Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting snack that’s sure to impress your family and friends, these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are just the ticket! They are crispy on the outside and ooey-gooey on the inside, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you whip them up for a busy weeknight dinner or serve them at a family gathering, they’re bound to be a hit.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity. You can easily use leftover mashed potatoes or whip up a fresh batch in no time. Plus, they’re so versatile that everyone will want to dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute snacks.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cheesy potato goodness! It’s an easy way to get kids excited about eating their vegetables.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these ahead of time and air fry them right before serving, saving you time during busy meals.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheese is simply irresistible!
• Crispy Texture: Air frying gives these potato balls a delightful crunch without all the oil.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create these delicious Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls. You’ll find everything you need right in your pantry!

• 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to play around with different flavors and ingredients to suit your taste.

• Add Some Veggies: Mix in cooked spinach or broccoli for an extra nutrient boost.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Lovers Unite: Try using a combination of cheeses like pepper jack for added flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh herbs like chives or parsley for an aromatic touch.

How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

If you don’t already have mashed potatoes ready, it’s best to make them ahead of time. Cooling them down in the fridge helps firm them up, which makes rolling into balls much easier!

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes with the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mixing everything well ensures every bite is packed with flavor!

Step 3: Form the Potato Balls

Now it’s time to get hands-on! Scoop out about one tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until you’ve used up all the mixture. Make sure your hands are slightly damp; it helps prevent sticking.

Step 4: Coat the Potato Balls

Take your breadcrumbs and pour them into a shallow dish. Gently roll each potato ball in the breadcrumbs until it’s nicely coated. This step adds that irresistible crunch we all love!

Step 5: Air Fry the Potato Balls

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over your potato balls to help achieve that golden-brown color. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket—don’t overcrowd! Cook for about 8-10 minutes until they are crispy outside.

Step 6: Serve

Once they’re done cooking, let those lovely potato balls cool for just a few minutes before serving. They pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauce—think ranch dressing or marinara sauce for that extra flavor punch!

Enjoy making these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls; they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

Making these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips up your sleeve!

• Use chilled mashed potatoes: Starting with chilled mashed potatoes helps the balls hold their shape better during frying, ensuring they don’t fall apart.

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Placing too many potato balls in the basket can lead to uneven cooking. Give each ball enough space to crisp up beautifully on all sides.

• Experiment with cheese: While mozzarella and cheddar are delicious, feel free to try other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor. Each cheese adds its unique twist!

• Double coat for extra crunch: For an even crispier texture, you can dip the potato balls in the beaten egg again after the first breadcrumb coating before rolling them in breadcrumbs again.

• Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to customize the spices according to your preference. Adding herbs like chives or parsley can enhance flavor and freshness.

How to Serve Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

These cheesy delights make for a fantastic appetizer or side dish, and how you present them can elevate your dining experience even more!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkle some chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
• Grated cheese: A light dusting of extra grated Parmesan over the warm potato balls enhances their cheesy goodness.
• Red pepper flakes: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a beautiful touch and provides a hint of heat for those who enjoy some spice.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the cheesy balls perfectly.

• Vegetable Sticks with Dipping Sauce: Crisp carrot and cucumber sticks served alongside hummus or ranch provide a crunchy contrast that pairs nicely with the soft textures of the potato balls.

• Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavors of garlic bread complement these cheesy bites beautifully and make for a hearty meal option.

• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings vibrant colors and wholesome flavors that nicely accompany these cheesy mashed potato treats.

Enjoy serving these delightful Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls at your next gathering or as a special treat at home!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store and manage your delicious creations:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow any leftover potato balls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They can be stored for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, arrange the potato balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
• Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls that might help you out!

Can I use other types of cheese in Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls?

Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar are fantastic options, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist.

How do I ensure my Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls stay crispy?

To keep your potato balls crispy, make sure they are well-coated with breadcrumbs before air frying. Spraying them lightly with cooking oil will also help achieve that golden-brown texture.

Can I prepare the mixture for Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to form the balls right before cooking for the best texture.

What dipping sauces go well with Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls?

These cheesy delights pair beautifully with various dipping sauces. Consider serving them with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even spicy aioli for an extra kick!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls! They’re not just easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or serving them as a side dish, they’re sure to please everyone at your table. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience – I’d love to hear how they turn out!