These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are a fun and tasty snack! Creamy mashed potatoes mixed with gooey cheese, all crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Making these is a breeze! Just scoop, shape, and air fry. I can’t resist popping a few in my mouth when they come out hot. Who can blame me? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Potatoes: Aim for creamy, smooth mashed potatoes for the best texture. You can use leftover mashed potatoes or make them fresh. If you’re short on time, store-bought mashed potatoes can work in a pinch.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, but feel free to use a cheese blend or even mozzarella for a milder taste. You could also try dairy-free cheese options if you’re lactose intolerant.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives a sharper taste than pre-grated. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute for a similar bite!
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko provides an extra crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used but might not give the same texture. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free panko.
Green Onions: These add a nice flavor kick; however, if you don’t have them or don’t like them, you can skip them or replace with chives.
How Do You Get Your Potato Balls Extra Crispy?
Achieving that golden, crispy exterior is key to an enjoyable bite! Here are effective steps:
- Coating: Make sure to coat the balls in flour first, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally roll them in panko breadcrumbs. This layering adds texture.
- Double Coating: For an extra crunchy finish, repeat the egg and panko coating. Just re-dip the balls in egg and roll them in breadcrumbs again.
- Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer before adding the potato balls. This helps them cook evenly and get that crispy outside.
- Spacing: Ensure the balls aren’t touching in the air fryer. This allows the hot air to circulate around them, cooking them evenly and promoting crispiness.
Enjoy making these tasty treats—perfect for snacking or as a side dish!
How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (preferably creamy and smooth)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Dredging and Coating:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
For Cooking:
- Cooking spray (for air fryer)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and about 10-12 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer. In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes to whip up these tasty cheesy mashed potato balls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potato Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, green onions (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well blended and creamy.
2. Shape the Balls:
Take a heaping tablespoon of the potato mixture and form it into a ball using your hands. Repeat this step until you have about 12 to 15 balls, placing them on a plate or tray as you go.
3. Set Up Your Dredging Station:
Prepare three shallow bowls. Fill one with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs. This assembly line will make coating the balls much easier!
4. Coat the Potato Balls:
Take each potato ball and roll it in the flour until coated. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat well. For extra crispiness, feel free to repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps again for double coating!
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve that perfect crisp.
6. Air Fry the Potato Balls:
Carefully place the potato balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. Give them a light spray with cooking spray to encourage browning.
7. Cook Until Golden Brown:
Air fry the balls for 10-12 minutes. Turn them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly. You’re looking for a lovely golden color and crispy texture!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, take the potato balls out of the air fryer and garnish them with freshly chopped parsley. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, marinara, or sour cream work wonderfully!
Enjoy your delicious and healthier crispy cheesy mashed potato balls!
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure they are creamy and free of any large lumps for easier shaping.
What Should I Do If the Mixture Is Too Sticky?
If your potato mixture is sticky and hard to handle, try adding a bit more flour or let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes. This will help firm it up and make it easier to form into balls.
Can I Omit the Cheese?
Yes, you can definitely make these without cheese if you’re aiming for a lighter version. The flavor will be different, but you can enhance it with extra spices or herbs to make it delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore their crispiness.
