If you’ve ever had a picky eater at your dinner table (I’ve got three of them!), you know the magic of a good tot. These Carrot Tots are my latest kitchen win—crispy, cheesy, and ready in just 20 minutes. They sneak in veggies without the battle and make snack time feel like a victory instead of a negotiation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Carrot Tots
- Fast – Only 20 minutes start to finish.
- Kid-approved – Even veggie skeptics gobble these up.
- Healthy-ish – Packed with carrots but still cheesy enough to feel like comfort food.
- Versatile – Perfect as a side dish, lunchbox filler, or after-school snack.
What Do Air Fryer Carrot Tots Taste Like?
Think of your favorite potato tots but with a little more sweetness and depth. The carrots soften into a tender bite while the cheese and breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. They’ve got that golden crunch on the outside and a cozy, flavorful middle.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Carrot Tots
Before we get into mixing and air frying, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these Carrot Tots so good. Each one plays a little role in making sure your tots are crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and full of flavor.
- Carrots (1 cup, finely grated): The star of the show! Freshly grated carrots give these tots their naturally sweet flavor and beautiful orange color. Make sure to squeeze out any extra liquid—otherwise, your tots might turn soggy instead of crisp. I usually grab my carrots from the farmer’s market (it takes me right back to my Texas farm days), but grocery store carrots work perfectly fine too.
- Mexican Style Cheese (⅓ cup, finely shredded): A little cheese goes a long way here. It binds the mixture together while adding that gooey, melty richness kids (and adults) love. If you don’t have Mexican blend, cheddar or mozzarella works in a pinch.
- Panko Breadcrumbs (¼ cup): These breadcrumbs are what give the Carrot Tots their golden crunch. They crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and balance the softness of the carrots. Regular breadcrumbs work too, but panko makes them extra special.
- Egg (1 large): Think of this as the glue holding everything together. Without the egg, the mixture won’t bind and you’ll end up with a crumbly mess instead of neat little tots.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Just enough to give a subtle savory kick without overpowering the carrots’ sweetness.
- Dried Minced Onion (½ teaspoon): Adds a hint of onion flavor without the sharp bite of raw onion. Plus, it keeps the prep quick and simple.
- Seasoned Salt (¼ teaspoon): This blend gives a deeper flavor than plain salt. It’s that little something extra that makes the tots taste like they came from your favorite diner.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): A small pinch for warmth and balance.
👉 If you love kid-friendly recipes like these Carrot Tots, you’ll also enjoy my Homemade Uncrustables Recipe. They’re another quick option for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Carrot Tots
Making Carrot Tots in the air fryer is simple, but there are a few tricks to getting that perfect crispy outside and soft, flavorful inside. Follow these step-by-step directions and you’ll have a family favorite in no time.
Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer
Start by brushing your air fryer rack or basket lightly with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and gives your Carrot Tots that irresistible golden crust. Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions—most take about 3–5 minutes. Think of this step like preheating your oven; it sets the stage for even cooking.
Step 2: Grate and Squeeze the Carrots
Finely grate 1 cup of fresh carrots. Here’s the secret: after grating, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to squeeze out the excess juice. Carrots carry a lot of natural water, and if you skip this step, your tots may end up mushy instead of crisp. This step alone makes the difference between “pretty good” and “wow, these are amazing!”
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, shredded cheese, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, dried minced onion, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—this isn’t bread dough! The mixture should feel slightly dry and crumbly but still stick together when you press it.
Step 4: Shape the Tots
Scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture at a time. Roll gently between your palms to form small balls or classic tot shapes. Place them evenly on your greased air fryer rack, leaving a little space in between so they cook evenly. If your kids like helping in the kitchen, this is the perfect job for little hands.
Step 5: Air Fry the Carrot Tots
Cook the tots at 375°F for 6–8 minutes. Keep an eye on them after the 6-minute mark—every air fryer is a little different. You’ll know they’re ready when the outside is crispy and starting to brown, while the inside stays tender and cheesy. If you’re making a double batch, work in two rounds so they don’t overcrowd the basket.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the Carrot Tots and let them cool for a minute before serving (hot cheese can surprise you!). Serve with ranch, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce. These also pair beautifully as a side with sandwiches or soups.
👉 If you’re looking for more fun finger foods to pair with your Carrot Tots, check out my Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe. They’re another easy, kid-approved snack that works perfectly for parties or game nights.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Carrot Tots
- Squeeze those carrots well – Too much liquid = mushy tots.
- Don’t pack them too tight – Lightly roll them so they cook evenly.
- Use parchment liners in the air fryer if you hate cleanup.
- Double batch and freeze – These reheat beautifully for quick snacks.
- Try cheddar or mozzarella for different flavor twists.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Re-crisp in the air fryer for 3 minutes.
- Freezer: Flash freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Air fry straight from frozen at 375°F for 8–9 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I swap carrots for another veggie?
Zucchini works (but squeeze even harder), or try sweet potatoes for a twist.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
Ranch, ketchup, or even a garlicky yogurt dip. Kids usually pick ketchup, adults love ranch.
Conclusion
These Carrot Tots are the kind of recipe that makes life a little easier—quick, wholesome, and so tasty the kids won’t even realize they’re eating veggies. Next time you’re scrambling for a snack or side dish, pop these in the air fryer and watch them disappear faster than you can say “pass the ranch.”
Oh—and if your crew loves these, they’ll also adore my Frozen Yogurt Banana Pops for dessert.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meals.
Print
Carrot Tots in Air Fryer
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 16 tots 1x
Description
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—these air fryer Carrot Tots are a veggie-packed, cheesy snack perfect for kids and grown-ups alike.
Ingredients
1 cup finely grated carrots (excess moisture squeezed out)
⅓ cup finely shredded Mexican-style cheese (or cheddar/mozzarella)
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
1. Lightly brush your air fryer basket or rack with olive oil and preheat according to manufacturer instructions (about 3–5 minutes).
2. Finely grate the carrots and squeeze out excess liquid using a clean towel or paper towel.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the grated carrots, cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, dried onion, seasoned salt, and pepper until just combined.
4. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and shape into small balls or tot shapes with your hands.
5. Place shaped tots on the air fryer rack, leaving space between each for even cooking.
6. Air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, checking after 6 minutes for golden crispiness.
7. Let cool for a minute before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For best results, avoid skipping the carrot-squeezing step—it prevents soggy tots. Serve as a side or snack with ranch, ketchup, or hummus. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp back up.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tots
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: carrot tots, air fryer veggies, kid-friendly snack, veggie side, healthy tots
