Transform your leftover air fryer mashed potato balls into crispy, cheesy bites with this air fryer hack!
Just mix 2 cups of mashed potatoes with cheese and an egg, roll into balls and chill for 20 minutes, then coat in panko breadcrumbs.
Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
They’re perfectly crispy outside, creamy inside. No deep frying needed!
Add bacon bits or green onions for extra flavor.
Stick around to discover a secret for making these irresistible bites even more addictive.
Ingredients
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- Leftover mashed potatoes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Egg
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Green onions (optional)
- Bacon bits (optional)
- Ranch seasoning (optional)
- Non-stick spray
- For a refreshing side dish, try pairing these with a colorful lentil salad that adds vibrant flavors to your meal.
Recommended Tools
Whipping up these delicious Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls is so much easier when you have the right kitchen tools on hand. From mixing the ingredients to getting that perfect crispy exterior, these essential items will help you create snack perfection with minimal fuss and cleanup.
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- Air Fryer:
The star of the show that gives these potato balls their crispy exterior without deep frying.
- Mixing Bowl:
Essential for combining your mashed potatoes, cheese and egg into a uniform mixture.
- Cookie Scoop:
Makes forming uniform 1.5-inch potato balls quick and consistent for even cooking.
- Baking Sheet:
Perfect for holding your potato balls while they chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Shallow Bowl:
Ideal for holding the panko breadcrumbs when coating your chilled potato balls.
- Non-stick Cooking Spray:
Ensures your potato balls don’t stick to the air fryer basket and helps them get golden brown all over.
- Air Fryer:
These tools make it easier to replicate the irresistible texture of fries that you would get from a traditional deep fryer.
Instructions for air fryer mashed potato balls
Let’s turn those leftover mashed potatoes into something amazing! These crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside potato balls will blow your mind.
1. Grab 2 cups of your leftover mashed potatoes and mix them with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 large egg in a bowl. Stir until everything is well combined.
This is your moment to get creative—throw in some cooked bacon bits or a sprinkle of ranch seasoning if you’re feeling fancy!
2. Now for the fun part! Scoop up some of your potato mixture and roll it between your hands to form 1.5-inch balls.
If the mixture sticks to your hands, try wetting them slightly with cold water first.
3. Pop these little potato treasures in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
Trust me, this chilling step is crucial—it helps them hold their shape when cooking!
4. While you’re waiting, pour 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs into a shallow dish.
Once chilled, roll each potato ball in the breadcrumbs until they’re completely coated. Give them a gentle press to make sure the crumbs stick.
5. Spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray (don’t skip this step unless you enjoy scrubbing later!).
Arrange your potato balls in a single layer—don’t crowd them or they won’t crisp up properly!
6. Air fry these babies at 375°F for 10 minutes.
Halfway through cooking, open the air fryer and flip them over to ensure even browning. You’re looking for that perfect golden-brown exterior!
7. When they’re done, transfer your potato balls to a serving plate and sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce—sour cream, ketchup, or ranch all work wonderfully!
Is your mixture too soft to shape? No worries! Just chill the entire bowl for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
And remember, if you need a gluten-free option, simply swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs instead!
Pro Tips
For perfectly crispy potato balls, freeze them for 15 minutes instead of refrigerating for 20 minutes – the extra chill helps them maintain their shape while creating a more dramatic temperature difference that yields an extra-crunchy exterior when air fried.
Substitutions & Variations
These delicious potato balls can be customized with various ingredients to create new flavor profiles that suit any preference or dietary need.
- Italian Style: Replace cheddar cheese with mozzarella and add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning to the potato mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
- Loaded Baked Potato: Mix in 2 tablespoons of sour cream, 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits and 2 tablespoons of chopped chives to mimic the flavors of a classic loaded baked potato.
- Spicy Southwest: Add 1/4 cup diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar and incorporate 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning for a kick of heat.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute regular panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free corn flakes to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based mashed potatoes, replace the egg with 2 tablespoons of flax meal mixed with water and use dairy-free cheese to create a completely vegan treat.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
After experimenting with various flavor combinations for your air fryer potato balls, you’ll want to know how to properly store any extras you might have.
I’ve found these little gems stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Want to keep them longer? Freeze them before cooking! Just pop frozen balls straight into your air fryer and add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Tonight’s Party Appetizer
Air Fryer Loaded Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Crispy on the outside, cheesy and fluffy on the inside - these air fryer mashed potato balls make a perfect appetizer.
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Green onions (optional)
- Cooked bacon bits (optional)
- Ranch seasoning (optional)
- Mix mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, and egg until combined.
- Form mixture into 1.5-inch balls.
- Chill balls in refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Roll balls in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Spray air fryer basket with non-stick spray and place balls in a single layer.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Garnish with green onions or chives; serve with dipping sauce.
