Description
These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are a crispy and golden appetizer made from chilled mashed potatoes mixed with mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasonings. Coated in breadcrumbs and air fried until perfectly crispy, they make a deliciously cheesy snack or side dish that’s easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing.
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
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to form a cohesive mixture.
- Form Potato Balls: Using a spoon, scoop out about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture has been used, creating approximately 15 potato balls.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each potato ball in breadcrumbs, pressing gently so that the breadcrumbs stick well and fully coat the surface, which will help achieve a crispy exterior when air fried.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the potato balls in a single layer inside the basket, making sure to leave space between each ball for proper air circulation.
- Air Fry: Cook the potato balls in the air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through cooking, you may shake the basket or turn the balls to promote even browning. Remove when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy mashed potato balls immediately while hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or sour cream-based dips.
Notes
- Make sure the mashed potatoes are well chilled and firm for easier shaping and better frying results.
- You can customize the cheese blend to your preference by using cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, these can also be baked in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- For extra flavor, try adding chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the potato mixture.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy coating.