Ingredients
- 1 (30 ounce) package frozen bite-size potato nuggets (such as Tater Tots®)
- ½ pound rotisserie chicken breasts, chopped
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup salsa
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon buffalo wing sauce, or more to taste
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste
Why This Meal Is A Winner
This dish combines crispy tater tots with spicy buffalo chicken for a perfect mix of flavors and textures. It’s quick to make and great for sharing. Plus, using an air fryer keeps it crispy without extra oil.
Cooking Tips
- Preheat the air fryer for even cooking and extra crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed to keep tots crunchy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed to keep tots crunchy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
Directions
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for a couple of minutes. Toss in the potato nuggets and cook them until they’re golden and crispy, giving the basket a good shake every now and then—this usually takes about 12 minutes. You might need to do this in batches depending on how much you have. Once they’re done, spread the crispy tots out on your plates and pile on the buffalo chicken, cheddar cheese, and salsa. In a small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing and buffalo sauce, then drizzle it all over the top. Finish things off with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper and some fresh cilantro for a little kick and color. Enjoy!
Best Pairings For This Dish
Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat. Add some fresh chopped green onions or cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness. A crisp salad or celery sticks make a nice crunchy contrast.
Food Storage Guide
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to keep the tots crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade tater tots instead of frozen ones?
Yes, homemade tater tots work well; just adjust the air frying time to ensure they get crispy.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add more buffalo wing sauce and cayenne pepper to taste for extra heat.
Can I use shredded chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely, shredded cooked chicken can be used as a convenient substitute.
What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
You can substitute with blue cheese dressing or a sour cream-based dip if preferred.
How do I keep the tots crispy after assembling?
Serve immediately after topping to maintain crispiness, as the toppings can soften the tots over time.
Can I prepare this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, bake the tots in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until crispy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, omit the chicken and add extra cheese, beans, or veggies like corn or jalapeños instead.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.
