Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls – A Crispy, Cheesy Delight

Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are the perfect comfort food snack that’s crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. Made from creamy mashed potatoes, gooey mozzarella or cheddar cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb coating, these little bites are irresistibly delicious. The best part? They’re cooked in the air fryer, so they come out golden and crispy without the need for deep frying. Whether you need a quick snack, appetizer, or side dish, these cheesy mashed potato balls are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is an excellent way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or simply make a batch for a tasty treat. The combination of mashed potatoes, cheese, and seasonings creates a comforting, rich flavor that’s complemented perfectly by the crispiness from the air fryer. These bites are versatile enough to be served as a snack or paired with your favorite dipping sauces, making them a great addition to any meal or gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy on the Outside, Creamy on the Inside

The air fryer gives these mashed potato balls the perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft, creamy, and cheesy.

2. Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in a snap, with minimal prep work and no deep-frying required, making it a convenient choice for busy days.

3. Versatile Snack or Side

Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, these mashed potato balls are perfect for any occasion.

4. Cheese Lovers’ Dream

With mozzarella or cheddar cheese in the center and Parmesan cheese in the mix, these bites are loaded with cheesy goodness in every bite.

5. Air-Fried for a Healthier Option

Using an air fryer to cook these mashed potato balls gives you that crispy, golden texture without the extra oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried versions.

Ingredients

• Mashed potatoes (chilled and firm)
• Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Egg (beaten)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• Breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Cooking spray or olive oil

Variations

• Herb Infused: Add fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the mashed potato mixture for an extra flavor boost.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mashed potatoes for a spicy kick.
• Bacon Lovers: Mix in some crispy crumbled bacon into the mashed potatoes for a smoky, savory twist.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cheese and egg substitute (like flax egg) to make these mashed potato balls vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Start by using chilled and firm mashed potatoes—this is important to prevent the balls from falling apart during the cooking process. If you don’t have leftovers, make fresh mashed potatoes and let them cool down.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella (or cheddar) cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well-mixed.

Step 3: Shape the Potato Balls

Using your hands, scoop out a spoonful of the mashed potato mixture and roll it into a ball, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.

Step 4: Coat the Potato Balls

Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl or plate. Roll each mashed potato ball in the breadcrumbs, coating it evenly. If you want a crispier coating, lightly spray the balls with cooking spray or brush them with a bit of olive oil.

Step 5: Air Fry the Potato Balls

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the mashed potato balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the potato balls are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or sour cream.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Firm Mashed Potatoes: Ensure your mashed potatoes are chilled and firm. This helps the balls hold together during cooking. Freshly made mashed potatoes should be allowed to cool for at least 30 minutes before using.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs will give you a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For even cooking, place the potato balls in a single layer with some space between each ball. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Customize with Add-ins: Feel free to mix in additional ingredients like cooked spinach, grated carrots, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like marinara, ketchup, ranch dressing, or sour cream. They can be served as an appetizer for parties, a snack for movie night, or as a side dish alongside a main meal like roasted chicken or grilled vegetables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Once cooled, store leftover mashed potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

To freeze, place the unbreaded mashed potato balls on a baking sheet and freeze them for 2-3 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to cook, you can air fry them directly from the freezer—just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating:

To reheat leftover mashed potato balls, simply place them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

It’s best to use homemade mashed potatoes for the best texture and flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use instant mashed potatoes as well.

2. Can I bake these instead of air frying them?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and coat the mashed potato balls in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying them.

4. Can I freeze these?

Yes, you can freeze unbreaded mashed potato balls. When ready to cook, air fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

5. How do I make these spicier?

Add some hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or finely chopped jalapeños to the mashed potato mixture for a spicy kick.

6. Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can swap out the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for other cheese varieties, such as cheddar, Gouda, or pepper jack, depending on your preferences.

7. What dipping sauces can I serve with these?

These mashed potato balls pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, including marinara, ranch dressing, sour cream, or even BBQ sauce.

8. Can I make these without eggs?

Yes, you can replace the egg with a flax egg or another egg substitute if you need a vegan version.

9. How long do these last?

These mashed potato balls last up to 3 days in the fridge, and they can be frozen for up to 1 month.

10. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but panko will give you a lighter, crispier texture.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are a deliciously crispy and cheesy snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer or a side dish, these little bites will satisfy your cravings for something savory and comforting. Plus, with the air fryer method, you can enjoy them with less oil and still achieve that perfect crispy texture. Try these cheesy mashed potato balls today, and they’ll surely become a family favorite!

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