![- Leftover Mashed Potatoes: 2 cups - Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded sharp - Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated - Green Onions: 1/4 cup finely chopped - Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper - Bread Crumbs: 1 cup (panko recommended) - Egg: 1 large, beaten - Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: for brushing To make these air fryer cheesy mashed potato balls, you need simple ingredients. First, leftover mashed potatoes are key. They create a great base. Next, sharp cheddar cheese adds a creamy and rich flavor. Parmesan cheese gives a salty kick and depth. Don’t forget the green onions for a fresh taste. For seasonings, use garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These will enhance every bite. Panko bread crumbs work best for a crispy outside. The egg helps the breading stick to the balls. Finally, olive oil or cooking spray ensures they cook evenly and do not stick to the air fryer. This recipe is easy and full of flavors. The ingredients come together to make a delightful treat. You can view the Full Recipe for detailed steps on preparing these cheesy delights. - Combining Ingredients: Start by mixing the leftover mashed potatoes, cheeses, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Make sure everything blends well. This creates a creamy and flavorful base for your potato balls. - Forming the Balls: Once mixed, use clean hands to scoop and shape the mixture into balls. Aim for 1 to 2 inches in diameter. You should get about 12 to 15 balls from this mix. - Setting Up Breading Station: Next, set up your breading station. Place the beaten egg in one bowl and the bread crumbs in another. This makes breading easier and neater. - Dipping Process: Take each ball and dip it into the beaten egg first. Make sure it’s fully coated. Then roll it in the bread crumbs. Gently press the crumbs onto the ball so they stick well. - Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is key to getting a nice, crispy exterior. - Arranging the Balls: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the potato balls in a single layer, leaving space between them. This ensures even cooking. - Cooking Time: Air fry the balls for 10 to 12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to help them brown evenly. When they turn golden brown, they are ready to enjoy. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. For a crispy outer layer, choose panko over traditional bread crumbs. Panko gives a light and airy crunch. This texture makes each bite more enjoyable. Traditional bread crumbs can be denser. They may not provide that same delightful crunch. Even cooking is key to great potato balls. When you place them in the air fryer, space them out. Crowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking. Also, remember to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This helps ensure all sides get that perfect golden brown color. Adding extra seasonings can elevate your cheesy mashed potato balls. You might try herbs like parsley or chives. A pinch of smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor. Cayenne pepper can give it a spicy kick, too. When it comes to cheese, select varieties that melt well. Mozzarella is a fantastic option for extra gooeyness. Gouda offers a rich and creamy taste. Mixing different cheeses can create a flavor explosion. Just be sure to balance stronger flavors with the milder ones. For even more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for more tips on customizing your dish! {{image_4}} Gluten-Free Options: To make these cheesy mashed potato balls gluten-free, swap regular bread crumbs for gluten-free options. You can use crushed rice cereal or almond flour. Both provide a nice crunch without gluten. Just remember to check labels to avoid hidden gluten. Vegan Alternatives: If you're looking for vegan options, replace the cheese with dairy-free cheese. You can also use a flax egg instead of a real egg. Simply mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This will bind your potato balls just like an egg. Additional Ingredients: Want to spice things up? Try adding crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor. You could also mix in diced jalapeños for a kick of heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can really brighten up the taste too. Just be sure to chop them finely so they blend well. Sauce Pairings: Dipping sauces can elevate your potato balls. A creamy ranch or tangy buffalo sauce works great. You might also love a zesty garlic aioli. Each sauce adds a unique twist that complements the cheesy goodness of the balls. For more delicious ideas, check out the Full Recipe for Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls. To keep your cheesy mashed potato balls fresh, store them properly. For refrigeration, place the cooled potato balls in an airtight container. They stay good for about 3 to 5 days. When reheating, make sure to warm them gently to keep that crispy outside. For freezing, follow these steps: - Cool Completely: Let the potato balls cool down to room temperature. - Arrange on a Tray: Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. - Freeze: Freeze the tray for a couple of hours until the balls are solid. - Transfer to Bags: Move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you have two great options: the oven or the air fryer. Both methods help maintain the crispiness. - Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the potato balls on it. Heat for 10 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through. - Air Fryer: This method is quicker. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Air fry the potato balls for about 5 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway for even heating. Quick Reheat Tips: - For either method, check that the center is hot. - Avoid overcooking to keep them crispy. Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftover? Yes, you can use fresh mashed potatoes. Just make sure they are cool before mixing. This helps the balls hold their shape. What types of cheese work best for this recipe? I love using sharp cheddar and Parmesan. They melt well and add great flavor. You can also try mozzarella for a gooey texture. How can I make these potato balls ahead of time? You can shape the balls and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Just make sure to cover them well. You can also freeze them for later use. Are air fryer cheesy mashed potato balls suitable for freezing? Yes! After you shape the balls, freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. They last for about a month. What dipping sauces pair well with cheesy mashed potato balls? I recommend sour cream or ranch dressing. You can also try spicy ketchup or a creamy garlic dip. These add extra flavor to each bite. How do I know when the potato balls are fully cooked? Look for a golden brown color on the outside. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes in the air fryer. You can also poke one with a fork to check if it's hot inside. In this post, we covered how to make tasty air fryer cheesy mashed potato balls. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for achieving the best results. You learned about variations for dietary needs and flavor enhancements too. These potato balls are a fun and delicious way to use leftovers. Try making them with your favorite cheeses or dipping sauces. Enjoy your creation!](https://tossedflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/72fd3a45-faec-48d7-88cd-491534c964c9-300x300.webp)
Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Get ready to treat your taste buds with air fryer cheesy mashed potato balls! These crispy, golden delights are made from leftover mashed potatoes and are packed with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they’re easy to whip up in just 30 minutes. Dive into this delicious recipe, add your favorite dipping sauces, and impress your family and friends. Click through now to explore the full recipe and get cooking!