Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are the perfect comfort food, combining creamy mashed potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and a crispy golden crust, all without the deep frying. These bites are a delightful snack, side dish, or appetizer that are quick and easy to make, thanks to the air fryer. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or craving a cheesy, crispy treat, these potato balls are a guaranteed hit. The air fryer gives them the perfect crispiness, while the inside remains soft and cheesy. This recipe is not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to traditional frying, making it the best of both worlds.

The combination of mozzarella or cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and onion powder in the filling creates a perfect balance of flavors. These potato balls are ideal for dipping in your favorite sauces, such as ranch, marinara, or even a spicy dipping sauce. Whether served as a side dish or a party snack, they’re sure to disappear quickly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Cheesy Inside

The gooey cheese filling creates the perfect contrast to the crispy exterior, making every bite irresistible.

2. Air-Fried Perfection

The air fryer ensures the potato balls get crispy without all the oil, giving you a healthier version of a classic fried snack.

3. Quick and Easy

With just a few simple ingredients, these cheesy mashed potato balls come together quickly and are a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.

4. Customizable Flavor

You can easily adjust the cheese or seasoning to your liking. Add herbs like parsley or thyme, or swap out the cheese for something else like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist.

5. Crowd-Pleaser

These mashed potato balls are perfect for parties, game days, or casual family meals. They’re easy to serve and are sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

• Mashed potatoes (2 cups, chilled and firm)
• Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (1 cup)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup)
• Egg (1, beaten)
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)
• Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Breadcrumbs (1 cup, panko or regular)
• Cooking spray or a little olive oil

Variations

• Herb Infused: Add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or rosemary to the potato mixture for extra flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for some heat.
• Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as pepper jack for a little spice or gouda for a smoky flavor.
• Bacon Add-In: For a savory twist, you can incorporate cooked bacon bits into the mashed potato mixture.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cheese and substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg or a vegan binder.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, make a batch and let it cool in the refrigerator for a few hours. The potatoes should be firm enough to form into balls.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella (or cheddar), grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well-combined and smooth.

Step 3: Form the Potato Balls

Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out about a tablespoon of the potato mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture, ensuring each ball is about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 4: Coat the Potato Balls

Roll each potato ball in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. You can use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness or regular breadcrumbs for a slightly softer coating.

Step 5: Air Fry the Balls

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the potato balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 6: Serve

Once the cheesy mashed potato balls are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces for extra flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill the Mashed Potatoes: Make sure the mashed potatoes are chilled and firm. This makes it easier to form the potato balls and ensures they hold their shape while cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the crispiest results, ensure the potato balls have enough space in the air fryer basket. This will allow air to circulate around them evenly.
• Coat Well: Coat the balls thoroughly in breadcrumbs, and consider giving them a light spritz of cooking spray before air frying to help them crisp up.
• Check for Crispiness: Air fryer models can vary in cooking times, so keep an eye on the potato balls during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve

Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls can be served in a variety of ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve them with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or sriracha mayo at your next gathering or party.
• With a Meal: Pair them with a hearty main course, such as roasted chicken, steak, or even a simple salad.
• As a Snack: They’re perfect for snacking on their own—great for movie nights or casual get-togethers.
• With a Side of Gravy: For extra flavor, serve these mashed potato balls with a side of warm gravy for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover mashed potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispiness, reheat them in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Freezing

To freeze the mashed potato balls, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2-3 hours. Once frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply air fry from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until crispy and golden.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the potato balls in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. This will help restore their crispiness. You can also reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute regular mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a different flavor. Just make sure they’re firm and chilled before forming the balls.

2. Can I make these potato balls in the oven instead of the air fryer?

Yes, you can bake these potato balls in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

3. Can I make these potato balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the potato balls in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them for later use.

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

Yes, you can deep fry these potato balls in hot oil (375°F / 190°C) until golden brown and crispy, or bake them in the oven for a healthier option.

5. What type of breadcrumbs should I use?

You can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy exterior or regular breadcrumbs if you prefer a softer texture.

6. Can I make these potato balls spicy?

Yes, add some cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the mashed potato mixture to give the balls a spicy kick.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses such as pepper jack, gouda, or provolone. Just make sure to choose cheeses that melt well.

8. Can I make these potato balls gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your mashed potatoes are free from any gluten-containing ingredients.

9. Can I skip the breadcrumbs?

While the breadcrumbs help create the crispy exterior, you can skip them if you prefer a softer texture or use crushed cornflakes as an alternative.

10. How do I keep the potato balls crispy after cooking?

To keep the potato balls crispy, avoid stacking them in a container while they’re still hot. Let them cool on a wire rack or paper towels to keep the coating crisp.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are an irresistible, easy-to-make treat that combines creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and a crispy coating. Perfect for any occasion, these potato balls are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they deliver comfort food at its finest—all with the convenience of the air fryer. With endless flavor possibilities and the ability to make them ahead of time, these cheesy mashed potato balls are a must-try!

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