These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with gooey, cheesy goodness! Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Enjoy them at parties, game nights, or family dinners—they’re sure to please everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip these up in no time.
- Versatile Snack: Serve them as appetizers, side dishes, or even snacks for movie night.
- Cheesy Goodness: Each bite is packed with ooey-gooey cheese that melts in your mouth.
- Healthy Frying: Using an air fryer means less oil while still achieving that crispy texture.
- Great for Leftovers: Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into something exciting and new.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather these essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or ice cream scoop for shaping
Importance of Each Tool
- Air fryer: This tool ensures even cooking and creates a crispy exterior without excessive oil.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps easily combine all ingredients without mess.
- Spoon or ice cream scoop: For uniformity in size when shaping the potato balls.
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Potato Mixture
- 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
For the Coating
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil
How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 2: Shape the Balls
- Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture.
- Roll each portion into a ball shape with your hands.
Step 3: Coat the Balls
- Roll each potato ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Air Frying
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Spray the potato balls lightly with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t touching.
- Cook for about 12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Once done, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls!
How to Serve Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just snacking at home, these cheesy delights will surely impress your guests.
As an Appetizer
- Serve them warm with a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch for added flavor.
With a Salad
- Pair the potato balls with a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal that’s both filling and nutritious.
As a Snack
- Enjoy them on their own as a quick snack during movie night or game day.
At a Party
- Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving at gatherings or celebrations.
With Dips
- Experiment with various dips such as spicy aioli, honey mustard, or even guacamole for a fun twist.
How to Perfect Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Creating the perfect Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls takes a little know-how. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.
Use cold mashed potatoes: Chilling your mashed potatoes helps them hold their shape better during frying.
Don’t skimp on cheese: Adding enough cheese is key to achieving that gooey texture inside the balls.
Form uniform balls: Aim for similar sizes when shaping your potato balls; this ensures even cooking throughout.
Preheat your air fryer: A preheated air fryer will help achieve that crispy exterior more quickly.
Spray lightly with oil: A quick spritz of cooking spray enhances crispiness without adding too much fat.
Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls pair well with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds a crunchy texture and rich flavor, perfect alongside the creamy potato balls.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the cheesy bites.
Vegetable Stir-Fry: Colorful stir-fried vegetables offer nutrients and vibrancy, making your plate more appealing.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs excellently with savory flavors and is easy to prepare alongside the potato balls.
Macaroni Salad: This creamy side dish adds comfort and complements the cheesy goodness of the main dish.
Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans provide a hearty contrast that works well with cheesy mashed potato balls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Using warm mashed potatoes: Warm mashed potatoes can make it hard for the balls to hold together. Always use chilled and firm mashed potatoes for best results.
- Overloading on cheese: While cheese is delicious, adding too much can make the mixture too gooey. Stick to the recommended amounts for a perfect balance.
- Not seasoning enough: Failing to season the mixture adequately can result in bland bites. Taste the mixture before frying and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Skipping the egg: The beaten egg helps bind the ingredients together. Don’t skip this step or your balls may fall apart while cooking.
- Crowding the air fryer basket: Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure there is space for air circulation; cook in batches if necessary.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
- Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
- They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat for about 30 seconds at a time until warm, but be aware this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes, making it efficient and tasty.
How do I make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Can I customize the cheese used in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for unique flavors.
How long do Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls take to cook?
They typically take around 12 minutes in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown and crispy.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, making them suitable for any occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite cheeses or add herbs and spices for an extra kick. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are a delightful fusion of crispy texture and gooey cheese that make for an irresistible snack, appetizer, or side dish. With a golden-brown exterior and a soft, cheesy interior, these tasty bites are perfect for any gathering—be it game night, family dinners, or parties. They’re also an excellent way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes into something exciting and delicious. Whip them up quickly with just a few simple ingredients and enjoy their satisfying flavor that will please both kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups chilled mashed potatoes
- 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)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine chilled mashed potatoes, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into uniform balls using a spoon or ice cream scoop.
- Roll the balls in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Lightly spray the potato balls with cooking spray.
- Place the balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for approximately 12 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
