✔ Published · new copycat recipe with air fryer and freezer options
These copycat Burger King cheesy tots are crispy, golden potato bites with a gooey cheddar center that stretches with every bite. Make a big batch at home whenever they're off the menu!
What Are Burger King Cheesy Tots? (Quick Answer)
Burger King cheesy tots are bite-size breaded potato and cheddar bites, fried until crisp with a melted cheese center. They have come and gone from the menu, so here is a copycat: grate par-boiled russet potatoes, mix with cheddar, American cheese, egg and flour, roll into small tots, bread them and fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 3 minutes.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Freeze the shaped tots for 20 minutes before breading and frying. Cold, firm tots hold their shape in the hot oil, so the outside crisps up before all that cheese can escape.
Why You'll Love These Cheesy Tots
- Melty cheddar in every bite, with a crisp golden crust.
- Made from real potatoes, not a box mix.
- Freezer-friendly: bread a big batch and fry from frozen.
- Air fryer option for a lighter, less messy batch.
- Party-ready as a side or a game-day snack with dips.
Ingredient Notes
Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.
- Russet potatoes: starchy russets hold together best. Yukon Golds work but are softer.
- Sharp cheddar plus American cheese: cheddar for flavor, American for that smooth, extra-melty center.
- Egg and flour: a light binder so the tots keep their shape. The egg cooks through as the tots fry.
- Fine breadcrumbs: give a thin, even, crunchy shell. Panko makes a craggier crust.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Par-boil, don't fully cook. Potatoes that are still firm in the center grate into neat shreds. Fully cooked potatoes turn to mash and make gummy tots.
- Squeeze the potatoes dry. Extra moisture makes soft tots and spattering oil. Wring them out like you mean it!
- Shred the cheddar finely. Fine shreds melt evenly through every bite. Pre-shredded works, it just melts a little less silky.
- Freeze before frying. Twenty minutes in the freezer keeps the tots from bursting and leaking cheese.
- Fry small batches. Eight to ten at a time keeps the oil near 350°F so the tots crisp instead of soaking up oil.
Copycat Burger King Cheesy Tots
6
servings (about 40 tots)35
minutes25
minutes330
kcal1
hour20
minutesCopycat-style cheesy tots: par-boiled russet potatoes grated and mixed with sharp cheddar and American cheese, shaped into small tots, coated in flour, egg and fine breadcrumbs, then fried at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes until golden, crisp and hot inside. Makes about 40 tots.
Ingredients
- For the Cheesy Potato Mixture
1 1/2 lb russet potatoes (about 3 medium), peeled
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
2 American cheese slices, finely chopped
1 large egg
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- For the Coating and Frying
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
4 cups vegetable or peanut oil, for frying
Directions
- Make the Mixture
- Put the whole peeled potatoes in a pot of cold salted water, bring to a boil and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until a knife slides in at the edges but the center is still firm. Drain and cool for 15 minutes.
- Grate the cooled potatoes on the large holes of a box grater. Squeeze out any moisture in a clean towel.
- Mix the grated potato with the cheddar, American cheese, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons flour, salt, garlic powder and onion powder until it holds together when pressed.
- Scoop level tablespoons and roll them into small tot-shaped cylinders, about 1 inch long. Set them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 20 minutes to firm up.
- Bread and Fry
- Set up 3 shallow bowls with the 1/2 cup flour, the 2 beaten eggs and the breadcrumbs. Roll each tot in flour, dip in egg and coat in crumbs, then return it to the tray.
- Heat the oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the tots in batches of 8 to 10 for 2 to 3 minutes, turning, until deep golden and the centers are hot and melted, at least 160°F (71°C).
- Drain on a wire rack, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and serve hot with your favorite dip.
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Fryer, Air Fryer or Oven
| Method | Temperature | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep fry | 350°F (175°C) | 2 to 3 min | Crispiest, most like the drive-thru |
| Air fryer | 400°F (200°C) | 8 to 10 min | Crisp, lighter; spray with oil |
| Oven | 425°F (220°C) | 15 to 18 min | Softer crust; flip halfway |
| From frozen (fry) | 350°F (175°C) | 3 to 4 min | No need to thaw |
Storage and Reheating
- Make ahead: shape and bread the tots up to 1 day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge.
- Freeze: freeze breaded, uncooked tots for up to 2 months and fry from frozen.
- Leftovers: refrigerate cooked tots within 2 hours for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven or air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes until hot through.
What to Serve with Cheesy Tots
Dip them in Burger King zesty sauce and serve them next to a homemade Whopper or Burger King onion rings. Love tots? Try this easy tater tot casserole too.
Browse all our Burger King copycat recipes for the full menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Burger King cheesy tots?
They are small, breaded potato bites with melted cheddar cheese inside, served as a side. Burger King has offered them at different times, so they are not always on the menu. This copycat recipe makes them at home.
Are Burger King cheesy tots still available?
Availability has changed over the years and can vary by location, so check the Burger King app or your local restaurant. When they are not on the menu, this recipe is a close homemade version.
Can I make cheesy tots in the air fryer?
Yes. Spray the breaded tots well with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and hot in the center.
Can I use frozen tater tots instead?
For a shortcut, thaw 2 pounds of frozen tater tots, mash them with the cheese, egg and flour, then shape, bread and fry as directed. The texture is a little softer.
How do I freeze cheesy tots?
Freeze the breaded, uncooked tots on a tray until solid, then bag them for up to 2 months. Fry from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 4 minutes, or air fry for 10 to 12 minutes.
What dip goes with cheesy tots?
Ranch, ketchup, a creamy horseradish-style zesty sauce or a spicy mayo all work well.
