Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe
If you have ever wished for a snack that combines creamy comfort with irresistible crispiness, then the Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These little golden orbs are pure magic: soft, cheesy mashed potatoes lovingly rolled and air-fried to a perfect crunchy shell. They’re easy to make yet impressive enough to serve at parties or enjoy as a satisfying snack any day of the week. Whether you’re craving something warm to accompany your meal or a cheesy appetizer, this recipe hits all the right notes and will soon be a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating those perfectly textured, flavorful potato balls. From creamy mashed potatoes to the mix of cheeses and aromatic spices, every component comes together to delight your taste buds.
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (chilled and firm): Using chilled mashed potatoes helps create balls that hold their shape better during cooking.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Adds gooey, melty cheesiness that makes every bite irresistible.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a sharp, savory depth to balance the creamy potatoes.
- 1 egg, beaten: Works as a binder to keep the mixture together while frying.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a gentle hint of warmth and flavor without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic with subtle savory notes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors with the perfect seasoning.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular): Creates the crispy outer coating that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil: Helps achieve that golden crunch in the air fryer without excess oil.
How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by combining your chilled mashed potatoes with the shredded mozzarella or cheddar, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything well until you have a uniform, fragrant mixture. The cheese will add that luxurious gooeyness, while the egg ensures your potato balls stay together during cooking.
Step 2: Shape the Potato Balls
Take about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture and gently roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. The chilled potatoes should be firm enough so that the balls don’t fall apart. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used, and you have a batch of perfectly shaped little potato gems.
Step 3: Coat the Balls with Breadcrumbs
Place your breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Roll each potato ball in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure a good, even coating. This breadcrumb layer is what will give the balls their addicting crisp exterior when cooked in the air fryer.
Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil to prevent sticking and encourage browning. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket — place the potato balls in a single layer with some space between each to allow the hot air to crisp up every side.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Cook the potato balls at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes. Halfway through cooking, check and shake the basket gently if needed to ensure the balls crisp evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when they develop a golden brown and irresistibly crunchy shell while remaining soft and cheesy inside.
Step 6: Enjoy Immediately
Serve your Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Whether it’s a tangy marinara, creamy ranch, or a spicy aioli, these balls are best enjoyed fresh for that perfect contrast of warm, melty interior and crisp crust.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives over your cheesy potato balls not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbal brightness to each bite. A dash of smoked paprika or a light dusting of grated Parmesan on top can amp up the flavor and visual appeal even further.
Side Dishes
These cheesy balls are versatile enough to accompany a wide range of dishes. Pair them with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal, or serve alongside grilled chicken or steak for some extra indulgence. They are also fantastic as party finger food alongside assorted dips and veggie sticks.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve the Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe skewered on colorful toothpicks arranged on a platter. Another crowd-pleasing idea is stacking them pyramid-style on a serving tray with dipping sauces placed center stage for easy grabbing. No matter how you present them, these cheesy bites are sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will stay delicious, though the crispy texture will soften in the fridge.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the uncooked potato balls on a tray in a single layer and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 1 month and can be cooked straight from frozen in the air fryer, adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness of leftover potato balls, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4-5 minutes until heated through and crunchy again. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Homemade mashed potatoes work beautifully in this recipe, preferably chilled and firm to help the balls hold their shape during cooking.
What type of cheese works best?
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar are excellent choices for melty texture, while Parmesan adds a sharp, savory kick. Feel free to mix or substitute cheeses according to your preference.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. However, the air fryer tends to produce a crispier, lighter coating with less oil.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep that delightful crispiness without gluten.
Are these suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! They can be made in advance, stored in the fridge or freezer, and quickly reheated when you need a tasty snack or side dish.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and fun about making your own Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe. From the simple ingredients to the magical transformation in the air fryer, these crispy, cheesy bites are a hug on a plate that everyone will love. So go ahead, give this recipe a try—you might just find a new family favorite that brings smiles at every meal.
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Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (about 10–12 balls) 1x
Description
Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack. Made with creamy mashed potatoes, a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and lightly seasoned, they’re perfectly cooked to golden perfection using an air fryer for a healthier twist.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 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
Coating and Cooking
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a bowl, mix the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Shape into balls: Take a spoonful of the mixture and roll it into a ball approximately 1-2 tablespoons per ball. Repeat until all the mixture is formed into balls.
- Coat with breadcrumbs: Roll each mashed potato ball in breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they are well-coated all around for a crispy exterior.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- Prepare air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the potato balls in a single layer, leaving space between each ball for air circulation.
- Air fry the balls: Cook the potato balls at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve warm: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce for a tasty snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Use chilled and firm mashed potatoes for easier shaping and better texture.
- Panko breadcrumbs give a crispier crust than regular breadcrumbs but either works well.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crispiness.
- These can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
