Remove cardboard packaging and seasoning packets from packages of Microwave Ready Little Potatoes (save the seasoning packets for later.)
Microwave each package of Little Potatoes (one at a time) for three minutes each.
Note: We're not following the package directions for cook time.
We don't want them fully cooked - just soft enough to chop.
Once they come out of the microwave, remove the plastic wrap (careful! hot steam!)
And using a food processor (on the chop setting), begin chopping up the potatoes (chopping only a few at a time.
Put the chopped Little Potatoes into a large bowl.
Next, stir in one to two packets of the reserved seasoning (the amount is up to you depending on your tastes.)
Then stir in sliced green onion and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
Prepare a baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper or wax paper.
Next, start scooping up the tater tot mixture (about a tablespoon of the mixture for each one.)
Roll the mixture in your hands to get that classic, tube-shaped tater tot.
Place them on the baking sheet as you go.
Next, it's time to flash-freeze.
Pop the tray into the freezer for about an hour (until very firm to the touch.)
There are two benefits to this: it will help them stay together when frying or you can store them into a freezer-safe ziploc bag once they've been flash-frozen to make for later!
Once you are ready to start making the tots, preheat oil in a fryer or large pot to 350f degrees.
It's best to use a candy thermometer to get an accurate temperature.
But if you don't have one, you can usually tell the oil is ready when you place a wooden spoon or spatula into the oil and you start to see it bubble up around the wood.
Gently place about 6 tater tots at a time into the oil.
Fry tots for about a minute to two minutes until they are a light golden brown color.
Using a strainer, scoop them out of the oil and place them onto some paper towels to drain and then season lightly with salt.
Continue until they are all cooked.
Serve while warm with chipotle mayo (or ketchup!)
Notes
Don't want to fry? Then try baking them! They won't be quite as crispy but they'll still have great flavor. Preheat oven to 425f degrees. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with nonstick aluminum foil. Drizzle the tots lightly with olive oil. Cook in the oven for about 20-25 mins until lightly golden brown (you may need to flip them over once during cooking so they will brown evenly - be careful - they'll be hot!) Season lightly with salt when done.