Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are the ultimate comfort food, combining the creaminess of mashed potatoes with the irresistible crunch of breadcrumbs and gooey melted cheese. These crispy little bites are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor, making them perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish for any meal. The air fryer ensures that they turn out golden and crispy without all the excess oil, so you can enjoy these cheesy delights in a healthier way.

The best part about these mashed potato balls is their versatility. You can make them with leftover mashed potatoes, and they’re a great way to use up extra mashed potatoes from dinner. Stuffed with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, these cheesy mashed potato balls are a delightful bite of comfort. Serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or sour cream for the perfect snack or appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy and Crunchy on the Outside

The air fryer creates a beautifully crispy outer layer, making every bite satisfying and crunchy.

2. Cheesy and Creamy on the Inside

With a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, each ball is a cheesy, creamy delight that melts in your mouth.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

Using leftover mashed potatoes, this recipe is quick and simple to prepare, making it a perfect option when you’re in a time crunch.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

These cheesy mashed potato balls store well and can be made ahead, making them an ideal meal prep or make-ahead snack.

5. Healthier Than Traditional Fried Balls

The air fryer provides a crisp finish without the need for deep frying, making these balls a healthier alternative to traditional fried potato bites.

Ingredients

Chilled and firm mashed potatoes (2 cups)
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (1 cup)
Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup)
Egg (1, beaten)
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon)
Onion powder (½ teaspoon)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Breadcrumbs (1 cup, panko or regular)
Cooking spray or olive oil (for spraying)

Variations

Cheese Variations: You can use any cheese you prefer, like gouda, cheddar, or pepper jack, for a different flavor twist.
Herb Flavor: Add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives into the mashed potato mixture for extra freshness.
Spicy Version: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mashed potatoes for a spicy kick.
Meat Version: For a heartier version, mix in some cooked bacon bits or ground sausage into the mashed potato mixture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Start by making your mashed potatoes, ensuring they are chilled and firm. If you are using leftovers, make sure the potatoes are well-mashed and not too creamy or runny.

Step 2: Make the Potato Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Form the Potato Balls

Take small portions of the mashed potato mixture and roll them into balls, about the size of a golf ball or smaller if preferred. This should yield about 12-15 balls, depending on the size you make them.

Step 4: Coat the Potato Balls

Roll each potato ball in breadcrumbs (either panko or regular) until fully coated. This gives them a nice crispy exterior when cooked.

Step 5: Air Fry the Potato Balls

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the potato balls with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil. Arrange the potato balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potato balls are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheesy mashed potato balls are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, marinara, or sour cream.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Mashed Potatoes: Ensure the mashed potatoes are chilled before forming the balls, as this will help the mixture hold together better.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Arrange the potato balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy all around.
Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the potato mixture before forming the balls and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your taste.
Use Panko Breadcrumbs for Extra Crispiness: Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs, so they are ideal for this recipe.

How to Serve

These cheesy mashed potato balls make a fantastic appetizer, snack, or side dish. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch dressing, marinara sauce, sour cream, or a spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor. They’re also a great addition to a brunch or party spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheesy mashed potato balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Freezing

You can freeze the mashed potato balls before cooking. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, you can air fry them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, place the leftover mashed potato balls in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, as long as the mashed potatoes are firm and not too creamy, they will work perfectly for this recipe.

2. Can I bake these instead of air frying them?

Yes, you can bake the potato balls in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mashed potato balls ahead of time, refrigerate them, and air fry them just before serving.

4. Can I freeze mashed potato balls before frying?

Yes, you can freeze the formed mashed potato balls before frying. Just freeze them on a baking sheet, then store them in a freezer-safe container until you’re ready to air fry.

5. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! You can use any type of cheese you like, such as gouda, cheddar, or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.

6. How do I keep the mashed potato balls from falling apart?

Ensure the mashed potatoes are firm and chilled before forming the balls. The egg helps bind everything together, and the breadcrumbs give them stability when frying.

7. Can I use breadcrumbs other than panko?

Yes, regular breadcrumbs will work, but panko breadcrumbs give the potato balls a crunchier exterior.

8. Can I use an oil sprayer instead of olive oil?

Yes, an oil sprayer works perfectly to lightly coat the potato balls before air frying.

9. How do I make the potato balls spicier?

Add some chopped jalapeños, chili flakes, or a bit of cayenne pepper to the mashed potatoes to give them a spicy kick.

10. How can I make these vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can skip adding bacon or other meat and still enjoy the cheesy goodness.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are a perfect balance of creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheese, and a crunchy exterior. They’re easy to make, healthier than traditional fried versions, and perfect for any occasion. Whether as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, these cheesy mashed potato balls will be a hit. Try them today and enjoy a delicious, satisfying treat with minimal effort!