Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

If you’re looking for a crispy, cheesy, and indulgent treat, these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are the perfect recipe for you. These golden-brown, bite-sized balls are made from creamy mashed potatoes and loaded with gooey mozzarella or cheddar cheese. The combination of mashed potatoes and cheese is already irresistible, but the air fryer takes it to the next level by creating a crispy, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside soft and cheesy.

What’s even better is how easy they are to make. The ingredients are simple, and they come together quickly for a fun snack or side dish. Plus, using the air fryer means you can skip the oil-heavy frying process and still achieve a crispy, satisfying result. Serve these cheesy mashed potato balls as an appetizer, snack, or alongside your favorite meal. They’re sure to become a family favorite in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are the ultimate comfort food. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and perfect for snacking or pairing with a main dish. The air fryer gives these little bites a crunchy coating without all the oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions. The gooey cheese paired with the mashed potatoes creates a delightful texture contrast that will have you reaching for more. Whether you’re using leftover mashed potatoes or making them fresh, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients (Makes 12-14 balls)

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (chilled and firm)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Cooking spray or a little olive oil

Variations

Spicy Mashed Potato Balls

For a spicy kick, add a little cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mashed potatoes. You can also mix in finely chopped jalapeños for extra heat.

Bacon Mashed Potato Balls

Add crumbled cooked bacon to the mashed potato mixture for an extra savory flavor. The smokiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the cheese and mashed potatoes.

Herb Mashed Potato Balls

Mix in fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme for a burst of flavor. These herbs complement the richness of the potatoes and cheese, giving the balls a fresh taste.

Vegan Mashed Potato Balls

For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese and a flax egg instead of the regular egg. You can also substitute the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based option.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Start with chilled mashed potatoes that are firm. If you’re using leftovers, make sure they are completely cooled in the refrigerator. If you’re making fresh mashed potatoes, allow them to cool down to room temperature before proceeding.

Step 2: Make the Potato Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 3: Form the Potato Balls

Take about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat the process with the remaining mixture. You should get around 12-14 balls, depending on the size you make them.

Step 4: Coat the Potato Balls

Roll each potato ball in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated. This will give the balls their crunchy exterior when they cook in the air fryer.

Step 5: Air Fry the Potato Balls

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil over the potato balls. Place the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. Air fry the potato balls for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the potato balls from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving. Serve with a side of ketchup, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill the mashed potatoes: Cold, firm mashed potatoes hold their shape better when making potato balls, ensuring they don’t fall apart while cooking.
• Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a lighter, crispier texture, but regular breadcrumbs work as well.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Make sure to leave some space between the potato balls in the air fryer basket for even cooking and a crispy result.
• Coat with oil: Lightly spray the potato balls with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil before air frying. This helps to achieve a crispy texture without deep frying.

How to Serve

Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for how to enjoy them:

• Serve as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, marinara, or sour cream.
• Pair with a main dish like grilled chicken, steak, or a salad for a complete meal.
• Use them as a side dish for a holiday dinner, potluck, or family gathering.
• Pack them as a snack for lunchboxes or picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cheesy mashed potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer for about 3-4 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until they’re heated through and crispy again.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the uncooked potato balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to cook, air fry the frozen potato balls at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Reheating

Reheat the potato balls in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes until they’re heated through and the outside is crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work great for this recipe. Just make sure they are chilled and firm before using them to form the potato balls.

2. Can I make these mashed potato balls without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

3. Can I freeze the mashed potato balls?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked mashed potato balls and air fry them directly from frozen. Simply increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes.

4. Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, gouda, or any cheese of your choice. Just make sure the cheese melts well.

5. How do I make these gluten-free?

To make these mashed potato balls gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.

6. Can I add other seasonings to the mixture?

Yes, you can experiment with different seasonings. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.

7. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, you can use mashed sweet potatoes to make a slightly sweeter version of these potato balls. The texture and flavor will be different, but still delicious!

8. Can I make these mashed potato balls in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the balls ahead of time, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days, and then air fry them when ready to serve.

9. Can I use a deep fryer instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can deep fry the mashed potato balls in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Make sure the oil is heated to 350°F (175°C) before frying.

10. What can I serve with these potato balls?

These cheesy mashed potato balls pair wonderfully with a variety of sauces like marinara, ranch, or BBQ sauce. You can also serve them alongside a main dish like grilled chicken, burgers, or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are an easy and delicious treat that combines the creaminess of mashed potatoes with the melty goodness of cheese. They’re perfect for serving as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, and can be customized with various seasonings and toppings. The air fryer makes these potato balls crispy without the extra oil, giving you all the flavor and crunch with less guilt. Whether you’re using leftover mashed potatoes or making them fresh, this recipe is sure to be a hit every time!

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