There’s nothing better than Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls—crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and packed with flavor! These easy-to-make bites are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or a fun way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
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Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
- Crispy & Golden – Perfect crunch without deep frying.
- Cheesy & Creamy – Loaded with melty cheese inside.
- Great for Leftovers – A fun way to use up mashed potatoes.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in 15 minutes with minimal effort!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- ¼ cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- Cooking spray or olive oil
For Dipping (Optional):
- Sour cream
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy mayo
- Marinara sauce
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spoon or scoop
- Tongs
How to Make Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture
- In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheese, bacon, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Scoop out 1 ½-inch portions and roll into balls.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Place flour in one bowl.
- Beat eggs in a second bowl.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs and paprika in a third bowl.
Step 3: Coat the Potato Balls
- Roll each mashed potato ball in flour, then dip into egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Repeat until all balls are coated.
Step 4: Air Fry the Potato Balls
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange potato balls in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- As a Party Appetizer – Serve with multiple dipping sauces.
- As a Side Dish – Pair with burgers, grilled meats, or salads.
- As a Fun Snack – Perfect for game nights or movie nights!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
- Use Cold Mashed Potatoes – They hold their shape better.
- Double-Coat for Extra Crunch – Dip twice in egg and breadcrumbs for an ultra-crispy crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer – Cook in batches if needed for even crispiness.
- For Extra Flavor – Add chopped jalapeños, parmesan, or ranch seasoning.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until hot and crispy.
- Freeze: Freeze uncooked potato balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Air fry from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes! Just make sure they’re thick and cooled before rolling.
Q2: Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q3: Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
Crispy, Cheesy, and Absolutely Irresistible!
These Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls are the perfect crispy snack or side dish, packed with flavor and easy to make. Whether you’re using up leftovers or making them fresh, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 of 6 Servings)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
Enjoy every crispy, cheesy, and creamy bite of these Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls!
Print
Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Description
There’s nothing better than Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls—crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and packed with flavor! These easy-to-make bites are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or a fun way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- ¼ cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- Cooking spray or olive oil
For Dipping (Optional):
- Sour cream
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy mayo
- Marinara sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture
- In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheese, bacon, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Scoop out 1 ½-inch portions and roll into balls.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Place flour in one bowl.
- Beat eggs in a second bowl.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs and paprika in a third bowl.
Step 3: Coat the Potato Balls
- Roll each mashed potato ball in flour, then dip into egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Repeat until all balls are coated.
Step 4: Air Fry the Potato Balls
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange potato balls in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Cold Mashed Potatoes – They hold their shape better.
- Double-Coat for Extra Crunch – Dip twice in egg and breadcrumbs for an ultra-crispy crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer – Cook in batches if needed for even crispiness.
- For Extra Flavor – Add chopped jalapeños, parmesan, or ranch seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Cuisine: American
