There’s something so comforting about mashed potatoes, but have you ever thought about taking them to the next level? Enter Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls—crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and incredibly easy to make. These little bites of joy are perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes, turning them into a crispy, golden delight. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.
I remember the first time I made these—leftover mashed potatoes from a holiday dinner were sitting in my fridge, and I wanted to do something fun with them. Instead of reheating them the usual way, I mixed in some cheese, rolled them into balls, and popped them in the air fryer. The result? A crispy, golden crust giving way to a creamy, cheesy center. Now, these are a staple in my kitchen whenever I have leftover mashed potatoes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Golden – Thanks to the air fryer, these mashed potato balls get perfectly crisp without deep frying.
- Cheesy & Gooey – The melted cheese in the center makes every bite irresistibly delicious.
- Great for Leftovers – A fun and creative way to use up extra mashed potatoes.
- Quick & Easy – With just a few simple steps, these come together in no time.
- Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters love these crispy, cheesy bites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture
If your mashed potatoes have been sitting in the fridge, let them come to room temperature for a few minutes. This will make them easier to mix and shape. In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 2: Shape the Potato Balls
Scoop out about a tablespoon of the potato mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to firm up before rolling. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
Step 3: Coat the Potato Balls
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- Flour in the first bowl.
- Beaten eggs in the second bowl.
- Breadcrumbs in the third bowl.
Roll each potato ball in the flour, dip it into the beaten egg, and then coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs. This triple-layer coating ensures a crispy exterior once air-fried.
Step 4: Air Fry the Potato Balls
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the potato balls in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch so they crisp up evenly. Spray the tops with a little more cooking spray.
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the potato balls are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Remove the potato balls from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, marinara, or sour cream all work wonderfully. Enjoy them warm while the cheese is still gooey inside!
Helpful Tips
- Use Cold Mashed Potatoes – They hold their shape better and make rolling easier. If your potatoes are too soft, chill them in the fridge before shaping.
- Don’t Skip the Breading – The flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating creates that crispy, golden crust that makes these so delicious.
- Customize Your Cheese – Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even gouda for a different flavor twist.
- Work in Batches – Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Make Them Ahead – You can prep these in advance and freeze them before air frying for a quick snack anytime.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 15-18 potato balls
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Make them gluten-free – Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make these potato balls suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- For extra crispiness – Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They create a lighter, crunchier coating that enhances the texture.
- Adjust the seasoning – Feel free to customize the flavors by adding paprika, cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, or even some dried herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Use a cheese cube for a gooey center – Instead of mixing shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes, try inserting a small cheese cube inside each ball before rolling. This creates a melty, cheesy core!
- Double batch for meal prep – These freeze exceptionally well. Make extra and store them in the freezer for a quick snack or appetizer anytime.
- Best served fresh – While you can store leftovers, these potato balls are at their crispiest and most delicious right out of the air fryer!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover potato balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
- Freeze: Place the uncooked, breaded potato balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Cook straight from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the air fryer time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.
Can I use different breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! Panko breadcrumbs will give you an extra crispy texture, while regular breadcrumbs create a more even coating.
What’s the best dipping sauce for these?
Ranch dressing, sour cream with chives, marinara sauce, or even a spicy aioli all pair beautifully with these crispy potato balls.
Can I add extra fillings?
Definitely! Try mixing in crumbled beef sausage, finely chopped turkey ham, or some green onions for extra flavor.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other crispy, cheesy delights:
- Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
- Marry Me Chicken Meatballs: A Comforting and Romantic Dish for Every Occasion
- French Onion Meatballs: A Comforting Classic with a Twist
- Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs
Conclusion
Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and comforting. Whether you’re looking for a creative way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or just want a delicious snack, these little bites are sure to impress. With their crunchy exterior and gooey, cheesy center, they’re a hit at parties, family gatherings, or even as a fun weeknight treat. Try them out and let me know how they turn out—I bet they’ll become a favorite in your home too!
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Crispy Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Description
There’s something so comforting about mashed potatoes, but have you ever thought about taking them to the next level? Enter Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls—crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and incredibly easy to make. These little bites of joy are perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes, turning them into a crispy, golden delight. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.
I remember the first time I made these—leftover mashed potatoes from a holiday dinner were sitting in my fridge, and I wanted to do something fun with them. Instead of reheating them the usual way, I mixed in some cheese, rolled them into balls, and popped them in the air fryer. The result? A crispy, golden crust giving way to a creamy, cheesy center. Now, these are a staple in my kitchen whenever I have leftover mashed potatoes!
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture
If your mashed potatoes have been sitting in the fridge, let them come to room temperature for a few minutes. This will make them easier to mix and shape. In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 2: Shape the Potato Balls
Scoop out about a tablespoon of the potato mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to firm up before rolling. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
Step 3: Coat the Potato Balls
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- Flour in the first bowl.
- Beaten eggs in the second bowl.
- Breadcrumbs in the third bowl.
Roll each potato ball in the flour, dip it into the beaten egg, and then coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs. This triple-layer coating ensures a crispy exterior once air-fried.
Step 4: Air Fry the Potato Balls
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the potato balls in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch so they crisp up evenly. Spray the tops with a little more cooking spray.
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the potato balls are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Remove the potato balls from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, marinara, or sour cream all work wonderfully. Enjoy them warm while the cheese is still gooey inside!
Notes
- Make them gluten-free – Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make these potato balls suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- For extra crispiness – Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They create a lighter, crunchier coating that enhances the texture.
- Adjust the seasoning – Feel free to customize the flavors by adding paprika, cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, or even some dried herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Use a cheese cube for a gooey center – Instead of mixing shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes, try inserting a small cheese cube inside each ball before rolling. This creates a melty, cheesy core!
- Double batch for meal prep – These freeze exceptionally well. Make extra and store them in the freezer for a quick snack or appetizer anytime.
- Best served fresh – While you can store leftovers, these potato balls are at their crispiest and most delicious right out of the air fryer!