Name: Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups chilled mashed potatoes; 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 beaten egg; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular); Cooking spray or olive oil

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If you’re looking for a delicious way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, you’ll absolutely love these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls! They’re a delightful combination of crispy outside and gooey cheese inside, making them the perfect snack or side dish. Whether you’re having a busy weeknight dinner or hosting family and friends, these cheesy delights will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

What makes this recipe even more special is its simplicity and versatility. You can whip them up in no time and customize them to your taste. Plus, they make a fantastic party appetizer or a cozy comfort food treat that everyone will enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, so you can satisfy those cravings in no time.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore cheesy potato snacks, making them a hit at any gathering.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the potato balls ahead of time, refrigerate, and air fry when you’re ready to serve!
Crispy Perfection: Using an air fryer gives these mashed potato balls their irresistible golden crust without deep frying.
Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite herbs or spices for extra flavor!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

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
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Cooking spray or a little olive oil

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Here are some fun ways to put your own spin on these cheesy mashed potato balls:

Add Veggies: Toss in some finely chopped spinach or cooked broccoli for added nutrition.
Spice It Up: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to give your potato balls a kick.
Change the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist or gouda for a smoky flavor.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like chives or parsley into the mixture for an aromatic touch.

How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

If you don’t already have mashed potatoes ready, start by making them ahead of time. The key is to chill them until they’re firm. This makes it easier to form the balls later on.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your chilled mashed potatoes with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mixing everything thoroughly ensures that each bite is packed with flavor!

Step 3: Form the Potato Balls

Using about 1 tablespoon of the potato mixture at a time, roll it into small balls with your hands. This step is crucial because it shapes your snacks into perfect bite-sized portions that will crisp up beautifully.

Step 4: Coat the Potato Balls

Grab some breadcrumbs and place them in a shallow dish. Gently roll each potato ball in the breadcrumbs until they are evenly coated. This coating helps achieve that delightful crunch on the outside during air frying.

Step 5: Air Fry the Potato Balls

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray each potato ball with cooking spray or drizzle olive oil on top before placing them in the basket. Make sure they have enough space; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking! Cook for about 8-10 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked, let your potato balls cool for just a few minutes. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or marinara sauce for an extra delicious treat!

Enjoy these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls at your next meal—trust me, they will be gone before you know it!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

Creating the perfect Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls is all about attention to detail, and I’m here to share some tips that will help you achieve the best results!

Use Chilled Mashed Potatoes: Starting with chilled, firm mashed potatoes prevents the balls from falling apart during cooking. If your potatoes are too warm, they can get mushy and lose their shape.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give your potato balls enough space in the air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy spots. Cooking them in batches ensures that each ball gets crispy all over.
Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella and cheddar are classic choices, feel free to mix it up! Adding different types of cheese like pepper jack or gouda can introduce new flavors and make your potato balls even more exciting.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t hesitate to tweak the garlic and onion powder according to your preference. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can also add an extra kick!
Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair these cheesy delights with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or even a spicy aioli. A good dip can elevate your dish from tasty to truly unforgettable!

How to Serve Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

These delightful potato balls are not just delicious; they’re also versatile! Whether you’re serving them at a party or as a cozy family dinner side, there are many ways to present this dish beautifully.

Garnishes

Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Grated Parmesan: A light dusting of grated Parmesan just before serving adds a nice touch of flavor and elegance.

Side Dishes

Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the potato balls.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers add color and nutrition while complementing the cheesy flavors.
Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tanginess of coleslaw balance out the creamy texture of the potato balls perfectly.
Garlic Bread: For those who love carbs as much as cheese, garlic bread makes for an indulgent pairing that’s hard to resist!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls. Enjoy every crispy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance, store them properly, and enjoy a delicious snack or side dish anytime you want.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the potato balls to cool completely.
Place them in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Arrange the uncooked potato balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid.
Transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For refrigerated potato balls, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes until heated through.
For frozen potato balls, cook directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, checking for doneness.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls:

Can I use different types of cheese in Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls?

Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for added flavor.

How do I ensure my Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are crispy?

Make sure to coat each ball evenly with breadcrumbs and lightly spray them with cooking oil before air frying. This will help achieve that desired crispiness!

Can I make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or unsweetened applesauce to bind the mixture together.

What dipping sauces pair well with Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls?

These potato balls go great with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a spicy aioli. Choose your favorite!

Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?

Yes! If you prefer baking, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls as much as I do! They truly embody comfort food at its finest—crispy on the outside and oozing with cheesy goodness on the inside. Whether you’re preparing them for a gathering or just treating yourself, they’re bound to be a hit. So roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try; I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!