Enjoy Irresistible Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Today!

Get ready to experience the ultimate in crispy, cheesy deliciousness with these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls! Imagine perfectly seasoned mashed potatoes, loaded with melty mozzarella or cheddar, then coated in a crispy breadcrumb shell. These bite-sized treats are not only absolutely mouthwatering, but they’re also incredibly easy to make in your trusty air fryer. Say goodbye to heavy, oil-laden fried potato balls and hello to a healthier, crunchy alternative that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Table of Contents

Why Air Fry Mashed Potato Balls?

Air frying is the secret to achieving the ultimate crispiness without all the added fat and calories of traditional frying. By using hot circulating air, the air fryer cooks the potato balls to golden-brown perfection, resulting in a satisfyingly crunchy exterior and a soft, cheesy interior. Plus, it’s a breeze to use – simply pop the potato balls in the air fryer basket and let the machine work its magic. No messy deep-frying required!

The Irresistible Appeal of Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

What’s not to love about these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls? The combination of creamy, seasoned mashed potatoes and melted cheese is a surefire way to satisfy any comfort food craving. They make the perfect appetizer, side dish, or even a fun and unexpected main course. The best part? They’re completely customizable – you can switch up the cheese, add in your favorite herbs and spices, or even turn them into a meal by pairing them with a protein or salad.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 cups chilled and firm mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Cooking spray or a little olive oil

The key to these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls is using well-chilled and firm mashed potatoes. This helps the balls hold their shape and get that perfect crispy exterior when cooked in the air fryer. The combination of mozzarella or cheddar cheese, along with the Parmesan, adds a delightful cheesy richness that perfectly complements the seasoned potatoes.

For the coating, you can use either regular breadcrumbs or the crunchier panko variety. The breadcrumbs create a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potato filling. And don’t forget a spritz of cooking spray or a light drizzle of olive oil to help the breadcrumbs crisp up even more in the air fryer.

Preparing the Mashed Potato Mixture

To start, make sure your mashed potatoes are well-chilled and firm. If you’re using leftover mashed potatoes, be sure they’ve cooled completely in the refrigerator before proceeding. If you’re making fresh mashed potatoes, allow them to cool to room temperature before mixing everything together.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is well-combined.

Forming and Coating the Potato Balls

Once the potato mixture is ready, it’s time to start forming the balls. Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and gently roll it into a smooth, round ball. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture, creating 12-14 potato balls, depending on the size you prefer.

Next, it’s time to coat the potato balls in the breadcrumbs. Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish or plate. Gently roll each potato ball in the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat them evenly on all sides. This will give the balls a delightfully crunchy exterior when cooked in the air fryer.

Air Frying the Potato Balls

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Carefully place the breaded potato balls in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Lightly spray or drizzle the tops of the balls with a little more cooking spray or olive oil. Air fry the potato balls for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Keep a close eye on the potato balls during the air frying process, as cooking times may vary depending on the size and your specific air fryer model. The key is to achieve a delightful crunch on the outside while keeping the interior soft and cheesy.

Serving Suggestions

Once the Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. These versatile bites can be enjoyed as a tasty appetizer, a fun side dish, or even as a main course when paired with a fresh salad or your favorite protein.

For an extra flavor boost, serve the potato balls with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or a zesty marinara. They also pair beautifully with a crisp, cool beverage, making them the perfect snack or starter for any gathering.

Nutritional Information

These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are a healthier alternative to traditional fried potato bites, thanks to the air frying cooking method. Each serving (about 3 potato balls) contains approximately 250 calories, with a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats from the cheese and potatoes.

The air fryer cooking technique also helps to reduce the overall fat and calorie content compared to deep-frying, making these potato balls a more guilt-free indulgence. For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adjust the cheese or breadcrumbs to accommodate your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you cook mashed potato balls in the air fryer?

To cook mashed potato balls in the air fryer, first, form the chilled mashed potato mixture into balls. Then, coat the balls in breadcrumbs and place them in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the potato balls are golden brown and crispy.

How long do you cook cheese balls in the air fryer?

Cheese balls cooked in the air fryer typically take 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Be sure to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. Keep a close eye on the cheese balls to prevent overcooking and ensure they come out perfectly melty and crispy.

How long can you air fry mashed potatoes?

You can air fry mashed potatoes for about 10-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), depending on the quantity and thickness of the mashed potato layer. The key is to shake or flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping on all sides. Air fry until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

How long does it take to heat a baked potato in an air fryer?

Heating a baked potato in an air fryer typically takes 10-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The exact time will depend on the size of the potato and your specific air fryer model. Be sure to flip or rotate the potato halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating. The potato is ready when it’s piping hot and easily pierced with a fork.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Crispy Oven-Fried Potatoes and Onions
• Parmesan Potato Stacks
• Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Conclusion

Get ready to be the hit of any party or family gathering with these irresistible Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls! The combination of creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and a crispy, crunchy exterior is simply unbeatable. Plus, with the convenience of air frying, you can enjoy all the flavor without the guilt. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these delectable potato bites and get ready to wow your guests with your culinary skills. Air fryers have truly revolutionized the way we cook, and these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are just one delicious example of the endless possibilities.

For more snack ideas and kitchen inspiration, follow me on Pinterest.

Print