- Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) if you prefer to start them in the oven, or preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if you’re going straight to the air fryer.
- Prepare the Tater Tots:
- Flatten each tater tot slightly to form a small base for the burgers. This can be done by pressing them with the back of a spoon or a small glass. Place these in a mini muffin tin if using an oven, or directly in the air fryer basket if using an air fryer.
- Cook the Beef:
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder during cooking. Make sure to break the beef into very small pieces as it cooks, suitable for the mini bites.
- Assemble the Bites:
- Spoon a small amount of cooked ground beef on top of each flattened tater tot.
- Top each with a quarter slice of cheddar cheese.
- Bake or Air Fry:
- If using the oven, place the mini muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tater tots are crispy.
- If using the air fryer, place the tater tot bases in the air fryer basket and cook for about 6-8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the cheeseburger bites from the oven or air fryer.
- Top each bite with a mini pickle slice.
- Serve with ketchup and mustard on the side for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Mini Bites:
- Thaw Tater Tots: Make sure the tater tots are properly thawed so you can flatten them easily without breaking.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese for various flavors, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder taste.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve on a platter with toothpicks in each bite for easy grabbing and a fun presentation.
Tater Tot Mini Cheeseburger Bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering, combining classic flavors in a fun, bite-sized snack. Enjoy crafting this tasty and playful treat!