Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a sheet pan with foil and generously spray with cooking spray.

Spread the frozen potato nuggets evenly on the prepared pan, then spray the tops with cooking spray.

Bake in the center of the preheated oven until well browned and extra crispy, for about 40 to 45 minutes, longer than the package directions suggest.

In the meantime, prepare the dressing: Cook the bacon in a dry pan over medium-high heat until fat has rendered and bacon is almost crisp. Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion. Cook until the onion softens and turns translucent, around 3 minutes.

Stir in sugar, pepper, and salt; cook until the sugar caramelizes slightly, about 1 minute. Deglaze the pan by adding apple cider vinegar and scraping the brown bits from the bottom. Turn off the heat.

Let the Tater Tots cool for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm bacon dressing over them and toss until thoroughly coated. Mix in parsley and chives. Adjust salt to taste before serving.