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If you have a soft spot for comfort food with a crispy twist, then this Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe is about to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Picture creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes rolled into perfectly crispy golden spheres, bursting with flavor in every bite. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of gooey cheese, light seasoning, and crunchy exterior, all whipped up in your air fryer for a healthier take on a classic indulgence. Whether for a snack, appetizer, or a fun side dish, these cheesy mashed potato balls are irresistible and surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe right starts with a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully to deliver exceptional taste and texture. Each component plays a key role—from the creamy mashed potatoes forming a soft base to the cheeses adding richness, and the seasonings bringing a flavorful punch.
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (chilled and firm): Using chilled potatoes helps the balls hold their shape during cooking for a perfect crust.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Adds melt-in-your-mouth gooeyness that defines the cheesy core.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a savory, nutty flavor & enhances the cheesy depth.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as a binding agent to keep the balls together without falling apart.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, aromatic boost to the overall flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Compliments the garlic with a gentle sweetness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: The simplest way to season and elevate every bite.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular): Creates a crispy and crunchy coating that contrasts perfectly with the soft inside.
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil: Ensures your air fryer basket and potato balls crisp evenly and don’t stick.
How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by mixing your chilled mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, Parmesan, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. The chilled potatoes are key because they’re firm and easier to shape, while the cheeses and seasonings ensure these balls will be bursting with flavor inside. Make sure everything is well combined to distribute the flavors evenly.
Step 2: Shape Into Balls
Scoop out about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture and gently roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used up. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round; a bit of rustic charm makes them even more inviting!
Step 3: Coat with Breadcrumbs
Pour your breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each potato ball carefully in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to make sure they’re evenly coated. This layer will transform into a crunchy, golden crust when air fried.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush a little olive oil to help prevent sticking and to promote crispness on the outside of the potato balls.
Step 5: Air Fry the Potato Balls
Place your coated potato balls in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each one so they cook evenly. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes until they turn golden brown and crisp on the outside. The air fryer works its magic to deliver that perfect crunchy shell while keeping the cheesy inside delightfully soft and melty.
Step 6: Serve While Warm
Once cooked, serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. These potato balls are at their peak when hot from the air fryer, so grab your dipping sauces and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of fresh color and a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese on top can also amp up the cheesiness for those who want an extra cheesy punch.
Side Dishes
These cheesy mashed potato balls are versatile enough to pair with almost anything, but they shine alongside fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or a vibrant tomato salsa that adds some tangy contrast. They also make a fantastic appetizer alongside classic dips like ranch, spicy aioli, or marinara sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange them on a wooden board with various dipping sauces in small bowls for a sharing platter. You could also serve them stacked in a small tower, skewered with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties. Play with colors and textures on the plate to invite people to dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the crispy coating softens over time, reheating is recommended to restore their signature crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the shaped and breaded potato balls before cooking by placing them on a tray and freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy crispy, cheesy bites anytime without starting from scratch.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen potato balls in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes to crisp up the outside and warm the cheese inside. This method is far superior to microwaving, as it retains the delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
While fresh mashed potatoes yield the best texture and flavor, instant mashed potatoes can work if prepared thick and chilled properly. Just be mindful they might affect the final texture and binding slightly.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Mozzarella and cheddar are excellent for their melting qualities, while Parmesan adds a sharp, savory contrast. Feel free to mix and match or add a bit of your favorite cheese to customize the flavor.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating to 375°F is important because it helps the potato balls develop a crisp, golden crust and ensures even cooking inside.
Can I bake these potato balls instead of air frying?
Absolutely! Bake them at 400°F on a greased baking sheet for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy. However, the air fryer tends to produce a crunchier exterior with less oil.
Are these cheesy mashed potato balls kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids usually love the cheesy, crispy nature of this recipe, plus the fun shape makes them perfect for little hands. Customize seasoning mild or add favorite dips for even more appeal.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe, it might just become your go-to comfort snack or party appetizer. The combination of creamy potatoes, melty cheese, and a crispy golden crust is simply irresistible, and the air fryer makes it easier and less messy than traditional frying methods. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite cheeses or spices, but most importantly, have fun making and sharing these bite-sized comfort treasures with your loved ones!
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Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (about 12-14 balls)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are crispy on the outside and perfectly cheesy on the inside. Made with chilled mashed potatoes, a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and seasoned with garlic and onion powder, these bite-sized snacks are air fried to golden perfection. Ideal as a delicious appetizer or side dish, they’re easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings with less oil than traditional frying methods.
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 the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the Balls: Scoop about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and roll it into a smooth ball with your hands. Repeat this process until the entire mixture is used, creating uniform-sized balls.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each potato ball into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even and firm coating on the surface of each ball.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat while preparing the basket.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated potato balls in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry the Potato Balls: Cook the potato balls in the air fryer at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Shake the basket or turn them halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Serve: Immediately serve your cheesy mashed potato balls warm with your favorite dipping sauces for a perfect snack or appetizer.
Notes
- For best results, use mashed potatoes that are chilled and firm to help the balls hold their shape.
- You can substitute the mozzarella with cheddar or any cheese of your choice according to your preference.
- Panko breadcrumbs will give a crispier exterior compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, these can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden.
- Use cooking spray sparingly to reduce added fat but ensure crispiness.
- Serve with ranch, ketchup, or a spicy aioli for added flavor.
