These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are a fun and tasty treat! Packed with creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheese, they are crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Who knew comfort food could be so easy? I love making these for snacks or a side dish. Plus, they cook up quick in the air fryer—no deep-frying mess!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Potatoes: Use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe; they work best when cooled. If you don’t have leftovers, instant mashed potatoes could work in a pinch if prepared according to package directions.
Cheeses: Cheddar and Parmesan give a rich flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, mozzarella works for that gooey texture. For a different twist, try a cheese blend or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Green Onions or Chives: These add freshness, but if you don’t have them, feel free to skip or substitute with finely chopped regular onions or shallots for a different flavor.
Bread Crumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are great for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs will do just fine. If gluten-free is a concern, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Cooking Spray or Oil: Using cooking spray is convenient, but you can also brush oil on the basket for a healthier touch. Olive oil or avocado oil are also great options!
How Do You Get Your Potato Balls to Hold Their Shape?
The key to keeping your potato balls from falling apart is in the mixing and handling. Make sure your mashed potatoes are well-cooled and mixed with the cheese and seasonings thoroughly. This makes them stick together better.
- When forming the balls, keep your hands slightly damp; this helps shape them without sticking.
- If they feel too soft, chill them in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes to firm them up.
- Don’t forget to coat them well in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for a sturdy outer layer.
How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Balls:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared and cooled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
For Cooking:
- Cooking spray or a little oil for the air fryer basket
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus around 10-12 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. You’ll be enjoying your cheesy mashed potato balls in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Potato Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the prepared mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped green onions (if using), and salt and pepper. Mix everything well until it’s fully combined and nice and creamy.
2. Shape the Balls:
With your hands, take small portions of the potato mixture and shape them into golf ball-sized balls, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Once shaped, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Get three shallow dishes ready: one for all-purpose flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumbs. This will make breading the balls much easier!
4. Bread the Potato Balls:
One by one, roll each potato ball in the flour first, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it evenly with breadcrumbs. For a crunchier exterior, consider double coating—just repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that your potato balls cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
6. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little oil to keep the potato balls from sticking while they cook.
7. Air Fry the Potato Balls:
Carefully place the breaded potato balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don’t touch to allow even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to do this in batches.
8. Cook Until Crispy:
Air fry the potato balls for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. They should turn a beautiful golden brown and be crispy all around.
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once cooked, carefully remove the crispy potato balls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps maintain their crispiness.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish the potato balls with chopped fresh parsley. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch, sour cream, or garlic aioli. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy air fryer mashed potato balls!
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes are perfect for this recipe. Just make sure they are cooled so they hold their shape better when forming the balls.
Can I Freeze the Potato Balls Before Cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the un-cooked potato balls! Just make sure to place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until they are frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked from frozen; just increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can use regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand. They will still provide a nice crunch, though panko gives an extra crispy texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover potato balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crisp again.
