Air Fryer Carrot Tots Recipe
Introduction
These Air Fryer Carrot Tots are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic favorite. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they make a perfect snack or side dish for any meal.
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 and preheat your air fryer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Step 2: Squeeze out the excess juice from the grated carrots and transfer them to 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 gently until just combined; the mixture will be dry, which is ideal.
- Step 4: Using a 1.5 tablespoon scoop, portion the mixture and roll into balls. Place them evenly spaced on the air fryer rack.
- Step 5: Air fry at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, or until the tots are crispy and golden brown on the outside. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the carrots as possible to help the tots hold together better.
- Swap Mexican style cheese for cheddar or mozzarella for different flavors.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko.
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 crispiness or warm them in the oven. Avoid microwaving to keep them crispy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these carrot tots without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Can I prepare the carrot tots ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can form the tots, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
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Air Fryer Carrot Tots Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12–15 tots 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Air Fryer Carrot Tots are a healthier twist on traditional potato tots. Using finely grated carrots mixed with cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and seasonings, these tots are air fried to golden perfection, making them a perfect snack or side dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
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
- Olive oil, for brushing air fryer rack
Instructions
- Prepare Air Fryer: Brush the air fryer rack lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Preheat the air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically to 375°F.
- Drain Carrots: Take one cup of finely grated carrots and squeeze out any excess juice. This step ensures the tots hold together and become crispy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the drained grated carrots with shredded Mexican style cheese, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, dried minced onion, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until just combined; the mixture may seem dry, which is desired for proper texture.
- Form Tots: Using a 1.5 tablespoon scoop, portion out the carrot mixture and roll each portion into a small ball. Place the formed tots evenly spaced on the oiled air fryer rack.
- Air Fry Tots: Cook the tots in the air fryer at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, or until the exterior is crispy and beginning to brown.
- Serve: Remove tots from the air fryer and serve warm. They pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Squeezing excess moisture from the grated carrots is key to achieving crispy tots.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- If you prefer, you can substitute Mexican style cheese with mild cheddar or mozzarella.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for some heat and smokiness.
- These tots are best eaten fresh but can be briefly reheated in the air fryer to regain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Air fryer carrot tots, healthy carrot snacks, crispy carrot bites, vegetarian appetizer, easy air fryer recipes
