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

Scale

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