These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, packed with gooey cheese goodness. They’re a tasty way to use leftover mashed potatoes!
Who doesn’t love a cheesy treat? I often make extra mashed potatoes just so I can whip these up. Perfect for a snack or a fun side dish with dinner! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Potatoes: Use leftover mashed potatoes for great flavor and texture. If you don’t have any, instant mashed potatoes can work too, just follow package instructions for making them.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are classic, but feel free to mix it up! Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, or you could use any cheese you like. Just check for melting qualities.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice salty depth. If you don’t have it, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. It gives a similar flavor!
Breadcrumbs: Panko is great for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too. If gluten-free, look for a gluten-free breadcrumb option. You can also crush cornflakes for a fun twist.
Fresh Parsley: This is optional but adds a pop of color and freshness. If you don’t have parsley, try chives or green onions for a different flavor.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Crunch When Air Frying?
Getting that crispy exterior on your mashed potato balls is all about the breading technique. Here’s a quick guide:
- Set up your three bowls correctly: flour, egg, then breadcrumbs. This makes it easier to coat each ball.
- Roll in flour first to create a dry surface for the egg. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better.
- Press the breadcrumbs lightly onto the balls to make sure they stick well.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! Giving them space allows hot air to circulate, making them crispy all around.
- Spray with cooking spray or brush with oil before and after air frying for a golden finish.
When you take them out, let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps keep them crispy, as it allows steam to escape instead of making the bottoms soggy.
How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mixture:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably cooled)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Coating:
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)
- Cooking spray or oil for air fryer
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, plus about 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, in just around 30 minutes, you can enjoy delicious, crispy mashed potato balls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potato Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine your cooled mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
2. Shape the Potato Balls:
Take a small handful of the potato mixture and shape it into a ball, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Continue this process until all of the mixture is shaped into balls.
3. Set Up the Breading Station:
Grab three shallow bowls to create your breading station. Place flour in one bowl, the beaten egg in the second bowl, and breadcrumbs in the third bowl. This will help you coat the potato balls evenly.
4. Coat the Potato Balls:
Roll each potato ball first in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, roll the ball in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to make sure they stick well.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures your potato balls start cooking immediately when placed inside, helping them get crispy.
6. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or lightly brush it with oil. Arrange the mashed potato balls in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they don’t touch to allow even cooking.
7. Add Extra Crispiness:
Lightly spray or brush the tops of the potato balls with cooking spray or oil to achieve that golden, crispy finish during cooking.
8. Air Fry the Balls:
Air fry the potato balls for 10-12 minutes. Be sure to turn them halfway through to help them cook evenly and get crispy all around.
9. Cool and Prepare to Serve:
Once they are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove the potato balls from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack to maintain their crispy texture.
10. Garnish and Enjoy!
If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve the cheesy mashed potato balls warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your delightful bites that are sure to please!
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work wonderfully here, especially if they are cold as they hold their shape better. Just ensure they’re free of any lumps for an even consistency.
What Are Some Good Substitutions for the Cheese?
You can use any cheese you like! Cheddar and mozzarella are popular choices, but feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gouda, Pepper Jack for a kick, or even a vegan cheese if you prefer dairy-free options.
How Should I Store Any Leftovers?
Store leftover potato balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Can I Freeze These Before Cooking?
Yes, you can! Freeze the uncooked potato balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time in the air fryer.