Air Fryer Breakfast Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos) Recipe

Let me tell you, this Air Fryer Breakfast Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos) Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to weekend breakfasts. It’s that perfect mix of crispy tots, savory sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, and melty cheese—all cooked up quickly in the air fryer. I love how it turns basic frozen tots into a fun, loaded meal that feels like breakfast nachos but way better for a morning pick-me-up.

This recipe works wonders when you want something filling but don’t want to slave over the stove for ages. Plus, it’s super forgiving, so you can swap in your favorite veggies or cheese to make it your own. If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate how it delivers serious flavor with minimal mess—your air fryer does all the heavy lifting!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully for a breakfast that’s bursting with flavors and textures. Keep an eye out for fresh veggies and good-quality breakfast sausage to really take your totchos to the next level.

• Frozen potato bites: The foundation—great to have on hand, and air fryer-cooked, they’re perfectly crispy.
• Large eggs: For scrambling fluffy eggs that add a soft, creamy contrast to the crunchy tots.
• Breakfast sausage: Use your favorite kind—spicy or mild—just cook it well before adding.
• Cheddar style cheese, shredded: Melts nicely on top; you can substitute with any cheese you love.
• Red bell pepper, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant crunch.
• Green bell pepper, diced: Brings fresh, slightly bitter notes to balance the richness.
• Chives, chopped: A fresh, oniony pop to finish off and brighten the dish.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Black pepper: Just a pinch for a little gentle heat.
• Olive oil spray: Keeps the tots from sticking and helps make them extra crispy.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Air Fryer Breakfast Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos) Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge. It’s seriously flexible, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.

• Spicy twist: Adding jalapeños or swapping the sausage for chorizo gave my totchos a nice kick that was a hit at brunch.
• Vegetarian option: I’ve used plant-based sausage and skipped the meat entirely, loading up with mushrooms or black beans instead, and it still feels hearty.
• Cheese swap: Play around with pepper jack or mozzarella for different melty textures and flavors—your call.
• Seasonal veggies: Roasted corn or diced tomatoes work beautifully when peppers aren’t in season.

How to Make Air Fryer Breakfast Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos) Recipe

Step 1: Get your eggs fluffy and ready

Start by whisking your eggs with salt and black pepper until everything’s combined—this keeps the seasoning even. Then, gently scramble them in a nonstick pan over medium-low heat. The key is to cook them just until set but still soft and tender; overcooked eggs can get rubbery, and we want creamy nuggets of egg scattered over our tots!

Step 2: Crisp those tots in the air fryer

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking—it’s a small step that saves you from a scrabble later. Pour in your frozen potato bites in a single layer (avoid overcrowding so they crisp evenly). Cook them at 400°F for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’ll want to see golden and crispy tots before moving on.

Step 3: Add sausage and bells for extra flavor

Once your tots are nice and crisp, add in the cooked breakfast sausage and diced red and green bell peppers right on top. Pop it back into the air fryer for about 5 minutes—it lets the peppers soften slightly without losing their snap, and the sausage heat infuses the tots with flavor.

Step 4: Top with eggs and cheese, then finish melting

After the sausage and veggies are warmed through, layer on your scrambled eggs and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Return everything to the air fryer for just 3 to 5 minutes, enough time for the cheese to melt beautifully and bind all those tasty layers. Keep an eye on it to avoid the cheese overcooking or burning.

How to Serve Air Fryer Breakfast Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos) Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives for that pop of color and subtle oniony zing—totally lifts the dish. Sometimes, I add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of salsa if I’m feeling extra indulgent. These little touches make it feel like a real brunch affair.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines on its own but pairs great with a light green salad or some fresh fruit on the side to balance out the richness. When I’m serving friends, a side of avocado slices or a tangy yogurt dip really rounds everything out.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving these totchos on individual plates with toppings set out buffet-style, so everyone can customize their own portions. I’ve also layered them in a clear casserole dish for brunch parties, letting the colors and layers show through—it’s such a crowd-pleaser visually and taste-wise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover totchos in an airtight container in the fridge. They hold up well for up to 2 days, but I recommend reheating for best texture. Just avoid storing with toppings like chives or sour cream—add those fresh each time you serve!

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen the fully loaded totchos, I’ve frozen cooked tots and sausage separately with good results. You can prep those parts ahead and thaw before assembling, which saves time on busy mornings.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the crispiness of the tots and melts the cheese nicely again—much better than microwaving, which can leave things soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Breakfast Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos) Recipe has become my happy place on busy mornings or laid-back brunches with friends. It’s easy to throw together, customizable to your tastes, and just downright delicious. I honestly can’t recommend it enough if you’re craving something comforting yet quick. Give it a try—I promise you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds, just like I do!

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