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- 2 cups homemade mashed potatoes (smooth and creamy) - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunchiness) - 1 large egg, beaten - Salt and black pepper to taste - Cooking spray or oil for spraying You can add fun extras to the potato balls. Try cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor. Or, add herbs like parsley or chives for freshness. You can also mix in jalapeños for a spicy kick. Just remember to keep the balance so the potatoes shine through. While sharp cheddar and Parmesan work great, you can explore other cheeses. Gouda adds a rich and creamy taste. Mozzarella gives a great stretchy texture. For a bold flavor, consider using blue cheese. Each cheese brings its own twist to the dish, making it fun to experiment! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by getting a big mixing bowl. Add your creamy mashed potatoes. Then, mix in the sharp cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese. Next, toss in the finely chopped green onions. Don’t forget the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a sturdy spoon to blend everything well. You want a smooth and tasty mixture. This step is key to great flavor. Now, it’s time to shape the mixture. With clean hands, take about a tablespoon of the potato mix. Roll it into a tight ball. Make sure it holds its shape. Repeat this until you form about 12 to 15 balls. Place them on a plate as you go. This part is fun and easy! Next, set up a breading station. Use one shallow bowl for the beaten egg and another for the panko breadcrumbs. Take a potato ball, dip it in the egg, and coat it well. Then, roll it in the panko crumbs. Make sure it’s fully covered. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded balls in a single layer inside the basket. Give the tops a light spray of cooking oil for a crispy finish. Cook the potato balls for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip them halfway for even browning. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes. Enjoy them warm for the best taste! To get the best texture, use smooth and creamy mashed potatoes. I recommend making them fresh at home. Avoid using lumpy potatoes, as they won't bind well. Mixing in sharp cheddar cheese adds a great flavor and creaminess. The Parmesan cheese helps to create a nice crust when air frying. You want your mixture to be thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to be easy to roll. For even cooking, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) before adding the potato balls. This step ensures they cook evenly. Arrange the balls in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Flip the balls halfway through the cooking time to help all sides get crispy. A light spray of oil on top before cooking promotes browning. Serve your cheesy mashed potato balls warm for the best taste. Garnish with fresh green onions for color. Pair them with fun dipping sauces like zesty ranch or tangy marinara. You can also try spicy aioli for a kick! These sauces enhance the flavor and make your dish feel special. Pro Tips Perfect Potato Consistency: Make sure your mashed potatoes are smooth and creamy without any lumps to ensure the balls hold together well. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist. Crispiness Factor: For extra crunch, double-dip the potato balls in egg and breadcrumbs before air frying. Serving Suggestions: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like sour cream, spicy ketchup, or a creamy garlic dip to enhance the flavor experience. {{image_4}} You can switch up the flavors by using different cheeses. For a creamier texture, try adding cream cheese. If you love a tangy taste, go for feta or goat cheese. You could even mix in some mozzarella for extra gooeyness. These swaps can make your cheesy mashed potato balls even more delightful! Adding veggies boosts nutrition and flavor. Finely chopped spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers can be great choices. Mix in about 1/2 cup of your favorite cooked veggies. This not only adds color but also makes your dish more exciting. Plus, it’s a fun way to sneak in some greens! If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko. There are many tasty brands available. For a nutty flavor, you can also use crushed cornflakes. Just make sure to check the labels for any hidden gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy your cheesy mashed potato balls! To keep your cheesy mashed potato balls fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, they stay tasty and safe to eat later. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes. This method keeps them crispy outside and warm inside. You can also use a microwave, but they won't be as crunchy. If you want to save some for later, freeze the potato balls before cooking them. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, put them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, no need to thaw. Just air fry them straight from the freezer for about 15-18 minutes. Yes, you can use store-bought mashed potatoes. They save time and effort. Look for a brand with smooth texture and good flavor. Just make sure they have no added ingredients that might change the taste. You want to keep it simple and cheesy! The best temperature for cooking these potato balls is 375°F (190°C). This heat ensures they cook evenly and get crispy outside. Preheating the air fryer for about 5 minutes helps achieve this perfect texture. You will know the potato balls are done when they turn golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even crispness. If they look golden, it’s time to take them out! Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Shape the potato balls and keep them in the fridge for a few hours. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure to freeze them before cooking. When ready, cook them straight from the freezer! This blog covered all you need for making potato balls. I shared key ingredients, so you can customize them. I provided steps for preparing, shaping, and cooking the balls. You now have tips for perfect texture and even cooking. Plus, I included storage tips for leftovers and FAQs for quick answers. Remember, you can always adjust the recipe to fit your taste. Enjoy your cooking journey with these tasty potato balls!

Crispy Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

Deliciously crispy and cheesy mashed potato balls made in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups homemade mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup finely chopped green onions
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • as needed cooking spray or oil

Instructions
 

  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your creamy mashed potatoes with the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, and finely chopped green onions.
  • Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
  • With clean hands, take a generous tablespoon of the potato mixture and roll it into a tight ball. Repeat this step until you've shaped approximately 12-15 balls from the entire mixture.
  • To prepare for breading, create a breading station: place the beaten egg in one shallow bowl and the panko breadcrumbs in another.
  • Take each potato ball and dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until it's completely covered.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to get it nice and hot.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • Arrange the breaded potato balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch. Give the tops a light spray of cooking spray to aid browning.
  • Air fry the potato balls for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even crispness.
  • Once cooked, carefully remove the potato balls from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes to cool before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch or marinara.
Keyword air fryer, cheese, mashed potatoes, snack