Crispy Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden balls of comfort food with this simple air fryer recipe.

These cheesy mashed potato balls offer the perfect combination of a crunchy exterior and creamy, melted cheese center that makes them irresistible as an appetizer or side dish.

Recipe Information

• Serves: 4-6 people
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 12 minutes
• Total time: 27 minutes
• Servings: Makes approximately 16-18 balls

Equipment List

• Air fryer
• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl for beaten egg
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Clean kitchen towels
• Serving plate

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Ingredients

• 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray

Why This Recipe Works

The key to perfect air fryer cheesy mashed potato balls lies in using cold mashed potatoes, which hold their shape better during cooking. The combination of two cheeses creates a rich, gooey center, while the panko coating ensures maximum crispiness without deep frying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Remove mashed potatoes from refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to make handling easier.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cold mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
4. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the mixture into equal-sized balls, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter.
5. Roll each portion between your palms to create smooth, round balls.
6. Dip each ball into the beaten egg, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Roll the egg-coated balls in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the coating stick.
8. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes.
9. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
10. Place the coated potato balls in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each ball for proper air circulation.
11. Cook for 6 minutes, then carefully turn each ball over using tongs.
12. Continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
13. Remove from air fryer and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Using day-old mashed potatoes works best as they have had time to firm up in the refrigerator. If your mashed potatoes seem too soft, add an extra tablespoon of flour to help bind the mixture. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket as this prevents proper browning and crisping.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesy mashed potato balls pair wonderfully with sour cream, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli for dipping. They make an excellent appetizer for parties, a fun side dish for family dinners, or even a creative way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover potato balls in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also freeze the uncooked, breaded balls for up to 1 month and cook them directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Variations to Try

Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella and Italian herbs, or add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor. For a spicy kick, mix in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Sweet potato version works equally well using the same method.

Nutrition Information

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your potato balls fall apart during cooking, the mixture may be too wet. Add more flour one tablespoon at a time until the mixture holds together properly. If they are not browning evenly, make sure to flip them halfway through cooking and avoid overcrowding the basket.

This air fryer cheesy mashed potato balls recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that delivers comfort food satisfaction with less oil than traditional frying methods. The crispy exterior gives way to a warm, cheesy center that makes every bite memorable.