Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crunchy shell, only to discover soft, fluffy mashed potatoes and gooey, melty cheese waiting inside. Sounds delicious, right? That’s exactly what you’ll experience with these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls. This delightful dish transforms leftover mashed potatoes into a comfort food masterpiece that’s not only quick and easy to prepare but also serves as an irresistible appetizer, snack, or side dish. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, looking for a savory treat, or simply wanting to spice up your weeknight dinners, these cheesy bites are sure to satisfy.
The appeal of Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls lies in their incredible simplicity and versatility. They come together with just a few ingredients, making them an ideal choice for busy schedules. Plus, the air fryer gives them that enviable crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. With the added benefits of being kid-friendly and adaptable to different flavors, they are a hit with everyone at the table. You can even customize the cheese or add extra ingredients for a fun twist!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
- Quick & Easy: These cheesy balls are ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for a last-minute snack or meal.
- Perfectly Crispy: Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll achieve a golden, crunchy shell with minimal oil, so you can enjoy this indulgent treat guilt-free.
- Cheesy Center: Each bite boasts a delightful surprise of melty cheese, creating a satisfying contrast to the crunchy outer layer.
- Great for Leftovers: A creative way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, these balls are a smart way to reduce waste in the kitchen.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the deliciousness of making Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls, it’s essential to prep your space and gather your tools. Start by ensuring your kitchen is clean and organized, allowing you to work efficiently. You’ll need mixing bowls to combine your ingredients, a spoon or cookie scoop to shape the potato balls, and a whisk or fork to beat the egg for coating. An air fryer is a must-have for this recipe, as it not only cooks the balls rapidly but also ensures that they come out crispy and perfectly cooked.
In addition to the tools, selecting a good-quality air fryer will make a difference in the final product. Choose one that has a spacious basket, allowing you to arrange the potato balls in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Prepare your ingredients beforehand by measuring your mashed potatoes, cheeses, and seasonings, as this will streamline the process and allow you to focus on creating these tasty bites.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
To kick off this scrumptious recipe, take a large mixing bowl and combine the chilled mashed potatoes with the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Using a fork or whisk, mix everything together until the filling reaches a smooth and cohesive consistency. This blend of flavors is key to ensuring that each cheesy potato ball delivers a burst of taste.
Step 2: Shape the Balls
Once your filling is ready, it’s time to form the potato balls. You can either use your hands or a cookie scoop to create evenly sized portions of about 1.5 inches. If the mixture feels too sticky to handle, pop it in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to chill. This will make the shaping process a breeze, allowing you to create perfectly round balls that hold their shape while cooking.
Step 3: Coat the Balls
Now comes the delicious part—coating the balls! First, take each freshly shaped potato ball and dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring a nice even layer. Then, roll it in breadcrumbs until it is fully coated. It’s essential to press gently so that the breadcrumbs adhere well, giving the balls that satisfying crunch once they’re cooked. This step not only enhances the texture but also adds an extra layer of flavor.
Step 4: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), allowing it to reach the optimal temperature for cooking. Once heated, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated potato balls in a single layer, ensuring there is ample space between each one for even cooking. Air fry the potato balls for approximately 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, just waiting to be devoured.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Once the potato balls are out of the air fryer, they’re best served immediately for maximum crispiness. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, marinara, or sour cream for an extra burst of flavor. Your guests (and your family!) will love these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls, making them a popular choice for gatherings and casual meals alike.
Variations
- Protein: For an added protein boost, try mixing in some cooked, crumbled bacon or shredded chicken into the filling.
- Vegetables: Add finely chopped green onions, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as paprika, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your mashed potatoes are well-chilled to help hold the shape of the balls during cooking.
- If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to swap the mozzarella and Parmesan for your favorite combination.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like spicy aioli, ketchup, or even guacamole for a fun twist!
- Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- After shaping the balls, refrigerate them for about 15 minutes to help them firm up and maintain their shape while cooking.
- For extra crispiness, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 240 calories per serving (based on 4 servings)
- Protein: 10 grams
- Sodium: 400 milligrams
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
While instant mashed potatoes can be used, homemade mashed potatoes yield the best flavor and texture for these cheesy balls.
Can I freeze the potato balls before cooking?
Yes! You can freeze the un-cooked potato balls. Just place them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What dipping sauces pair well with the potato balls?
Ranch dressing, marinara sauce, sour cream, or spicy aioli are excellent options that enhance the flavors of the cheesy potato balls.
Are these potato balls gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Be sure to check the labels for any hidden gluten-based ingredients.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are the ultimate comfort food that brings joy and warmth to any table. With their crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy center, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Ideal for using up leftover mashed potatoes, these bite-sized delights are not only easy to make but also allow for endless variations to suit your taste. Share your take on this recipe, try different dipping sauces, or even switch up fillings to create your own unique version. Encourage your friends and family to join in the fun of making these deliciously cheesy bites. Don’t forget to comment below with your thoughts or any modifications you made. Happy cooking!
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Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are a delightful snack made with fluffy mashed potatoes and melty cheese, perfectly crispy on the outside.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- To kick off this scrumptious recipe, take a large mixing bowl and combine the chilled mashed potatoes with the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Using a fork or whisk, mix everything together until the filling reaches a smooth and cohesive consistency.
- Once your filling is ready, it’s time to form the potato balls. You can either use your hands or a cookie scoop to create evenly sized portions of about 1.5 inches. Chill if too sticky.
- Take each freshly shaped potato ball and dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring a nice even layer. Then, roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated potato balls in a single layer, air fry for approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Once the potato balls are out of the air fryer, serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
Refrigerate the shaped balls for about 15 minutes to help them firm up before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Protein: 10 g