Crispy Golden Tater Tots (Printer-Friendly)

Golden baked tots with a crisp texture made from potatoes, cornstarch, and a touch of seasoning.

# What You'll Need:

→ Potatoes

01 - 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

→ Binding and Seasoning

02 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
03 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
05 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Add-ins (Optional)

06 - 1/3 cup finely grated cheddar cheese
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

→ Oils

08 - 2 tablespoons light-flavored oil (avocado or vegetable), divided

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil, parchment paper, or a silicone mat. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil over the surface to prevent sticking.
02 - Place peeled potato chunks into a large bowl of cold water. Swish gently for 15 seconds, then soak for 1 minute to remove excess starch. Drain thoroughly.
03 - Pulse the drained potato chunks in a food processor until broken into small pieces, avoiding pureeing. Remove any large pieces and chop by hand if necessary.
04 - Transfer chopped potatoes onto a clean kitchen towel. Wrap the towel around them and squeeze firmly to remove as much water as possible.
05 - Microwave the damp potato pieces for 1 minute, stir, then microwave for an additional 30 seconds to soften without losing firmness. Let cool several minutes.
06 - In a large bowl, mix the cooled potatoes with salt, onion powder, cornstarch, black pepper, cheddar cheese, and parsley if using. Fold gently to combine without mashing.
07 - Wet your fingers with cold water to prevent sticking. Form the mixture into cylinders approximately 3/4 inch wide and 1 inch long. Place spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
08 - Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over the tots. Bake for 12 minutes or until bottoms are golden brown.
09 - Carefully flip each tot using two forks. Continue baking for 12 to 15 minutes until the other side is golden and crisp.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Squeezing out excess moisture before baking is essential for achieving a crispy texture.
02 - Slightly underbake before freezing to preserve texture when reheated.
03 - Use light-flavored oil to maintain a neutral taste and promote even roasting.