This Chicken Tater Tots Cheese Melt is a fun and indulgent twist on a classic cheesy melt. Crispy-on-the-outside tater tots are smashed and cooked with melted mozzarella and tomato paste, then layered with a juicy chicken cutlet for a hearty and satisfying bite. Serve it with homemade egg mayo on the side for an extra creamy addition.
Ingredients
-
McCain Tater Tots
- Royal Delights Fried Breaded Chicken Cutlet (Leg Meat)
- Ebara Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
-
Emborg Unsalted Butter
- Tomato Paste
- Italian Herb Blend
- (Optional) Mayonnaise Sauce (Kewpie)
- (Optional) 2 Eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C for about 3 minutes. Place 1 fried chicken cutlets in the air fryer without overlapping and cook for 10 minutes.
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Arrange 9 tater tots in a 3x3 formation to make one piece. Use a spatula to smash the tater tots together until combined. Repeat to make a second piece. Cook both pieces slightly, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese over each piece. Cover and cook until the cheese has melted, pressing down gently with a spatula if needed.
- Spread tomato paste over the melted mozzarella on both tater tot pieces. Place the chicken cutlet on top of one piece. Carefully flip the other tater tot piece over the chicken cutlet to form the melt. Gently press down with a spatula and cook until heated through.
- For the optional egg mayo side, bring a pot of water to a boil and carefully add 2 eggs. Cook for about 10 minutes. Remove the eggs and run them under cold water for about 1 minute. Allow them to cool before peeling.
- Place the peeled hard-boiled eggs in a bowl and mash them with a fork. Add mayonnaise according to your preference, then season with salt and pepper. Mix well and add more mayonnaise if desired. Serve the egg mayo alongside the Chicken Tater Tots Cheese Melt.
Tips for Chicken Tater Tots Cheese Melt
Press the tater tots firmly and evenly to create a solid base that is easier to flip.
Cook the tater tots over medium heat to prevent them from browning too quickly before the cheese melts.
Use enough tomato paste to lightly coat both tater tot pieces without making them too soggy.
Let the cheese melt fully before assembling to help hold everything together.
What to Serve with Chicken Tater Tots Cheese Melt
Serve it with a refreshing side salad, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables to balance out the rich and cheesy tater tots. For a more filling meal, pair it with egg mayo, a simple soup, or some fresh fruit for a light and satisfying combination.
FAQ
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend can be used depending on your preferred flavour.
2. Can I add other toppings?
Yes. You can add sliced onions, mushrooms, bacon, or chilli flakes for extra flavour.
3. Can I use a different sauce instead of tomato paste?
Yes. Pizza sauce, ketchup, BBQ sauce, or a mild chilli sauce can work well.
4. How do I keep the Chicken Tater Tots Cheese Melt together?
Allow the cheese to melt fully before assembling and press the two tater tot pieces together gently with a spatula.
