Can You Cook Tater Tots In The Microwave? Solved

Last Updated on July 14, 2024 by Shari Mason

Perhaps, you are contemplating the feasibility of cooking tater tots in the microwave.

In this blog post, we will discuss if we can cook tater tots in the microwave and some tips and tricks for making them taste great.

So, if you are looking for a quick and easy way to make tater tots, keep reading.

Can You Use The Microwave In Cooking Tater Tots?

Tater tots are a popular American side dish that can be easily prepared in the microwave. While some believe that microwave cooking produces an inferior product, tater tots can be quite good when cooked properly.

The key is to ensure that the tots are evenly cooked, which will help prevent them from drying out. When microwaving tater tots, starting with a single layer is important.

If the tots are stacked on top of each other, they will not cook evenly. In addition, it is important to flip the tots halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

With a little care, it is possible to produce perfectly cooked tater tots in the microwave.

Find out the dishes that don’t get hot in the microwave here.

How Long To Cook Tater Tots

Tater tots should generally be cooked until they are golden brown and crispy. However, the best way to determine if they are done is to use a food thermometer.

Tater tots are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

The answer depends on the type of tater tot and the cooking method. For example, frozen tater tots will take longer to cook than fresh ones. Additionally, oven-baked tater tots will take longer than those fried in oil.

So, whether you are cooking them in the oven or fryer, keep an eye on the temperature and cook them until they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Read: Can You Put A Metal Bowl In The Microwave?

Why Does It Spark In The Microwave?

Have you ever noticed that Tater Tots sometimes spark when heated in the microwave? The cause of this curious phenomenon is quite simple.

Tater tots are made from potatoes that have been shredded and then formed into small cylinders. These cylinders are then fried in oil, which gives them their signature golden color and crispy texture.

However, the frying process also leaves behind small amounts of metal on the surface of the tater tots. When microwaved, these bits of metal can cause sparks as they interact with electromagnetic waves.

So next time you see tater tots sparking in the microwaves, there’s no need to be alarmed – it’s just a harmless side effect of their deliciousness.

Read: How To Cook Canned Black Beans In Microwave?

How To Make Tater Tots Extra Crispy In The Microwave

Microwaved tater tots can often come out soggy and limp. If you’re looking for extra-crispy tater tots, a simple hack will transform your microwaved tots into crispy perfection.

First, spread the tater tots in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Then, microwave the tots for one minute less than the recommended cooking time.

After one minute, remove the plate from the microwave and let it sit for two minutes. This will allow the heat to continue cooking the tots and result in extra-crispy tater tots that are perfect for dipping.

Read: How To Cook Kraft Mac And Cheese In The Microwave?

What Is The Best Way To Cook Frozen Tater Tots?

Using the oven is the best way to cook frozen tater tots [1]. The key is to start with a hot oven. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the tater tots to a baking sheet.

Then, bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. For an extra crispy exterior, you can also try spraying the tater tots with cooking spray before baking. Just keep an eye on them, as they can burn easily.

Once they’re done, enjoy them as is, or top them with your favorite sauce or seasoning. Whether you’re serving them as a snack or a side, there’s no wrong way to enjoy tater tots.

Read: How To Heat Up Rice Without A Microwave?

4 Tips On Cooking Tater Tots

1. First, if you’re looking for a crispy exterior, try preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spraying your tater tots with cooking spray before baking them for 15-20 minutes.
2. For an even crispier tot, you can also try coating them in a light layer of flour before baking.
3. If you’re in the mood for something cheesy, try sprinkling your tater tots with grated cheese before baking them.
4. And for a touch of spice, try topping them with a sprinkle of chili powder or paprika.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

So, can you cook tater tots in the microwave? The short answer is yes.

But the real question is: should you? While cooking tater tots in the microwave might be easier and faster, it will not necessarily give you the best results.

For crispy, delicious tater tots, your best bet is still to bake them in the oven.

Reference:

1. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/articles/23-ways-to-use-frozen-tater-tots