Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Air fryer mashed potato balls are a delightful way to transform your leftover mashed potatoes into a crispy, cheesy treat. Perfect for parties, game nights, or as a savory snack, these balls are packed with flavor thanks to the addition of crumbled turkey turkey turkey bacon and fresh chives. Their golden exterior and gooey cheese center make them an irresistible appetizer that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these tasty bites in under an hour.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of mashed potatoes, turkey turkey turkey bacon, and cheese creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Snack: These balls are perfect for any occasion—serve them at parties, game days, or as a fun family dinner side.
• Crispy Texture: Cooking them in the air fryer gives them a crunchy outside while keeping the inside soft and cheesy.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids adore these tasty treats, making it a great way to use up leftovers while pleasing picky eaters.

Tools and Preparation

To make air fryer mashed potato balls, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that help streamline the process and ensure delicious results.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Air Fryer
• Mixing Bowl
• Shallow Dishes (for coating)
• Cookie Scoop (or tablespoon)
• Cooking Spray

Why These Tools Matter

• Air Fryer: This tool ensures even cooking and crispiness without the extra oil used in traditional frying.
• Mixing Bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients effectively.
• Shallow Dishes: These are perfect for setting up your breading station to achieve a crispy outer layer.
• Cookie Scoop: Using a scoop helps you create uniform-sized potato balls for even cooking.

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potato Balls

• 3 cups Leftover Mashed Potatoes
• 3 slices turkey turkey turkey bacon (crumbled)
• Block of Cheddar Cheese (cut into cubes)
• 1 1/2 cups Breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1-2 tablespoons Milk
• Salt (to taste)
• Black Pepper (to taste)
• Cooking Oil Spray
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional)

How to Make Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes with crumbled turkey turkey turkey bacon, chives or green onion, salt, and pepper. If desired, add garlic powder for an extra kick of flavor.

Step 2: Form the Balls

With floured hands, scoop some of the mashed potato mixture into your palm. Flatten it into a disk shape and place a cube of cheese in the center. Carefully mold the potato around the cheese to form a ball, ensuring it’s completely covered.

Step 3: Set Up Breading Station

Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour for dredging, another with scrambled eggs mixed with milk, and a third with breadcrumbs combined with grated parmesan.

Step 4: Coat Each Ball

Dip each mashed potato ball first in flour, then in the egg mixture, followed by breadcrumbs. For added crunchiness, dip them back into the egg and breadcrumbs again.

Step 5: Air Fry Them

Place a single layer of coated mashed potato balls in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking oil before cooking.

Step 6: Cook Until Golden Brown

Cook at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes. Shake the basket gently to ensure even cooking. If necessary, spray with additional oil and continue baking for another 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown. Be cautious not to overcook; otherwise, the cheese may ooze out. Serve hot with ranch dipping sauce for an extra treat!

How to Serve Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Air fryer mashed potato balls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them as appetizers at a gathering or as a side dish for dinner, these crispy bites of goodness are sure to please. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A creamy and tangy option that complements the flavor of the mashed potato balls perfectly.
• Sour Cream: A classic choice that adds a cool, rich taste to each bite.
• Ketchup: For those who enjoy a bit of sweetness, ketchup provides a simple yet satisfying dip.

As Part of a Platter

• Vegetable Sticks: Serve with carrot and celery sticks for a crunchy contrast.
• Cheese Cubes: Pair with assorted cheese cubes for a delightful snack platter.
• Fruit Slices: Fresh fruit slices can add a refreshing sweetness alongside the savory flavors.

In a Salad

• Mixed Greens: Toss some air fryer mashed potato balls on top of mixed greens with your favorite dressing for a fun twist on salad.
• Coleslaw: Serve alongside coleslaw for added texture and flavor in your meal.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

To achieve the best results with air fryer mashed potato balls, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish comes out deliciously crispy every time.

• Bold Flavoring: Enhance the taste by adding herbs and spices to your mashed potatoes; think garlic powder or fresh chives.
• Chill Before Cooking: Refrigerate the formed balls for about 15 minutes before air frying; this helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
• Even Coating: Ensure each ball is evenly coated in breadcrumbs by pressing gently; this leads to an extra crispy exterior.
• Single Layer Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking process; check for golden-brown color and meltiness of cheese inside without overcooking.
• Experiment with Fillings: Try different cheese types or add chopped vegetables inside for variety and fun flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

These air fryer mashed potato balls pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some excellent options you can try.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any sauces while providing additional flavor.
2. Caesar Salad: The fresh greens and zesty dressing create a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the mashed potato balls.
3. Steamed Broccoli: This nutritious side adds color and health benefits, balancing the meal beautifully.
4. Macaroni Salad: A creamy pasta salad offers a delightful combination when served alongside these crispy bites.
5. Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans complement the richness of the potatoes nicely, making for a hearty meal.
6. Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw provides texture and freshness, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making air fryer mashed potato balls, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not Using Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Fresh mashed potatoes can be too wet. Use leftover mashed potatoes for the best texture.
• Skipping the Cheese Center: Forgetting the cheese can lead to dry potato balls. Make sure to add a cheese cube for that creamy surprise.
• Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Placing too many balls in the basket can prevent them from cooking evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Underseasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper can lead to bland flavors. Taste your mixture and adjust seasoning before forming balls.
• Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking too long can make the cheese ooze out or burn. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store air fryer mashed potato balls in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

• Place cooled potato balls in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may result in less crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil, turning occasionally until warmed and crisped.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

Air fryer mashed potato balls are delicious bites made from leftover mashed potatoes mixed with flavorful ingredients, then air-fried for a crispy texture.

How long do Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls take to cook?

They typically take around 7 minutes total in the air fryer, with shaking halfway through for even cooking.

Can I customize my Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

Absolutely! You can add different cheeses, herbs, or spices based on your preference. Feel free to get creative!

Are Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls healthy?

Using an air fryer reduces oil compared to traditional frying methods, making these potato balls a healthier snack option.

What dipping sauces go well with Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

Ranch dressing, sour cream, or spicy ketchup complement these bites perfectly!

Conclusion

Air fryer mashed potato balls are an exciting way to enjoy leftovers while offering versatility in flavors and ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a party or just snacking at home, these golden bites are sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite ingredients!