Ingredients:

  • 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 lb 93% lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños
  • 1/2 cup Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). A hot start is essential for ensuring the potato starch dehydrates quickly to form a rigid shell.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the frozen tater tots with avocado oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
  3. Place the seasoned tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 18–22 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously every 7 minutes to maximize surface area contact with the high-velocity air.
  4. While the tots are crisping, brown the lean ground beef in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat to ensure the dish remains light.
  5. Stir in the taco seasoning, rinsed black beans, and water. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the liquid has reduced and the mixture is well-coated.
  6. Once the tots have achieved a mahogany-colored crust, top them directly in the basket (or transfer to a heat-proof dish) with the beef and bean mixture followed by the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese.
  7. Air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and melted.
  8. Transfer the loaded tots to a serving platter. Garnish with dollops of Greek yogurt, fresh chives, pickled jalapeños, and diced Roma tomatoes before serving immediately.