These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are a fun and tasty treat! They are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, thanks to melted cheese. Yum!
I always make extra because they disappear fast! They’re perfect as a snack or side dish. Plus, making them in the air fryer means less mess and all the crunch. Give it a try!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Potatoes: Cold or leftover mashed potatoes work best as they hold their shape when formed into balls. If you’re short on time, you can use instant mashed potatoes, but homemade is always tastier!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its rich flavor. However, feel free to swap it with mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese you enjoy. Just avoid overly soft cheeses as they may not hold up.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice salty kick. If you don’t have it, you can replace it with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Green Onions: These are optional but add a fresh crunch. If you don’t have them, chives or even finely diced regular onions can work. Just remember to use less if they are stronger.
Breadcrumbs: Panko is great for extra crunch! Don’t have it? Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work too, but you might lose some of that desirable crispiness.
How Do You Get That Perfect Crispiness in the Air Fryer?
The key to getting your mashed potato balls crispy in the air fryer is in the coating and temperature. The steps below will help you achieve that golden brown crust:
- **Bread the Balls Properly**: Make sure to roll each ball in flour first, then the egg, and finally coat them with breadcrumbs. This triple layer helps lock in moisture while allowing them to become crispy when cooked.
- **Chill the Coated Balls**: Refrigerating the balls for 15-20 minutes before air frying firms them up, making them easier to handle and ensuring they keep their shape during cooking.
- **Don’t Overcrowd**: When placing the balls in the air fryer, give them enough space. Crowding leads to uneven cooking and soggy outcomes. Cook in batches if necessary.
- **Adjust the Time**: Every air fryer is a bit different. Keep an eye on the balls toward the end of the cooking time, and adjust as needed for your air fryer model.
How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (preferably cold or leftover)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Coating:
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works great for extra crispiness)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for air frying
Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Dipping sauce of choice (e.g., BBQ sauce, ranch, sour cream)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 15-20 minutes for chilling the balls. After that, air frying will take around 10-12 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at approximately 40-50 minutes to get your delicious Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potato Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped green onions if you are using them. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s all well blended.
2. Get Set for Coating:
In a small bowl, beat the egg and set it aside. In two separate shallow dishes, place the flour in one and the breadcrumbs in the other. This will be your breading station!
3. Shape the Potato Balls:
Now it’s time to form the fun! Take a scoop of the mashed potato mixture and roll it into a ball about the size of a golf ball (roughly 1 1/2 inches in diameter). Repeat until all the mixture is shaped into balls.
4. Coat the Potato Balls:
Take each potato ball and roll it in the flour first, coating it completely. Then dip it into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs until it’s well coated. This three-step process helps achieve a nice crisp!
5. Chill the Coated Balls:
Once all the potato balls are coated, place them on a plate or tray and pop them in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. Chilling helps them hold their shape when cooking.
6. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
While the potato balls are chilling, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This will ensure they cook evenly from the start.
7. Ready for Air Frying:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush a little oil in it to prevent sticking. Arrange the potato balls in a single layer, making sure to leave some space between each ball to allow for even cooking.
8. Air Fry the Potato Balls:
Cook the potato balls in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes. Don’t forget to turn them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they get nice and crispy on all sides. They should turn golden brown when they’re done!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the crispy potato balls from the air fryer and place them on a plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your delicious and cheesy creations!
Dig in and savor the crispy, cheesy goodness of your Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls!
Can I Use Fresh Mashed Potatoes Instead of Leftover Ones?
Yes, you can use fresh mashed potatoes! Just make sure they cool down a bit before shaping them into balls. Cold mashed potatoes hold their shape better, but fresh ones will work if allowed to cool slightly.
What Can I Substitute for Egg in This Recipe?
If you’re looking for an egg replacement, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes). These alternatives will help bind the mixture while still keeping it delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Potato Balls?
Store any leftover potato balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them uncooked for up to 2 months. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper in the container to prevent sticking.
Can I Bake These Instead of Air Frying?
Absolutely! If you prefer to bake them, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the potato balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
