Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

If you’ve never experienced just how magical crispy, cheesy bites of mashed potato can be, let me introduce you to Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls. They’re everything you love about comfort food: crunchy on the outside, creamy within, with gooey pockets of cheddar and pops of green onion. These crowd-pleasing snacks are effortlessly made in the air fryer, making them lighter than deep-fried treats but every bit as delicious. Whether you’re using up leftover potatoes or making a batch just for this recipe, these golden bites are always a big hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the charms of this recipe is how basic and hearty the ingredients are – yet when combined, they create something special. Each plays a role in flavor, color, or crunch, so don’t skip a thing!

• Mashed Potato: The real star – leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly and make these balls creamy and substantial.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings that satisfying melt and sharp flavor to every bite.
• Green Onions: A burst of color and a gentle oniony brightness that keeps each mouthful lively.
• Eggs: Act as the glue, helping the breadcrumb coating stick and giving the balls extra richness.
• Flour: Provides a dry base layer for the coating, ensuring the coating sticks and crisps up beautifully.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: The key to that signature crunchy finish you get with air frying.

How to Make Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Step 1: Mix the Filling

Grab a large bowl and stir together your mashed potato, shredded cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced green onions. The scent alone will have you sneaking little spoonfuls! Make sure it’s all evenly combined, as the cheese and onions need to be nicely distributed for each ball.

Step 2: Shape the Balls

Using about two tablespoons per ball, gently roll the mixture between your palms to form uniform spheres. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet so they hold their shape as you prep the remaining balls. If the mixture feels sticky, a quick rinse of your hands in cold water helps tremendously.

Step 3: Set Up the Breading Stations

Set out three shallow bowls: fill one with flour, beat your eggs in the second, and pour panko breadcrumbs in the third. This assembly-line setup helps coat each mashed potato ball evenly for that unbeatable crunch.

Step 4: Bread the Potato Balls

Roll each ball in the flour first (tap off any excess), dip it in the beaten eggs, and finish with a good roll in panko breadcrumbs. Make sure every inch is well coated – that’s the secret to a crispy shell!

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before frying, get your air fryer nice and hot at 375°F. This ensures the balls start crisping the moment they hit the basket, so you don’t end up with soggy spots.

Step 6: Arrange and Oil the Basket

Lightly oil your air fryer basket and arrange the balls in a single, uncrowded layer, making sure none are touching. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook them in batches. Give the tops a spritz of oil – this boosts the crunch and color.

Step 7: Air Fry to Perfection

Cook the Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls for 10 to 15 minutes at 375°F. Halfway through cooking, gently turn them to ensure uniform browning. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re deeply golden and irresistibly crisp.

How to Serve Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Garnishes

These crisp and creamy bites look even more tempting topped with a shower of freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of extra cheese. For a festive touch, try a dusting of smoked paprika or even a little chive confetti just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls with a refreshing green salad, a light soup, or some crunchy pickles. They also nestle beautifully alongside roasted veggies or a juicy steak if you’re feeling extra indulgent. For dipping, don’t hold back: sour cream, spicy ketchup, or a creamy ranch all play well here!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, thread the balls onto skewers for a fun finger food display, or pile them high on a platter lined with napkins for a casual game night snack. They even make a surprising, delicious addition to brunch alongside scrambled eggs and bacon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty and crisp for up to three days – perfect for nibbling or reheating as a quick side or snack.

Freezing

These potato balls freeze beautifully. After air frying, let them cool entirely, then stash them in a freezer-safe bag or container (separated by parchment if you want to avoid sticking). They’ll keep well for up to a month, making them handy for anytime cravings.

Reheating

To bring back their just-cooked crispiness, pop the balls back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes from the fridge, or 8–10 minutes from frozen. Avoid microwaving if you can, as you’ll lose that irresistible crunch on the outside.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

Yes, you can! While homemade mashed potatoes have more character and flavor, instant mashed potatoes will still give you good results. Just make sure the mash isn’t too loose so the balls hold together well.

Why are my mashed potato balls falling apart?

If the mixture is too soft, try chilling it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before shaping. Also, ensure each ball is well-coated in the flour, egg, and panko layers; this acts as a sturdy shell while frying.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Absolutely! Crumbled bacon, finely chopped herbs, or even little bits of ham or jalapeño add fantastic flavor twists. Just be careful not to over-stuff, as too many mix-ins can make binding tricky.

What dipping sauces pair best with Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

Classic choices like sour cream, ranch, and spicy ketchup work wonders. For extra flair, try a garlic aioli, honey mustard, or a tangy yogurt dip – anything creamy will contrast beautifully with that crunchy exterior.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20–25 minutes, turning once. The result is a little less crisp than with the air fryer, but they’ll still be delicious and golden.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls for yourself. There’s just something magical about transforming simple ingredients into something so craveable and fun. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just treating yourself, give this recipe a whirl – I promise, it’ll become a fast favorite at your table!

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