Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

If you’re searching for a party snack, a comforting appetizer, or just a fun way to use up leftovers, Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are your new go-to. These little golden bites pack a creamy, cheesy center and a crispy shell — the kind of finger food that kids and grownups both get excited for. You won’t believe how irresistible they are straight from the air fryer, especially when paired with your favorite dipping sauce. Let’s dig into the easy steps that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep things uncomplicated — the magic of Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls is that each ingredient enhances the flavor and texture in its own perfect way. With just a handful of basics, you’ll whip up something much greater than the sum of its parts.

• Mashed potatoes (2 cups, chilled and firm): Start with cold mashed potatoes for the easiest prep and perfect hold during shaping.
• Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (1 cup): Either cheese will melt beautifully; feel free to mix if you love an even gooier center!
• Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a salty, nutty pop that deepens the flavor of every bite.
• Egg (1, beaten): Helps bind everything together so the balls hold their shape in the air fryer.
• Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Brings aromatic, savory notes that complement both potatoes and cheese.
• Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a hint of subtle sweetness and extra flavor complexity.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Don’t be shy — seasoning here makes all the difference in the final result.
• Breadcrumbs (1 cup, panko or regular): The secret to achieving that crave-worthy crispy coating.
• Cooking spray or olive oil: A light spritz or drizzle ensures golden brown perfection and extra crunch.

How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

If you haven’t already got leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge, whip up a batch and let them chill until nice and firm. This makes rolling much cleaner and helps the balls keep their round shape in the air fryer.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add your cold mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella or cheddar, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to mash everything together so the cheese and seasonings are evenly distributed. The mixture should be thick, slightly sticky, and hold together when squeezed.

Step 3: Form the Potato Balls

Scoop roughly a tablespoon of the potato mixture and roll it gently between your palms to form a smooth ball. Repeat until you’ve used up all the mixture — this is a great step for little kitchen helpers!

Step 4: Coat the Potato Balls

Pour your breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl or dish. Take each potato ball and roll it around until fully coated. Press gently so the breadcrumbs stick well, making sure there aren’t any bare spots. The coating is what turns supremely crispy in the air fryer!

Step 5: Air Fry the Potato Balls

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the outside of each ball with cooking spray or drizzle just a little olive oil for extra color and crunch. Arrange the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, giving them room so the air can circulate. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re all beautifully golden and deliciously crisp.

Step 6: Serve

Let your Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls cool slightly (if you can wait!) so they hold together when picked up. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces — ranch, marinara, or a zesty aioli all work wonders.

How to Serve Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

Garnishes

Finish these potato balls with a shower of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a little color and freshness. For an extra hit of flavor, sprinkle over a pinch of grated Parmesan just before serving.

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are versatile enough to compliment almost any meal. Serve them alongside a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or as an appetizer before a hearty soup. They easily turn into a crowd-pleasing party platter, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the potato balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing, or serve them in little paper cones or mini muffin papers at your next get-together. For extra flair, offer a selection of dipping sauces so guests can mix and match flavors with every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls (no guarantees!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll remain soft inside but will lose some crispiness, so be sure to reheat them for best results.

Freezing

These potato balls freeze beautifully! After coating but before air frying, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and keep frozen for up to 2 months. You can air fry them straight from the freezer — just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

To bring back the crispiness, pop your leftover or thawed Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes, until heated through and revived to golden perfection. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but won’t give you that signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! As long as the instant mashed potatoes are made thick and allowed to chill until firm, they work just as well for Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls. They’re a great shortcut for busy nights.

What kind of cheese is best?

Mozzarella gives you those irresistible stretchy cheese pulls, while cheddar brings bolder flavor. Feel free to use either or combine both for a truly cheesy result!

Can I bake these in the oven instead of using an air fryer?

Yes! Arrange the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment, lightly spray with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.

Are these gluten free?

To make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls gluten free, simply swap out the breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free version or even crushed rice cereal. Everything else in the ingredient list is naturally gluten free.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

Classic ranch, garlicky aioli, tangy marinara, or even spicy sriracha mayo all pair beautifully. Offer a few options and watch them disappear twice as fast!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls a try soon. They’re pure comfort wrapped in a crispy, cheesy bite and truly shine whether you’re treating yourself or feeding a crowd. If you love easy, fun appetizers, this recipe will become a regular in your kitchen!

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