Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite snack: Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls. Imagine creamy mashed potatoes mixed with gooey cheddar, a hint of green onion, and all wrapped up in a crispy, golden panko crust — all made effortlessly in your air fryer! These irresistible potato bites are perfect for parties, game nights, or simply whenever you crave something indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re a mashed potato devotee or just looking for a crowd-pleasing treat, this clever twist on classic leftovers is guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls so magical is their simplicity — just a handful of humble ingredients, each adding its own special flair. The cheese melts into the potatoes, the seasonings enhance every bite, and the crispy coating brings it all together for that perfect crunch.
- Mashed potatoes (3 cups, chilled): Use leftover or freshly made mashed potatoes that have been well chilled for easy shaping and the best texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Cheddar adds a gooey, tangy richness that melts perfectly inside each bite.
- Green onions, finely chopped (1/4 cup): These give a fresh, savory pop of color and flavor that lifts the whole dish.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle, aromatic kick that pairs beautifully with potatoes and cheese.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a gorgeous hint of color to the mixture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors together and seasoning the potatoes just right.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of pepper gives the balls subtle heat and depth.
- Large eggs, beaten (2): These help the coating stick and create a satisfyingly crispy crust.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The first layer of dredging ensures the potato balls hold their shape and the coating clings.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 1/2 cups): Panko delivers that ultra-crunchy, golden finish every crispy snack dreams of.
- Cooking spray: A light spritz helps the potato balls crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without excess oil.
How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combining your chilled mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix everything together until you have a uniform, cheesy mixture. Chilling the potatoes beforehand makes them easier to work with and helps the balls hold their shape during air frying.
Step 2: Shape the Potato Balls
Scoop out about two tablespoons of the potato mixture and gently roll it between your palms to form a ball. Place each ball on a tray or plate as you go. Repeat this process until you’ve used up the entire mixture; you should end up with around 20 evenly sized potato balls, perfect for sharing (or not!).
Step 3: Set Up the Dredging Station
To get that signature crispy coating, you’ll need three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. This assembly line setup is the secret to a perfectly even, crunchy crust on your Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls.
Step 4: Coat the Potato Balls
Take each potato ball and roll it first in flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs stick all over. This triple-layer coating ensures a beautiful golden exterior that stays crisp after air frying.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and give the basket a light spray of cooking spray. Arrange the potato balls in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between each one. Lightly spray the tops with more cooking spray for extra crunch. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the balls are crisp and golden brown on all sides. Serve them hot — that’s when they’re at their melty, crispy best!
How to Serve Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or extra green onions on top adds a burst of color and freshness. If you’re a cheese fanatic, try a dusting of grated Parmesan or a little smoked paprika for an extra pop of flavor and a restaurant-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
These potato balls are a party on their own, but they also play well with others. Serve alongside a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or a platter of fresh crudités for balance. They’re also fantastic as part of a game-day snack spread with wings and sliders!
Creative Ways to Present
Pile Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls onto a rustic wooden board with bowls of ranch, sour cream, and marinara for dipping. For a fun twist, skewer them onto bamboo picks for easy grab-and-go bites, or serve them in mini muffin liners for a playful appetizer display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), store cooled Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making them perfect for snacking or lunchboxes.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble and bread the potato balls but don’t air fry them yet. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. When ready to cook, pop them straight into the air fryer from frozen and just add 2–3 extra minutes to the cook time — easy as can be!
Reheating
For best results, reheat the potato balls in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. The air fryer revives their crunchy coating much better than a microwave, so you can enjoy that just-fried texture all over again.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure the instant mashed potatoes are thick and fully cooled before shaping. A slightly firmer mash works best for forming sturdy, scoopable balls that won’t fall apart during dredging and air frying.
What other cheeses work well in Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls?
Feel free to experiment with your favorites! Mozzarella, pepper jack, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses all melt beautifully inside the potato balls, adding different flavors and gooeyness to every bite.
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely! Place the breaded potato balls on a lined baking sheet, spray them lightly with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F for 18–22 minutes, turning once for even browning. They’ll still be deliciously crispy — just not quite as quick as the air fryer version.
How do I keep the potato balls from falling apart?
Chilled mashed potatoes are key! If your mixture feels too soft, try adding a tablespoon or two of flour to help firm it up. Be gentle while shaping and when dredging to keep each ball intact.
What dipping sauces go best with these?
Classic ranch, tangy marinara, and cool sour cream are all fantastic choices. For something different, try a spicy sriracha mayo or even a creamy garlic aioli to elevate your Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls to the next level.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new appetizer or snack that’s a surefire crowd-pleaser, you can’t go wrong with Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls. They’re crunchy, cheesy, and absolutely addictive — I can’t wait for you to try them and share the joy with friends and family!
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Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 20 potato balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are a crispy, golden appetizer perfect for snacking or parties. Made with creamy mashed potatoes, melty cheddar cheese, and green onions, they are seasoned with garlic powder and paprika for a flavorful twist. Coated in panko breadcrumbs and air fried to perfection, these bites are light, delicious, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 3 cups mashed potatoes, chilled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Breading Station
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Mix Potato Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended into a smooth mixture.
- Form Potato Balls: Using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per ball, scoop and roll into tight, uniform balls. Arrange them on a tray as you work through the rest of the mixture to maintain consistency in size.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three separate bowls – one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. This will allow you to efficiently coat each potato ball.
- Bread the Potato Balls: Roll each potato ball first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well to the surface.
- Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry Potato Balls: Arrange the breaded potato balls in a single layer in the basket, making sure there is space between each ball for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to promote crispiness. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking or turning the basket halfway through to ensure even browning, until the balls are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked potato balls to a serving plate and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, marinara, or sour cream.
Notes
- For a different flavor, substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack cheese.
- You can freeze the potato balls before air frying. When ready to cook from frozen, increase air frying time by 2 to 3 minutes.
- Ensure the mashed potatoes are thoroughly chilled to help the balls hold together during cooking.
- Lightly spray the potato balls before air frying for extra crispiness without added oil.
- Use gloves or a fork to handle the potato balls when breading to keep hands clean and avoid breaking them.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 potato balls
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
