Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the Russet potatoes. Using a box grater on the large holes setting, or a food processor with a grating disc, grate both potatoes.

Rinse and Squeeze Dry: Place the grated potatoes in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold running water. This removes excess starch, which helps with crispness. Squeeze out as much water as possible using your hands.
CRITICAL STEP: Transfer the rinsed grated potatoes to a clean kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth. Gather the edges and twist tightly to squeeze out as much remaining moisture as humanly possible. This step is key to crispy tots!

Partially Boil the Potatoes: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the squeezed-dry grated potatoes to the boiling water and blanch for just 2-3 minutes. This par-cooks the potatoes, making them tender inside. Immediately drain the potatoes in a colander and run cold water over them to stop the cooking. Squeeze them dry again using a clean towel—this second squeeze is just as important!

Season the Potatoes: Transfer the blanched and thoroughly dried grated potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika/cayenne and chives. Toss gently to combine and distribute the seasonings evenly.

Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the seasoned potatoes. Mix well until the flour is evenly incorporated and the potatoes just barely stick together. The flour acts as a binder.

Shape the Tater Tots: Take small amounts of the potato mixture (about 1-1.5 tablespoons) and firmly press it together with your hands. Shape them into small, cylindrical tot shapes, about 1 to 1.5 inches long. Ensure they are compact so they hold their shape. Place the formed tots on a plate or baking sheet.

Chill (Optional but Recommended): For best results and to help the tots hold their shape, place the formed tots in the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes. This helps them firm up before air frying.

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

Air Fry the Tater Tots: Lightly spray the inside of your air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer in the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. You will likely need to cook them in 2-3 batches. Lightly spray the tops of the tots with olive oil.

Cook: Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes, until the tots are deep golden brown and crispy on all sides. Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your tots.

Serve: Remove the crispy tater tots from the air fryer. Transfer to a serving plate and season with a little extra salt if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces!