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
Scale
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
