Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re packed with cheesy goodness, making them a tasty snack or side dish!
Who can resist warm, cheesy bites? I love serving these with a dipping sauce. They’re pretty easy to make—just mash, roll, and air fry until golden and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Potatoes: Chilled mashed potatoes work best for this recipe as they hold their shape better. If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, you can make fresh ones and let them cool down before using.
Cheese: I like using sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, but feel free to mix it with mozzarella for extra gooeyness. If you’re dairy-free, consider using vegan cheese alternatives that melt well.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice flavor boost. You could substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give a great crunch. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work too. For a gluten-free option, use crushed gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
Fresh Parsley: This adds a fresh flavor. If you don’t have parsley, try using chives or green onions as a tasty alternative.
How Do I Properly Coat the Potato Balls?
Coating the potato balls correctly is key to getting that perfect crispy texture. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Start with three shallow bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and panko. This setup helps with an even coating.
- First, roll the potato ball in the flour. This helps the egg stick better.
- Dip the floured ball into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s well-coated. This step is vital for the breadcrumbs to adhere.
- Finally, roll the ball in panko breadcrumbs. Make sure it’s covered thoroughly to get that crunchy crust.
- After coating, place them back on the tray without overcrowding, so they stay crispy when air-fried.
Remember to shake off excess flour and egg to avoid a goopy mess. Happy cooking!
How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Potato Mixture:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (preferably chilled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
For Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Optional:
- Marinara sauce or ketchup for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and shape the potato balls, plus another 10-12 minutes to air fry them. Total time is around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until it’s well blended and smooth.
2. Shaping the Potato Balls:
Using your hands or a small scoop, divide the mixture and shape it into golf ball-sized balls. Lay them out on a tray lined with parchment paper as you go, leaving a little space between each ball.
3. Setting Up the Coating Station:
Prepare three shallow bowls: fill one with flour, the second with the beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs. This setup makes it easy to coat the potato balls evenly.
4. Coating the Potato Balls:
Take each potato ball and first roll it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the ball into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s coated all around. Finally, roll the ball in the panko breadcrumbs until it’s completely covered. Place the coated balls back on the tray.
5. Air Frying the Balls:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the potato balls in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. Give the tops a light spray of cooking spray to help them crisp up nicely.
6. Cooking Time:
Air fry the potato balls for 10-12 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Remember to turn them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once they are done, carefully remove the cheesy mashed potato balls from the air fryer. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a pop of color.
8. Serving:
Serve the potato balls hot, with marinara sauce or ketchup on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy treats!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and delicious Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls!
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover chilled mashed potatoes are perfect for this recipe. Just make sure they’re well seasoned before using them for the best flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work as a substitute, but they might not be as crispy. For a gluten-free option, try crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.
How Should I Store Leftover Potato Balls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to crisp them up.
Can I Freeze These Before Cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped potato balls before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked straight from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
