Get ready for some fun with Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls! They’re crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside. Yum!
These little bites are perfect as a snack or side dish. I love making them with leftover mashed potatoes—saves time and adds extra flavor. Plus, who can resist cheese? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Potatoes: Using chilled mashed potatoes is key. Leftover potatoes work perfectly! If you don’t have any, you can boil and mash fresh potatoes or even use instant mashed potatoes.
Mozzarella Cheese: While mozzarella provides a great melty texture, feel free to try cheddar, fontina, or pepper jack for a kick. These can change the flavor and richness of your potato balls.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can be good substitutes for a similar tangy taste.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a wonderful crunch! If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch. Just keep in mind they may not be quite as crispy.
How Do I Ensure My Potato Balls Hold Together?
The packing of your potato mixture is crucial for shaping those perfect balls. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by mixing all the ingredients together really well to bind them.
- Use your hands to form tight balls—this prevents them from falling apart during cooking.
- If the mixture feels too soft, consider chilling it for a bit more to help it firm up!
How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably chilled)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any melty cheese)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Breading:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking spray (for air fryer)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and about 12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Overall, you’ll need around 35 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy these delicious cheesy mashed potato balls in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potato Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
2. Form the Potato Balls:
Using your hands or a small scoop, take portions of the potato mixture and form them into golf ball-sized balls. Make sure to pack them tightly so they hold together well while cooking.
3. Set Up Breading Stations:
Next, prepare three shallow bowls: one for the flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the panko breadcrumbs. This will help you coat the potato balls properly.
4. Bread the Potato Balls:
Roll each potato ball first in the flour, shaking off any extra. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until it is well-coated. Repeat this until all the potato balls are breaded.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to get it ready for cooking.
6. Air Fry the Balls:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded potato balls in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. This will help them cook evenly.
7. Cook Until Crispy:
Air fry the potato balls for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. They should come out golden brown and crispy on the outside.
8. Let Them Cool:
Remove the potato balls from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. This helps them firm up a bit more.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the crispy potato balls with chopped fresh parsley. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or garlic aioli, and enjoy!
These cheesy mashed potato balls are a delightful treat made effortlessly in the air fryer. Enjoy!
Can I Use Cold Mashed Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes! Using chilled mashed potatoes is actually preferred as it helps the balls hold their shape better when forming. If you have leftovers, they are perfect for this recipe!
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko on hand, regular breadcrumbs will work as a substitute. Keep in mind that they may not provide the same crunch, so you can try toasting them lightly before coating for added texture.
How to Store Leftover Potato Balls?
Store any leftover potato balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crisp again.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can form the potato balls and then refrigerate them (covered) for up to a day before air frying. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking for even results.
