If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s both irresistible and incredibly straightforward, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Crispy Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots – Quick Snack Delight Recipe. They marry the creamy richness of cottage cheese with the satisfying crunch of golden breadcrumbs to create little bites of pure joy. Whether you need a quick snack to satisfy midday cravings or a crowd-pleaser for unexpected guests, these tots deliver every single time, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create such a crave-worthy snack. Each element plays its part – from the creamy base to the crunchy coating and the subtle seasoning that ties everything together.
- Cottage cheese: Use small curd and drained to ensure a creamy texture without excess moisture.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs: These provide the essential crispiness and a punch of flavor with built-in herbs and spices.
- Garlic powder: Adds a warm and savory depth that enhances the overall taste.
- Onion powder: Introduces a subtle aromatic sweetness that balances the garlic.
- Salt: Elevates all the other flavors and keeps each tot perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper: Offers a gentle heat to keep things interesting.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A little sprinkle adds a nutty, umami twist that takes the flavor up a notch.
- Olive oil spray: For lightly coating the air fryer basket and crisping the tots to perfection.
How to Make Crispy Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots – Quick Snack Delight Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures the cooking environment is hot and ready to crisp up the tots beautifully from the moment they go in.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture becomes thick and sticky enough to hold its shape – this is key for perfect tots that don’t fall apart.
Step 3: Shape Your Tots
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them between your hands to form small, tot-shaped nuggets. This hands-on step is fun and lets you get the size just right for quick cooking and snacking.
Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the tots in a single layer, leaving space between each to allow even air circulation for crisping. Don’t forget to spray the tops of the tots with a little more olive oil for that coveted golden crunch.
Step 5: Cook to Crispy Perfection
Air fry the tots for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure an even, gorgeous golden color all around. When they come out, you’ll love the crunchy exterior giving way to the creamy, flavorful center.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these crispy delights hot with your favorite dipping sauce. They’re perfect little bites bursting with flavor, ready to brighten any snack time or meal.
How to Serve Crispy Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots – Quick Snack Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness that complements the savory tots. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese right before serving can also bring a lovely cheesy finish that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
These tots pair wonderfully with vibrant salads, a side of roasted veggies, or even a cooling cucumber yogurt dip. Because they’re so versatile, they can easily slot into casual lunches or more elegant dinner spreads without missing a beat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these tots in mini muffin liners as party finger food, or arrange them on a platter with a trio of dipping sauces like spicy sriracha mayo, classic ketchup, and tangy ranch to keep everyone happily sampling. Presentation can turn this simple snack into an irresistible star of the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extras? Store leftover tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them from getting soggy, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze these tots after shaping but before cooking. Place them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and can be cooked straight from frozen – just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To bring back their crispy charm, reheat leftover tots in the air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crisp and tasty.
FAQs
Can I make these tots without an air fryer?
Absolutely! While the air fryer gives the best crispness with minimal oil, you can bake the tots in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through to brown evenly.
What if I don’t have seasoned breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can use plain breadcrumbs but add a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning to replicate that layered flavor. It’s a simple swap that works beautifully.
Are these tots suitable for kids?
They are a fantastic kid-friendly snack! The mild flavors, creamy interiors, and crispy outsides are usually a hit with little ones, especially when served with familiar dips like ketchup or ranch.
Can I add other ingredients to the recipe?
Of course! Feel free to mix in finely chopped veggies, shredded cheese, or spices to customize your tots. Just be mindful that adding moisture-heavy ingredients might affect how well they hold together without extra binding.
How do I make sure the tots don’t fall apart during cooking?
Ensuring the cottage cheese is well-drained and the mixture is thick and sticky before shaping helps maintain their structure. Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket and flip them carefully during cooking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Crispy Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots – Quick Snack Delight Recipe enough. They’re an effortless, flavorful snack that brings such joy with every bite. Whether you whip them up as an everyday treat or a special surprise, they’re sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give them a try – I promise you’ll be reaching for these crispy tots again and again!
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Crispy Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots – Quick Snack Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 44 tots
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots are a quick and delicious snack made from simple ingredients. Lightly seasoned cottage cheese mixed with breadcrumbs is shaped into tots and air-fried to golden perfection, delivering a crunchy exterior and creamy inside. Perfect for a healthy snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd, drained)
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For Cooking
- 1 spray olive oil (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure an even cooking temperature.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained cottage cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly until the mixture forms a thick, sticky consistency suitable for shaping.
- Shape the Tots: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the mixture and shape them by hand into small tot shapes, compacting firmly to hold together during cooking.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the tots in a single layer, making sure they are spaced apart and not touching. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil to help create a crispy crust.
- Air Fry: Cook the tots in the preheated air fryer for 12-15 minutes. Turn them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.
- Serve: Once golden brown and crispy, carefully remove the tots from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful snack.
Notes
- Ensure the cottage cheese is well-drained to avoid excess moisture which can affect the texture of the tots.
- You can substitute the seasoned breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
- Adding the Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice salty flavor and helps with crispiness.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture, as they may soften upon standing.
- These tots can be paired with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or spicy aioli for extra flavor.
