Imagine biting into a golden, crispy ball that bursts with cheesy, buttery mashed potatoes. The Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are the ultimate comfort food, transforming leftover mashed potatoes into a delightful snack or side dish. sweet potato skillet recipe As they crisp up in the air fryer, the aroma fills your kitchen, making it nearly impossible to resist sneaking one (or three) before serving. baked chicken with fresh flavors.
These little spheres of joy are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting friends for game night or simply craving a tasty treat on a quiet evening. Trust me; once you’ve tasted these cheesy wonders, you’ll want to make them again and again. For more inspiration, check out this no-bake lemon icebox pie recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are simple to prepare and come together quickly
- Their rich flavor and gooey cheese create a delightful experience in every bite
- The golden exterior makes them visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, side dish, or even a midnight snack
I remember the first time I made these; my family was blown away! They couldn’t believe something so delicious came from leftover mashed potatoes.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Mashed Potatoes: Use creamy leftovers or whip up a fresh batch for the base of these tasty balls.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar works wonders here, but feel free to mix in your favorites like mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch; you can also use regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand.
- Eggs: These help bind everything together and create that perfect texture that holds up during frying.
- Green Onions: Chopped finely for a pop of color and flavor; they add freshness to each bite. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and set them out on the counter. This makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Mix it Up: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, eggs, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Scoop and Shape: Using your hands or a scoop, form small balls from the mixture—about 1-2 inches in diameter works perfectly.
Bread those Balls!: Roll each potato ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated. This gives them that irresistible crispy texture when air-fried.
Air Fry Time!: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the potato balls in the basket in a single layer without overcrowding them. Cook for about 12-15 minutes until they’re golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy!: Once done, remove them carefully from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. These cheesy delights are best enjoyed warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
Now that you know how to whip up these delectable Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls, get ready for some serious munching! From family dinners to late-night snacks or parties that need an extra kick of flavor, these cheesy bites will steal the show every time. Air fryer calzones for dinner.
You Must Know
- Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are a game-changer
- They transform leftovers into crispy, cheesy nuggets that make great snacks or sides
- The golden crunch paired with gooey cheese creates an irresistible treat that will have everyone coming back for more
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your potatoes until fork-tender, then mash them while they’re still warm. Form the mixture into balls and freeze them briefly before air frying for that golden crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cheddar for your favorite cheese or mix in herbs and spices like garlic powder or chives to personalize the flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. comforting potato soup Reheat in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 350°F to restore their crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To get the best texture, ensure your mashed potatoes are not too wet; this helps maintain shape
- Freezing before cooking solidifies them perfectly, preventing them from falling apart during frying
- If you want extra crunch, add breadcrumbs before air frying!
Sharing my first attempt at these cheesy delights was unforgettable. My friends devoured them so quickly that they nearly disappeared before I could snap a photo!
FAQ
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
You can use instant mashed potatoes, but homemade gives better flavor and texture.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or garlic aioli are fantastic choices for dipping.
How do I make these vegan-friendly?
Substitute dairy cheese with plant-based cheese and use non-dairy milk in the mash.
Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls, where leftover mashed potatoes transform into crispy, cheesy bites of joy. These golden spheres are perfect for game nights, late-night snacks, or any occasion that calls for a delicious treat. With their gooey cheese center and crunchy exterior, they are sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients on your counter for easy access.
- In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, green onions, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Using your hands or a scoop, shape the mixture into balls about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated for extra crunch.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the potato balls in the basket without overcrowding them.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball (approximately 30g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or herbs like chives to the mixture. You can use different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist. If you have leftover potato balls, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
1 thought on “Irresistible Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe”