Start off by boiling the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, until tender but not falling apart.

Pro Tip:

You want them soft enough to mash easily but firm enough to hold their shape.

Once the potatoes are soft, drain them and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher to mash them up. Don't worry about making them too smooth; you want a bit of texture.

While the potatoes are still warm, add in the garlic powder, onion powder, dill, oregano, smoked paprika, parsley, lemon zest, flour, and some salt and pepper. Mix until just combined.

Let the mixture cool slightly. With your hands, scoop out small amounts of the potato mixture and form them into tiny cylinders or traditional tot shapes. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.

In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Use a thermometer if you have one; you want it to reach about 350°F for proper frying.

Carefully add the formed tater tots to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Sprinkle your homemade tater tots with a touch more salt while they’re still hot. Then, serve them up with your favorite dips, and watch them disappear!