Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe
If there’s a snack that feels like a cozy hug and tastes like cheesy heaven, it’s Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls. Imagine golden, crispy bites with a soft, melty center—each one packed with comforting flavors and a delightful crunch. This irresistible recipe turns simple, everyday ingredients into a party-worthy appetizer or the ultimate anytime snack. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family movie night or looking to use up leftover mashed potatoes, these cheesy potato balls always deliver a crowd-pleasing punch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls is in their simplicity, yet each ingredient sings in both flavor and texture. Gather these pantry favorites and you’re well on your way to crispy, cheesy perfection.
- Mashed potatoes (2 cups, chilled and firm): Using cold, firm mashed potatoes helps the balls hold their shape and stay creamy inside.
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melty cheese is the heart of these bites, adding gooeyness to every mouthful.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): A sprinkle of Parmesan deepens the flavor and brings a savory, nutty edge.
- Egg (1, beaten): Acts as a binder, ensuring all the goodness stays together while air frying.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle aromatic lift to the potato base.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts that cozy, homey depth that pairs so well with cheese and potatoes.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life—don’t skip the taste test!
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup, panko or regular): Creates that crisp, golden crust we all crave in every bite.
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil: Just a spritz helps the potato balls crisp up beautifully without deep frying.
How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start with well-chilled and firm mashed potatoes. If you’re using fresh mashed potatoes, let them cool completely in the fridge for at least an hour. This step is crucial—warm or soft potatoes won’t hold together as well and can cause your cheesy mashed potato balls to lose their shape during air frying.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, Parmesan, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy spatula to blend everything until well incorporated. This is when the magic happens—the mixture transforms into a cheesy, savory dough that’s ready for shaping.
Step 3: Form the Potato Balls
Scoop out about a tablespoon of the potato mixture and gently roll it between your palms to form a ball. You want them to be just large enough to be bite-sized but not so big that the centers won’t heat through. Continue rolling until you’ve used up all the mixture. If things get sticky, lightly oiling your hands can help!
Step 4: Coat the Potato Balls
Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl or plate. Now, take each potato ball and roll it gently in the crumbs so they get a perfectly even coating. This is what will give your Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls their signature crunch and golden color after air frying.
Step 5: Air Fry the Potato Balls
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the potato balls in a single layer inside the basket, making sure there’s a little space between each one for optimal crisping. Give them a light spray with cooking spray or a tiny drizzle of olive oil on top—it’s the trick for a perfectly crisp finish. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden with a crispy shell.
Step 6: Serve
Once out of the air fryer, let the Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls cool for a minute or two. They’ll be piping hot and the cheese inside will be irresistibly gooey. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, marinara, or even spicy sriracha mayo. Watch them disappear!
How to Serve Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Garnishes
Take your Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls over the top with some tasty finishing touches. Try a bright sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives for a fresh pop of green. A little extra grated Parmesan, or even a dusting of smoked paprika, adds flair and flavor. Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon if you like a hit of citrus brightness!
Side Dishes
These potato balls are incredibly versatile and can shine as a starter, snack, or even a side at dinner. Serve alongside a crisp garden salad, a bowl of tomato soup, or with other air-fried bites for the ultimate finger food platter. They also pair beautifully with roasted veggies or grilled meats if you want something heartier.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Thread a few balls on skewers for a fun party appetizer, or serve them in a little basket lined with parchment like a trendy bistro. For an extra special touch, stack them pyramid-style on a platter with lots of dipping sauces dotted around the edge—guaranteed to impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any potato balls left (which is rare!), simply let them cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll keep their shape nicely and are easy to grab for quick snacking or lunchboxes.
Freezing
Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls freeze surprisingly well. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months—perfect for last-minute appetizers or game day treats.
Reheating
For best results, pop the leftover or frozen potato balls right back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until hot and crispy. They reheat beautifully without getting soggy, unlike traditional frying. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that irresistible crunch!
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any melty cheese you love—gouda, provolone, or Monterey Jack would all add delicious flavor. Combining a couple of your favorites is always a win.
Can I make these potato balls gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the regular breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free variety. There are plenty of gluten-free panko and classic style breadcrumbs available at most stores, and the recipe will turn out just as crispy and tasty.
Do I have to use leftover mashed potatoes?
Not at all! You can make a fresh batch, but make sure to chill them so they’re firm before starting—this step ensures the Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls hold their shape while cooking.
How do I prevent the balls from falling apart?
Firm, cold mashed potatoes and a well-beaten egg as a binder are key. If your mixture feels too loose, stir in a little extra cheese or even a spoonful of flour or cornstarch to help firm things up.
What kind of dipping sauces go best with Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls?
You can’t go wrong with classic ranch or marinara, but honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or even barbecue sauce are all fantastic. Try a few and see which one you love most!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls for yourself—once you do, they’re sure to become a family favorite. They’re a joy to make, impossible to resist, and always the first thing gone at any gathering. Happy snacking!
Print
Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 20 potato balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are a delightful twist on classic mashed potatoes. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these savory bites are perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (chilled and firm)
For the Potato Balls:
- 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
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: If you don’t already have mashed potatoes, prepare them ahead of time and allow them to cool and firm up in the fridge.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Form the Potato Balls: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the potato mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used.
- Coat the Potato Balls: Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Gently roll each mashed potato ball in the breadcrumbs, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Air Fry the Potato Balls: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the potato balls with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil on top. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Let the potato balls cool for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or marinara.
Notes
- These potato balls can also be baked in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
- Experiment with different cheese blends for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato ball
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Air Fryer, Cheesy, Mashed Potatoes, Potato Balls, Snack, Appetizer
