all sides. Use a thin spatula to carefully flip them over. Flip gently to avoid breaking the tater tots.
Can you cook frozen tater tots in a pan?
Yes, you can absolutely cook frozen tater tots straight from the freezer in a hot frying pan. They will take a minute or two longer to fry than thawed tots. Just be sure the oil is hot before adding them.
Conclusion
Frying tater tots in a pan is quick, easy, and yields deliciously crispy results. With just a bit of oil and a few minutes of frying time, you can enjoy perfect pan-fried tater tots any night of the week. Crisp the exterior in the pan, then season them while hot for maximum flavor.