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A delicious plate of Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

Crispy on the outside and wonderfully cheesy on the inside, these air fryer mashed potato balls are a perfect snack or side dish that everyone will love.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cup mashed potatoes Ensure they are cold and firm for easier shaping of the balls.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese Use your preferred melting cheese for the best flavor and stretch.
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a rich, salty depth to the potato mixture.
  • 1 egg egg Beaten egg acts as a binder to hold the potato balls together.
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder Enhances the savory profile of the potato balls.
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder Complements the garlic and cheese flavors beautifully.
  • 0.25 tsp salt Adjust to your personal taste preference, considering cheese saltiness.
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper Freshly ground pepper offers the best aroma and flavor.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko breadcrumbs will give a crispier exterior, regular works too.
  • 1 light coating cooking spray For greasing the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil An alternative to cooking spray for greasing the air fryer basket.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Bowl

Method
 

  1. Ensure your mashed potatoes are thoroughly chilled and firm. If using freshly made mashed potatoes, allow them to cool completely in the refrigerator before proceeding.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella (or cheddar) cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined.
  3. Take small portions of the mashed potato mixture (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter) and roll them into uniform balls. If the mixture feels too sticky, lightly dampen your hands with a little water.
  4. Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Roll each potato ball in the breadcrumbs, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides. You can use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or regular breadcrumbs for a classic texture.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little olive oil. Carefully arrange the potato balls in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them to ensure even cooking.
  6. Air fry the potato balls for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Continue cooking until they are golden brown and deliciously crispy on the outside.
  7. Serve the cheesy mashed potato balls hot as a delightful side dish, a party appetizer, or a satisfying snack. Enjoy them plain or with your favorite dipping sauce!

Notes

These air fryer cheesy mashed potato balls are incredibly versatile. Try adding finely chopped chives or bacon bits to the mixture for extra flavor, or serve with a side of sour cream or marinara sauce for dipping.