1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking.

2. Prepare the veggie tots: Place the frozen veggie tots in a mixing bowl. If you want extra crispiness, lightly coat them with a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika) and toss to coat evenly.

3. Load the air fryer basket: Arrange the seasoned veggie tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly.

4. Set the cooking time and temperature: Cook the veggie tots at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. This cooking time can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.

5. Shake the basket halfway: At the 6-7 minute mark, pause the air fryer and shake the basket gently to turn the tots. This helps them cook evenly on all sides.

6. Check for doneness: After 12 minutes, check if the veggie tots are golden brown and crispy. If not, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

7. Serve immediately: Transfer the cooked veggie tots to a serving plate. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley.